Xiaomi Trials Humanoid Robots in EV Factory

Company says robots can complete 90% of work in 3 hours, like 'interns'

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Xiaomi has been trialing the use of humanoid robots in its electric vehicle production plants, the company's president Lu Weibing told CNBC. Two robots can complete 90% of the work in just three hours, including tasks like installing nuts and moving materials. Weibing said integrating the robots into the production line is a key focus for Xiaomi as it looks to boost productivity, though he noted the robots are still in the early stages and are more like 'interns' than full-fledged workers.

Why it matters

Xiaomi's trial of humanoid robots in its factories highlights the rapid pace at which Chinese companies are investing in and improving robotic capabilities. Experts expect Chinese firms to ramp up robot production this year, as the country emerges as an early adopter of the technology. The move also reflects Xiaomi's broader ambitions beyond consumer electronics, as it has recently launched an electric vehicle business.

The details

According to Lu Weibing, Xiaomi's president, the company's humanoid robots can keep up with the fast pace of its EV production, with a new car rolling off the assembly line every 76 seconds. The robots are able to complete tasks like installing nuts and moving materials. Weibing said the biggest challenge is ensuring the robots can match the speed of human workers. Xiaomi first debuted its CyberOne humanoid robot in 2022, but is not currently selling the product. Weibing described the robots in the production lines as being more like 'interns' than full-fledged workers at this stage.

  • Xiaomi first debuted its CyberOne humanoid robot in 2022.
  • Xiaomi has been trialing the use of humanoid robots in its electric vehicle production plants in 2026.

The players

Xiaomi

A Chinese consumer electronics and software company that has recently launched an electric vehicle business.

Lu Weibing

The president of Xiaomi, who spoke to CNBC about the company's trial of humanoid robots in its EV factories.

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What they’re saying

“To integrate robots into our production lines, the biggest challenge is for them to keep up with the pace. 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.”

— Lu Weibing, President, Xiaomi (CNBC)

“The robots in our production lines weren't doing an official job, more like the interns.”

— Lu Weibing, President, Xiaomi (CNBC)

What’s next

Xiaomi plans to continue exploring the use of humanoid robots in its electric vehicle production, as it looks to boost productivity and efficiency in its factories.

The takeaway

Xiaomi's trial of humanoid robots in its EV factories underscores the rapid advancements in robotics technology, particularly in China, where companies are aggressively investing in and deploying these capabilities to improve manufacturing processes. While the robots are still in the early stages, Xiaomi's efforts highlight the potential for humanoid robots to play a larger role in industrial settings in the years to come.