China has deployed UBTECH Robotics’ Walker S2 humanoid robots at the Fangchenggang border crossing with Vietnam in Guangxi province under a $37 million contract, expanding the use of robots in routine border operations. Authorities say the machines are helping guide passengers, direct vehicles, monitor crowds and support cargo inspections at the high-traffic coastal checkpoint, which handles millions of crossings each year.
The 1.76-meter-tall Walker S2 is built for continuous duty. It has 52 degrees of freedom for more human-like movement and can autonomously swap its battery in about three minutes, enabling 24-hour operation. At the crossing, units patrol corridors to track crowd patterns, check cargo seals and identification in inspection lanes, also assist with screening tasks. According to the officials, the Walker S2 also support related inspections at nearby factories.
The deployment aligns with China’s 2023 national humanoid robotics innovation system and a new standardization committee for humanoid robotics was announced on Dec. 27. UBTECH has secured more than $112 million in Walker series orders in 2025, with deployments at BYD, Geely and FAW-Volkswagen plants that aims to scale production to 10,000 units by 2027.
