China is testing UBTech’s Walker humanoid robots at a Vietnam-border site to guide travellers, manage queues and support logistics.
China has made robotics a national priority, with machines entering public services.
Photo Credit: Reuters
Humanoid robots are being tested in China to direct travelers and control crowds at border crossings. UBTech Robotics, a Shenzhen-based company, has been awarded a $37 million contract to use its Walker humanoid models at a testing facility close to the Vietnam border. The robots, which are scheduled to arrive in December and have the ability to change batteries on their own, are a reflection of Beijing's goal to become a global leader in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI).
According to Techxplore, the trial will mainly use its latest Walker-series humanoids. The new Walker humanoids can autonomously replace their own batteries, enabling longer operation without recharging. Under the trial, they will assist with border-control tasks – guiding travellers, managing queues, and handling logistics – and could even patrol nearby factories.
The publication did not specify whether the robots will run on onboard AI or be remote-controlled. The contract's scale and strong Walker sales (about CNY1.1 billion this year) reflect Beijing's push to deploy robots in public roles.
China has made robotics a national priority, with machines entering public services. For example, police in Wenzhou tested rolling patrol robots equipped with cameras and tear gas, and a pollution-monitoring robot now operates at busy Zhengzhou East railway station.
A consultancy predicts the country's humanoid industry will reach CNY82 billion by 2025 – roughly half of global sales. Nevertheless, real-world deployment is still limited, and analysts warn production may outstrip demand as factories scale up.
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