XPeng’s Next-Gen IRON humanoid robot has sashayed onto the digital runway with a gait so impossibly smooth, it prompted a collective gasp and a flurry of accusations that it was merely a bloke in a very convincing robot suit. This particular prototype, seen here in its rather au naturel state – that is, entirely devoid of hands or any epidermal finery – appears to be putting in the hours for a future where even fashion models are automated. And, rather strikingly, it seems that in this brave new world, appendages are, shall we say, entirely optional. A truly smashing display of minimalist robotics, if you ask us.
