Barcelona, Spain – Xiaomi, the global technology giant, is actively testing humanoid robots in its electric vehicle (EV) production facilities, aiming to significantly boost manufacturing efficiency. The move, revealed at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 in Barcelona, signals a growing trend of automation within the automotive industry and highlights China’s increasing investment in advanced robotics. This development comes as the memory market faces a predicted surge in prices, potentially impacting the cost of components for both smartphones and EVs, according to Xiaomi executives.
According to Lu Weibing, president of Xiaomi, two of the company’s self-developed humanoid robots can currently complete approximately 90% of the required tasks within a three-hour timeframe. These tasks include installing components like nuts and bolts, and efficiently moving materials throughout the factory floor. The integration of these robots is intended to address a key challenge in modern automotive manufacturing: maintaining pace with high-volume production lines. Xiaomi’s EV factory currently produces a new vehicle every 76 seconds, a demanding rate that requires consistent and rapid performance.
Weibing emphasized that the biggest hurdle to integrating robots into production lines is ensuring they can maintain up with the speed and precision required. “To integrate robots into our production lines, the biggest challenge is for them to keep up with the pace,” he said in an interview with CNBC at MWC. “In Xiaomi’s car factory, every 76 seconds, a new car gets off the assembly line. The two humanoid robots are able to keep up our pace.”
Early Stages of Robotic Integration
While Xiaomi debuted its CyberOne humanoid robot in 2022, the company is not currently selling the product commercially. The current deployment of robots within the EV factory is being described as an “intern” phase, where the robots are gaining experience and refining their capabilities within a real-world production environment. Lu Weibing explained that the robots are not yet performing official, fully-responsible roles, but are instead learning and adapting to the demands of the assembly line.
This phased approach reflects a broader trend among Chinese companies investing heavily in robotic capabilities. The trial highlights the rapid advancements being made in the field and the potential for humanoid robots to play an increasingly significant role in manufacturing processes. The company envisions a future where humanoid robots can not only replace humans in certain tasks but also perform work that is currently beyond human capabilities.
Impact on the Automotive Industry and Beyond
The adoption of humanoid robots in EV production could have far-reaching implications for the automotive industry. Increased automation promises to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and improve quality control. However, it also raises questions about the future of work and the potential displacement of human workers. Xiaomi’s approach, starting with a limited “intern” program, suggests a cautious and measured approach to automation, prioritizing learning and adaptation over immediate large-scale replacement.
The timing of this development coincides with a predicted surge in memory prices, as warned by Lu Weibing at MWC 2026. According to reports, these price increases, potentially lasting nearly three years, could impact a wide range of electronic devices, including smartphones and electric vehicles. Efficient manufacturing processes, such as those enabled by robotics, may turn into even more critical in mitigating the effects of rising component costs.
CyberOne and Xiaomi’s Robotics Ambitions
Xiaomi’s CyberOne, first unveiled in 2022, is a bipedal humanoid robot designed to be a companion and assistant. It features advanced capabilities such as the ability to recognize human emotions, navigate complex environments, and interact with objects. While not yet available for purchase, CyberOne serves as a platform for Xiaomi to develop and refine its robotics technology. The company’s ongoing trials in its EV factory are providing valuable real-world data and insights that will inform future iterations of the robot.
The leverage of humanoid robots in manufacturing is not limited to Xiaomi. Other companies, including Tesla and Boston Dynamics, are also exploring the potential of robotics to automate production processes. However, Xiaomi’s focus on integrating robots into a high-volume EV factory demonstrates a unique application of this technology and positions the company as a leader in the field.
The company’s commitment to robotics extends beyond manufacturing. Xiaomi believes that humanoid robots will play an increasingly important role in various aspects of daily life, from healthcare and education to customer service and entertainment. The ongoing development of CyberOne and the trials in the EV factory are steps towards realizing this vision.
Looking ahead, Xiaomi plans to continue expanding the role of robots in its production lines. The company will focus on improving the robots’ capabilities, increasing their efficiency, and integrating them more seamlessly into the overall manufacturing process. The next phase of development will likely involve expanding the “intern” program to include more robots and assigning them more complex tasks. Further updates on Xiaomi’s robotics initiatives are expected at future industry events and through official company announcements.
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