China is a major power in the world of robotics. Last year, China installed 9 times more robots than the United States, and more than half of the industrial robots installed by 2024 will be in the country. Recently, China announced that it will start using humanoid robots to guard the border with Vietnam.
UBTech Robotics received a RMB 264 million (~RM 154 million) contract to supply humanoid robots in Guangxi, which borders Vietnam. UBTech's Walker S2 robot has a unique feature that it can operate and change batteries on its own without the need for human assistance. This is the world's first humanoid robot model that can change batteries on its own to allow it to work continuously.
The robot will begin operations this month and can also help guide tourists, manage staff flow, assist in patrol duties, handle logistics tasks and support commercial services. The 1.76-meter-tall Walker S2 was originally designed for use in factories, where it can lift cargo up to 30 kg and travel at a speed of 7.2 km/h.
This is, to our knowledge, the first time a humanoid robot has been used to conduct border control. Previously, the United States tested a dog-shaped robot for the same purpose, Thailand used a humanoid robot during the Songkran festival and Israel used a UGV to patrol an airport.
