Introduction
UBTech Robotics has secured a 264 million yuan (US$37 million) contract to deploy its Walker S2 humanoid robots across border crossings in Guangxi province, China, marking one of the country's largest real-world rollouts of humanoid systems in government operations. The agreement, signed with a humanoid robot center in Fangchenggang—a coastal city bordering Vietnam—represents a significant expansion of China's push to apply robotics in public-facing and security environments.
The deployment will involve UBTech's Walker S2, a model launched in July 2025 and described as the world's first humanoid robot capable of autonomously replacing its own battery. This capability enables the robots to operate continuously for 24 hours without manual intervention, making them particularly suitable for border security operations that require constant monitoring and assistance.
This initiative reflects China's broader effort to commercialize embodied AI and deploy humanoid robots in critical infrastructure. The robotics sector has received strong policy backing, and agencies across multiple provinces have begun incorporating robots into routine work, from airports and government offices to major events and now border security.
The Border Deployment Agreement
Contract Details
The 264 million yuan (US$37 million) agreement was signed between UBTech Robotics and a humanoid robot center in Fangchenggang, Guangxi province. This coastal city serves as a key border crossing point with Vietnam, making it an ideal location for testing and deploying humanoid robots in border security applications.
Key Contract Elements:
- Value: 264 million yuan (approximately US$37 million)
- Location: Fangchenggang, Guangxi province (bordering Vietnam)
- Delivery Timeline: Beginning in December 2025
- Deployment Type: Border checkpoints and manufacturing facilities
- Robot Model: Walker S2 industrial-grade humanoid
The contract represents a significant investment in border security automation and demonstrates government confidence in humanoid robot technology for critical infrastructure applications.
Deployment Scope
The pilot program will deploy Walker S2 robots at border checkpoints to perform multiple functions:
Border Checkpoint Operations:
- Traveler Guidance: Assist travelers with directions and information
- Personnel Flow Management: Help manage queues and traffic flow
- Patrol Duties: Support security patrols along border areas
- Logistics Tasks: Handle various operational logistics
- Commercial Services: Support commercial activities at border crossings
Manufacturing Site Applications:
- Steel Production: Conduct inspections at steel manufacturing facilities
- Copper Processing: Monitor and inspect copper production sites
- Aluminum Manufacturing: Perform inspection tasks at aluminum facilities
This dual deployment—combining public-facing border operations with industrial inspection tasks—demonstrates the versatility of the Walker S2 platform and its ability to adapt to different operational contexts.
Walker S2: Technical Specifications and Capabilities
Physical Design and Dimensions
The Walker S2 is an industrial-grade humanoid robot designed for high uptime and complex manipulation tasks:
Physical Characteristics:
- Height: Approximately 1.76 meters (5 feet 9 inches)
- Degrees of Freedom: 52 total degrees of freedom
- Dexterous Hands: Fourth-generation hands with 11 degrees of freedom each
- Precision: Sub-millimeter precision for assembly and grasping tasks
- Load Capacity: Up to 15 kilograms (33 pounds) per arm
- Workspace Range: Ground level to 1.8 meters (5 feet 11 inches)
The robot's humanoid form factor allows it to work in environments designed for human workers, making it particularly suitable for border checkpoints and manufacturing facilities where existing infrastructure is built around human dimensions.
Autonomous Battery Swapping System
One of the Walker S2's most notable features is its autonomous hot-swappable dual-battery system:
Battery System Capabilities:
- Autonomous Replacement: Robot can replace its own depleted battery
- Replacement Time: Approximately 3 minutes for battery swap
- Dual-Battery Design: Enables continuous operation
- 24-Hour Operation: Nearly continuous operation without manual intervention
- No Downtime: Seamless transitions between work cycles
This capability is particularly crucial for border security operations, where continuous monitoring and assistance are required around the clock. The ability to autonomously swap batteries eliminates the need for human workers to monitor and maintain robot power systems, significantly reducing operational overhead.
Advanced Manipulation and Mobility
Manipulation Capabilities:
- High-Torque Waist Joints: Enable deep squatting and stooping
- Strength and Flexibility: Support operations requiring both power and dexterity
- Precision Tasks: Sub-millimeter accuracy for delicate operations
- Heavy Load Handling: 15 kg per arm across full workspace range
Mobility Features:
- Bipedal Movement: Advanced dynamic balancing algorithms
- Speed: Up to 7.2 km/h (2 m/s) movement speed
- Stability: Maintains balance even when carrying heavy loads
- Adaptive Navigation: Can navigate dense and dynamic environments
These capabilities enable the Walker S2 to perform a wide range of tasks, from guiding travelers and managing queues to conducting inspections in manufacturing facilities.
AI and Perception Systems
BrainNet 2.0 and Co-Agent AI Frameworks:
- Multimodal Reasoning: Integrates multiple types of sensory input
- Task Planning: Autonomous planning and execution of complex tasks
- Exception Handling: Autonomous handling of unexpected situations
- Decision-Making: Real-time decision-making in dynamic environments
Vision System:
- RGB Binocular Stereo Vision: Provides human-like depth perception
- Adaptive Perception: Adapts to dense and dynamic factory environments
- Environmental Understanding: Comprehensive understanding of surroundings
- Object Recognition: Identifies and interacts with various objects
These AI systems enable the Walker S2 to operate autonomously in complex, dynamic environments like border checkpoints, where it must interact with travelers, navigate crowded spaces, and respond to various situations without constant human supervision.
China's Broader Humanoid Robot Deployment
Government Policy and Support
China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has recently formalized its national humanoid robotics committee, indicating the sector's rapid development and government commitment to advancing humanoid robot technology. Key industry leaders have been appointed to leadership positions:
Committee Leadership:
- Xiong Youjun: UBTech's technology chief, appointed as vice-director
- Wang Xingxing: Unitree founder, appointed as vice-director
- Peng Zhihui: AgiBot co-founder, appointed as vice-director
- Jiang Lei: Shanghai's Humanoid Robotics Innovation Centre, appointed as vice-director
This formal committee structure demonstrates the government's strategic approach to developing and deploying humanoid robotics technology across various sectors.
Existing Deployments
Similar robot deployments have appeared across China in various contexts:
Airport Deployments:
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport: Robot deployed to answer passenger questions
- Multilingual Support: Robots capable of handling multiple languages
- 24/7 Operations: Continuous service availability
Government and Public Spaces:
- Government Offices: Administrative support and information services
- Major Events: Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Tianjin featured multilingual robots
- Public Safety: Police patrol robots in cities like Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Chengdu
Border and Immigration:
- Immigration Authorities: Multilingual robots developed by Beijing-based iBen Intelligence were used during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Tianjin
- Border Checkpoints: New Walker S2 deployment in Guangxi
Expanding Applications
Robotics is gaining ground in multiple sectors across China:
Healthcare and Elderly Care:
- Support for healthcare and elderly care applications
Urban Services:
- Urban Cleaning: Automated cleaning operations
- Traffic Management: Support for traffic control and management
- Public Safety Patrols: Security and monitoring services
Transportation and Delivery:
- Metro Systems: Automated delivery through metro systems
- Drone Delivery: Integration with drone delivery systems
The border deployment represents a new frontier in this expanding ecosystem of robotic applications, demonstrating the technology's versatility and government confidence in its capabilities.
Technical Innovation: Autonomous Battery Swapping
The Challenge of Continuous Operation
One of the primary limitations of humanoid robots in real-world deployments has been battery life and the need for manual intervention. Traditional humanoid robots require human workers to:
- Monitor battery levels
- Physically replace batteries when depleted
- Schedule downtime for battery replacement
- Maintain charging infrastructure
This limitation has restricted the practical utility of humanoid robots in applications requiring continuous operation, such as border security, where 24/7 monitoring and assistance are essential.
Walker S2's Solution
The Walker S2 addresses this challenge through its autonomous hot-swappable dual-battery system:
System Architecture:
- Dual-Battery Design: Two battery packs enable continuous operation
- Hot-Swappable Mechanism: Batteries can be replaced without powering down
- Autonomous Operation: Robot performs battery replacement without human assistance
- Charging Infrastructure: Integrated charging stations for depleted batteries
Time Efficiency: The battery replacement process takes approximately 3 minutes, minimizing operational downtime and enabling nearly continuous 24-hour operation.
Impact on Border Operations
For border security applications, this capability is particularly valuable:
Operational Benefits:
- 24/7 Availability: Continuous monitoring and assistance without breaks
- Reduced Staffing: Less need for human workers to monitor robot systems
- Cost Efficiency: Lower operational overhead for battery management
- Reliability: Consistent availability for travelers and security operations
Strategic Advantages:
- Scalability: Can deploy multiple robots without proportional increase in support staff
- Flexibility: Robots can operate independently across different shifts
- Resilience: Less vulnerable to staffing shortages or human error in battery management
This innovation positions the Walker S2 as a more practical solution for critical infrastructure applications compared to earlier humanoid robots that required frequent human assistance.
Market Context and UBTech's Growth
Cumulative Orders and Production Targets
UBTech has reported significant growth in orders for the Walker series:
Order Statistics:
- Cumulative Orders: 1.1 billion yuan (US$115 million) since shipments began this month
- Production Target 2025: 500 industrial humanoids by end of year
- Production Target 2026: Tenfold increase in output
- Long-Term Target: 10,000 units annually by 2027
Cost Reduction Strategy: Chief branding officer Michael Tam stated that the company intends to reduce manufacturing costs as production scales, which will be crucial for broader market adoption.
Industry Momentum
The humanoid robotics sector is experiencing rapid growth, driven by:
Technological Advances:
- AI Development: Improvements in AI reasoning and decision-making
- Sensor Technology: Better perception and environmental understanding
- Actuation Systems: More capable and efficient movement systems
- Battery Technology: Longer-lasting and faster-charging batteries
Market Demand:
- Industrial Automation: Growing need for flexible automation solutions
- Labor Challenges: Addressing workforce shortages in various sectors
- Cost Reduction: Decreasing costs making robots more accessible
- Proven Applications: Successful deployments building market confidence
Policy Support:
- Government Initiatives: Strong policy backing for robotics development
- Strategic Investment: Government contracts and support
- Industry Committees: Formal structures for sector development
- Research Funding: Investment in robotics research and development
Implications for Border Security and Public Safety
Enhanced Border Operations
The deployment of humanoid robots at border checkpoints offers several advantages:
Operational Efficiency:
- 24/7 Operations: Continuous service without human shift limitations
- Consistent Performance: Reliable, consistent service quality
- Multilingual Support: Ability to communicate in multiple languages
- Information Accuracy: Consistent, accurate information delivery
Security Applications:
- Patrol Support: Assist human security personnel with patrol duties
- Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of border areas
- Incident Response: Quick response to security situations
- Documentation: Automated logging and documentation of activities
Traveler Experience:
- Guidance Services: Help travelers navigate border checkpoints
- Queue Management: Efficient management of personnel flow
- Information Services: Answer questions and provide information
- Accessibility: Support for travelers with special needs
Challenges and Considerations
While humanoid robots offer significant potential, their deployment in border security contexts also raises considerations:
Technical Challenges:
- Complex Environments: Border checkpoints are dynamic, unpredictable environments
- Security Requirements: Must meet strict security and reliability standards
- Integration: Seamless integration with existing security systems
- Maintenance: Ensuring reliable operation in demanding conditions
Operational Considerations:
- Human-Robot Collaboration: Effective coordination between robots and human security personnel
- Training: Staff training for working alongside robots
- Contingency Planning: Backup systems for robot failures or malfunctions
- Public Acceptance: Ensuring travelers are comfortable interacting with robots
Ethical and Social Factors:
- Privacy: Handling of traveler information and data
- Transparency: Clear communication about robot capabilities and limitations
- Accountability: Responsibility for robot actions and decisions
- Job Impact: Effects on human security personnel employment
Future Expansion Potential
The success of this border deployment could lead to broader applications:
Geographic Expansion:
- Additional Border Crossings: Deployment at other border checkpoints
- International Borders: Expansion to other international border points
- Regional Variation: Adaptation to different regional requirements
Functional Expansion:
- Advanced Security Tasks: More sophisticated security and monitoring capabilities
- Customs Operations: Support for customs and immigration processes
- Emergency Response: Integration with emergency response systems
- Data Collection: Enhanced data collection and analysis capabilities
Comparison with Other Humanoid Robot Deployments
Global Humanoid Robot Market
The humanoid robotics market is experiencing rapid growth globally, with various companies developing and deploying humanoid robots:
Major Players:
- Tesla: Developing Optimus humanoid robot for various applications
- Boston Dynamics: Atlas robot for research and development
- Figure AI: Focused on humanoid robots for manufacturing
- Agility Robotics: Digit robot for logistics applications
- UBTech: Walker series for industrial and public applications
Market Segments:
- Industrial Automation: Factory and manufacturing applications
- Logistics: Warehouse and distribution operations
- Service Industries: Hospitality, retail, and customer service
- Public Safety: Security, patrol, and emergency response
- Healthcare: Medical assistance and elderly care
China's Unique Position
China's approach to humanoid robot deployment is notable for several reasons:
Scale and Speed:
- Large Deployments: Significant contracts and rapid deployment
- Government Support: Strong policy backing and strategic investment
- Market Adoption: Quick adoption across multiple sectors
- Production Capacity: Large-scale manufacturing capabilities
Application Diversity:
- Public Spaces: Airports, government offices, public events
- Industrial: Manufacturing, logistics, data centers
- Security: Border patrols, police patrols, public safety
- Service: Healthcare, elderly care, urban services
Technology Focus:
- Autonomous Operation: Emphasis on reducing human intervention
- Continuous Operation: 24/7 capabilities with battery swapping
- Public-Facing: Deployment in customer-facing environments
- Integration: Seamless integration with existing infrastructure
Conclusion
UBTech's $37 million contract to deploy Walker S2 humanoid robots at border crossings in Guangxi province represents a significant milestone in the commercialization of humanoid robots for government and security applications. This deployment marks one of China's largest real-world rollouts of humanoid systems in government operations, demonstrating growing confidence in the technology's readiness for critical infrastructure applications.
The Walker S2's unique capability to autonomously swap its own batteries enables nearly continuous 24-hour operation, making it particularly suitable for border security operations that require constant monitoring and assistance. This innovation, combined with the robot's advanced AI systems, manipulation capabilities, and humanoid form factor, positions it as a practical solution for complex, dynamic environments like border checkpoints.
The deployment reflects China's broader strategy to commercialize embodied AI and deploy humanoid robots across various sectors, from manufacturing and logistics to public safety and border security. With strong government support, formal industry committees, and growing market adoption, China is positioning itself as a leader in humanoid robotics deployment.
As deliveries begin in December 2025, the success of this border deployment will be closely watched as an indicator of humanoid robots' practical utility in critical infrastructure applications. The combination of autonomous operation, advanced AI capabilities, and versatile applications suggests that humanoid robots are moving beyond experimental use to become practical tools for real-world operations.
The border deployment, combined with UBTech's growing order book and ambitious production targets, suggests that humanoid robotics is entering a new phase of commercial maturity. As the technology continues to evolve and costs decrease, we can expect to see broader adoption across various sectors, transforming how we think about automation, security, and human-robot collaboration.
Explore more about robotics, artificial intelligence, and embodied AI in our Glossary, and learn about other AI and robotics developments in our Blog.