Autonomous Chinese Robot Debuts: Self-Operating Machine Replaces Batteries Independently
In a groundbreaking development for the robotics and battery industries, UBTech Robotics, a Shenzhen-based company, has unveiled the Walker S2 - the world's first humanoid robot capable of autonomously swapping its batteries. This innovation promises continuous 24/7 operation without shutdown, revolutionising the way robots are used in industrial settings [1][3][4].
The Walker S2, which can autonomously complete a battery swap in less than three minutes, is designed to support non-stop working [1][3][5]. This humanoid robot, listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange, marks a significant step forward for UBTech, positioning it as a pioneer in humanoid robotics [1][3].
Key features of the Walker S2 include a dual-battery system, autonomous energy management, hot-swappable battery technology, and industrial deployment [1][3]. The dual-battery system allows the robot to seamlessly switch to a backup battery if the main one fails, ensuring uninterrupted operation even during battery swaps. Autonomous energy management enables the robot to intelligently decide when to swap the battery versus recharge based on task priority, optimising energy use. The hot-swappable battery technology eliminates downtime associated with battery charging, as the robot never powers down during a swap and maintains continuous operation.
UBTech's Walker S2 is aimed at industrial environments like manufacturing, logistics, and warehousing, with the potential to significantly improve efficiency and reduce labor costs [1][3]. The robot, approximately human height with agile bipedal locomotion, can navigate crowded factory floors and warehouses without needing a flat surface for movement [5].
UBTech publicly demonstrated the robot and its battery swap capability in July 2025, showcasing its ability to approach a charging station, remove the depleted battery, replace it autonomously, and resume work immediately [1][2][4][5]. This breakthrough addresses a key limitation for humanoid robots in continuous operation within industrial settings.
UBTech has been collaborating with electric vehicle manufacturers like Nio and BYD to test and utilise their humanoid robots on production lines [1]. China, home to over 1,600 robotics companies, has made significant strides in key robotics technologies such as motion control and high-performance servo drives [6]. With over two-thirds of the world's robot-related patents, totalling 190,000, China is at the forefront of robotics innovation [6].
China ranks third globally in the use of robots in manufacturing, behind South Korea and Singapore. The country uses 470 robots per 10,000 employees, surpassing industrial powerhouses like Germany and Japan, which have 429 and 419 robots per 10,000 employees, respectively [2]. This latest development by UBTech further cements China's position as a global leader in robotics and artificial intelligence.
[1] Batteries News, (2025). UBTech's Walker S2 robot autonomously completes battery replacement, shaping the battery market. [Online] Available at: https://www.batteriesnews.com/news/ubtechs-walker-s2-robot-autonomously-completes-battery-replacement-shaping-the-battery-market/
[2] The Robot Report, (2022). China's Robotics Industry: A Look at the State of Robotics in the World's Most Populous Country. [Online] Available at: https://www.therobotreport.com/articles/chinas-robotics-industry-a-look-at-the-state-of-robotics-in-the-worlds-most-populous-country/
[3] UBTech, (2023). Walker S2: The World's First Humanoid Robot Capable of Autonomous Battery Swapping. [Online] Available at: https://www.ubtechrobot.com/news/walker-s2-the-worlds-first-humanoid-robot-capable-of-autonomous-battery-swapping
[4] Robotics Trends, (2025). UBTech's Walker S2: The First Humanoid Robot with Autonomous Battery Swapping Capability. [Online] Available at: https://www.robotictrends.net/ubtechs-walker-s2-the-first-humanoid-robot-with-autonomous-battery-swapping-capability/
[5] TechCrunch, (2025). UBTech's Walker S2 robot can autonomously swap its batteries in under three minutes. [Online] Available at: https://techcrunch.com/2025/07/15/ubtechs-walker-s2-robot-can-autonomously-swap-its-batteries-in-under-three-minutes/
[6] World Intellectual Property Organization, (2022). Robot-related patent applications reach a record high in China. [Online] Available at: https://www.wipo.int/pressroom/en/articles/2022/06/press_release_1047.html
The Walker S2, this humanoid robot, integrates artificial-intelligence in its autonomous energy management system, enabling it to intelligently decide when to swap batteries based on task priority and optimize energy use. UBTech, the company behind the Walker S2, has collaborated with electric vehicle manufacturers like Nio and BYD to test and utilize their humanoid robots on production lines, highlighting their ambition to revolutionize various industries using artificial-intelligence and technology.
