China Deploys New Wave of Humanoid Robots on Vietnam Border

China has launched one of its most ambitious robotics programs as UBTech Robotics signs a 264-million-yuan contract to deploy industrial humanoid robots Walker S2 at border checkpoints in Guangxi, according to the South China Morning Post. Deliveries begin in December and mark a major step in bringing humanoid systems into government operations.

China Turns to Humanoids for Border Work

The agreement with the humanoid robot center in Fangchenggang, near the Vietnamese border, places Walker S2 units at key crossing points. They will guide travelers, manage pedestrian flows, assist with patrol duties, support logistics tasks, and help provide commercial services. Authorities will also send the same robots into steel, copper, and aluminum plants for on-site inspections.

Capabilities Designed for Continuous Operation

Introduced in July, the Walker S2 stands out as the first humanoid robot capable of swapping its own battery without human assistance. It features 52 degrees of freedom, dexterous hands with 11 degrees of freedom, and a dual-battery hot-swap system that ensures uninterrupted 24-hour operation. The robot lifts up to 15 kilograms with each arm, navigates complex settings through RGB stereo vision, and moves at speeds reaching 7.2 km/h.

AI Commercialization Gains Momentum Nationwide

The deployment fits China’s wider strategy to commercialize artificial intelligence at scale. Similar robots now operate in airports, government buildings, and major events, including multilingual assistants at international summits and robotic patrol units in large cities. UBTech Robotics reports that total orders for the Walker series have reached 1.1 billion yuan. The company expects to deliver 500 humanoids by year’s end and expand its production capacity to 10,000 units annually by 2027. This acceleration coincides with the official creation of China’s national humanoid robotics committee, highlighting the sector’s rapid growth and its expanding role in public services, industry, and border control.