Jul 22, 2025, 10:54 AM
Jul 22, 2025, 10:54 AM

UBTech introduces the first robot capable of autonomous battery swapping

Highlights
  • A Chinese firm, UBTech, has introduced a humanoid robot capable of running autonomously and swapping batteries.
  • The robot, named Walker S2, can complete a battery swap in under three minutes without any downtime.
  • This innovation underscores China's commitment to advancing robotics and automation technologies in various industries.
Story

In a significant technological advancement, a Chinese robotics firm, UBTech, has unveiled the world's first humanoid robot capable of operating autonomously while swapping its batteries. This innovative robot, named Walker S2, is designed to ensure continuous operation without the need for human intervention. Reportedly developed in Shenzhen, the firm claims this robot can switch out its battery in under three minutes. The video shared by UBTech highlights its functionalities, showing the robot walking over to a charging station, effortlessly removing its depleted battery, and inserting it into a charging dock. It also showcases the robot's ability to install a new battery seamlessly. According to the company, Walker S2 is equipped with advanced power balancing technology that includes a battery specifically designed to plug in like a USB stick, facilitating easy removal and insertion. This robot monitors its power levels and assesses when a battery swap is necessary, enabling it to function continuously and significantly reducing downtime. Importantly, UBTech emphasizes that this humanoid robot was developed to operate around the clock, effectively supporting 24/7 non-stop functionality. UBTech has previously collaborated with several electric vehicle manufacturers, including industry leaders like Nio and BYD, highlighting the robot's potential to revolutionize production lines. In February, an earlier model of this robot, known as Walker S1, participated in the AI event LEAP 25 in Saudi Arabia. It demonstrated multitasking capabilities, including handling and sorting parcels, showcasing the progress made in humanoid robotics. The advancement of robotics in China is indicative of the country’s growing influence in the global automation market. Currently, China ranks third in the number of robots used in manufacturing, trailing behind South Korea and Singapore. As of 2024, it has been reported that there are 470 robots per 10,000 workers in China, which outnumbers other industrial nations such as Germany and Japan. This surge in robotics technology and patent acquisition—holding over two-thirds of the world’s robot-related patents—illustrates China's commitment to embracing automation and advancing its technological ecosystem.

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