China’s UBTech Unveils World’s First Humanoid Robot with Autonomous Battery Swapping

Pioneering Humanoid Robotics in Shenzhen

A Shenzhen-based robotics company, UBTech, has announced what it claims to be a breakthrough in humanoid robotics: the world’s first humanoid robot capable of independently running and swapping its own batteries without human help. This technological leap not only promises longer operational hours, but could also set a new benchmark for robotics automation worldwide.

Walker S2: Designed for Continuous Operation

UBTech’s flagship humanoid, the Walker S2, is at the heart of these claims. In a recent demonstration shared on social media, the Walker S2 is seen autonomously approaching a charging station, ejecting its used battery, placing it into a charging dock, and inserting a fully charged battery back into its system—all in under three minutes. Crucially, this entire process occurs without the robot needing to power down or pause its ongoing activities, making truly continuous operation possible.

The battery system is designed for ease of use, featuring a plug-and-play mechanism similar to a USB stick. This allows for seamless removal and insertion, further reducing downtime and increasing the robot’s efficiency. Additionally, Walker S2 is equipped with advanced power balancing technology, enabling it to monitor its own energy levels and trigger battery swaps as needed.

A Step Forward for Autonomous Workforces

The autonomous battery swapping capability is central to UBTech’s vision of non-stop, around-the-clock humanoid robot deployment. The company highlighted that the Walker S2 was specifically developed for 24/7 operations, reducing the reliance on human intervention for routine maintenance like battery charging. This opens up new possibilities for deploying robots in industries where continuous operation is critical, such as manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare.

UBTech is not new to innovation. It was the first humanoid robotics company to be listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange, reflecting its prominent role in the robotics sector. The company has also been actively collaborating with major electric vehicle manufacturers, including Nio and BYD, to pilot and refine their robots on real-world production lines. Such partnerships illustrate the rapid convergence between robotics and other high-tech industries in China.

Showcasing Multifunctional Capabilities

This isn’t the first time UBTech’s robots have turned heads. Earlier in 2024, its Walker S1 model participated in the LEAP 25 artificial intelligence event in Saudi Arabia, showcasing its ability to perform complex multitasking functions such as handling and sorting parcels. These capabilities underscore the versatility and adaptability of UBTech’s humanoid designs, reinforcing their potential utility across a broad range of sectors.

Robotics Hub of China: The Shenzhen Ecosystem

UBTech’s achievements also highlight the vibrant robotics ecosystem in Shenzhen, which is currently home to over 1,600 robotics companies. This concentration of technological expertise and innovation has made Shenzhen a powerhouse for robotics development, with firms actively promoting the adoption of automation in China’s vast industrial landscape.

China’s focus on robotics is yielding tangible results. According to the International Federation of Robotics’ 2024 report, China ranks third globally in the use of robots in manufacturing, just behind South Korea and Singapore. The country employs 470 robots for every 10,000 workers—outpacing traditional industrial leaders like Germany and Japan, which have 429 and 419 robots per 10,000 employees, respectively. This rapid integration of robotics is reshaping manufacturing norms, driving productivity, and setting global standards for automation.

Future Prospects and Industry Impact

While UBTech has yet to announce mass production plans for the Walker S2, the unveiling of autonomous battery swapping signals a significant step forward in the quest for practical, self-sustaining humanoid robots. The ability to operate around the clock with minimal human oversight could accelerate robotics adoption not only in factories but also in service industries, logistics centers, and beyond.