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China Delivers Thousands of Humanoid Robots as US Weighs Policy Response
UBTECH’s $37 million contract deploys Walker S2 humanoids to assist with logistics, patrol, and public service tasks at a high-traffic border crossing in a major real-world test.
This month, UBTECH Robotics Corp. won a $37 million contract to deploy Walker S2 humanoids at the Fangchenggang border near Vietnam.
The ministry's 2023 guidance and 2024 consultation aim to build a national humanoid innovation system as Chinese planners see Fangchenggang border crossing as a demanding real-world test.
The Beijing training center spans about 3,000 square meters and already deploys more than 100 humanoids, while Walker S2 uses embodied intelligence with cameras, depth sensors and force-feedback joints plus autonomous battery swapping.
At the crossing, Walker S2 units will guide passenger queues, direct vehicles, and answer traveler questions while checking container IDs to support logistics teams; Fangchenggang border staff may shift to identity checks and risk assessments.
Despite large orders, UBTECH Robotics Corp. remains loss-making; Chinese economic planners warn against overpromising while researchers stress ongoing safety testing and oversight.