In a leap forward for robotics, Shenzhen-based UBTech has introduced the world’s first humanoid robot, the Walker S2, capable of independently running and swapping its own batteries. This innovation, showcased last week in a video posted on X, positions UBTech as a pioneer in autonomous robotics, with the robot completing a battery swap in under three minutes without powering down.

The Walker S2’s seamless process involves walking to a charging station, extracting its depleted battery, docking it for charging, and installing a fully charged one. Equipped with power-monitoring technology, the robot autonomously detects low battery levels and initiates the swap, using a USB-like battery design for effortless replacement. UBTech touts this feature as enabling “24/7 non-stop operation” with minimal human oversight.

As the first humanoid robot maker listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange, UBTech is pushing boundaries in industrial applications. The company has partnered with electric vehicle giants like Nio and BYD to integrate its robots into manufacturing lines. Earlier this year, the Walker S1, a predecessor model, demonstrated its versatility at Saudi Arabia’s LEAP 25 AI event, performing tasks like parcel sorting.

While UBTech has not yet announced plans for mass production of the Walker S2, its development signals China’s growing dominance in robotics. Shenzhen alone hosts over 1,600 robotics firms, driving innovation across industries. According to the International Federation of Robotics’ 2024 report, China ranks third globally in manufacturing robot density, with 470 robots per 10,000 employees, surpassing Germany (429) and Japan (419), and trailing only South Korea and Singapore.

The Walker S2’s autonomous capabilities mark a significant milestone, redefining the potential for humanoid robots in continuous, self-sustaining operations.