Li Auto Inc. has shifted its autonomous‑driving chief, Lang Xianpeng, to oversee hardware operations and spearhead the company’s robotics research and development team. The change, announced on January 28 2026, signals a deliberate realignment that places robotics at the core of Li Auto’s technology roadmap.
Under the new structure, the autonomous‑driving team will be folded into the broader software organization, while Lang Xianpeng will focus on integrating AI and machine‑learning expertise into hardware‑centric robotics projects. The move reflects CEO Li Xiang’s long‑term vision of transforming Li Auto into a global AI company by 2030, positioning the firm as an “embodied intelligence” player rather than a traditional vehicle manufacturer.
Li Xiang has repeatedly emphasized that the automotive sector is the largest physical‑world AI application, and the company’s recent financial performance—year‑over‑year revenue and vehicle sales declines, coupled with net losses in Q3 2025—has underscored the need for a broader growth engine. By concentrating resources on robotics, Li Auto aims to leverage its existing AI platform to develop new mobility solutions, including potential humanoid robots that could enter the market “as soon as possible.”
The re‑assignment also clarifies the company’s strategic priorities: autonomous driving will continue to evolve within the software team, but the hardware and robotics focus will drive future product innovation and diversification. This dual‑track approach is intended to accelerate the development of advanced vehicle platforms while opening new revenue streams beyond automotive sales.
Li Auto’s restructuring aligns with industry trends, as competitors such as Nio and Xpeng also invest heavily in AI and robotics. The shift is expected to enhance operational efficiency, reduce time‑to‑market for new technologies, and position Li Auto to capture emerging opportunities in the rapidly expanding robotics and AI ecosystem.
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