China unveils first humanoid robot with autonomous battery swap

China’s UBTech Robotics has unveiled the Walker S2, the world’s first humanoid robot capable of fully autonomous battery swapping, enabling continuous 24/7 industrial operations without human intervention. The robot can replace its own power pack in approximately three minutes, using advanced dual-battery power balancing technology and standardized battery modules to ensure seamless performance and dynamic energy management. This innovation significantly reduces downtime and maintenance costs, enhancing operational efficiency in factory settings. UBTech's Walker S2 leverages coordinated dual-arm manipulation for precise battery handling and can switch to a backup battery in case of failure, ensuring uninterrupted task execution. The company, which debuted on the Hong Kong stock market in late 2023, has formed key partnerships with major Chinese enterprises like Huawei and electric vehicle manufacturers such as Nio, BYD, and Zeekr to accelerate humanoid robot adoption in industrial environments. This development reflects China’s strategic emphasis on robotics and AI as vital growth sectors, combining advanced technology with cost-effective manufacturing to emerge as a global robotics powerhouse.