At the 2025 World Robot Conference in Beijing, UBTECH Robotics unveiled the Walker S2, a groundbreaking humanoid robot that autonomously swaps its own battery in just three minutes—no human intervention required. This innovation marks a major leap toward 24/7 industrial-grade automation. How It Works
Equipped with a dual-battery system, the Walker S2 detects when its power is running low and navigates to a battery swap station. With a fluid torso rotation and arm-mounted tools, it removes the spent battery and installs a fresh one—all in under three minutes—without shutting down.
Why It Matters
- Uninterrupted Operation: Enables continuous, round-the-clock human-like tasks in industrial environments.
- Improved Efficiency: Reduces downtime and maintenance costs while maximizing productivity.
- Scalable in Real Settings: UBTECH’s Walker series has already undergone testing in factories operated by brands like BYD, Nio, and Zeekr.
UBTECH’s VP, Jiao Jichao, hailed humanoid robots as the “next disruptive product” after smartphones and EVs, foreseeing their rapid expansion into commercial settings beyond factories—like logistics, hospitality, and quality inspection.
Next Steps and Vision
The Walker S2 represents a significant step toward self-sustaining robotics. Autonomous battery swapping critical for:
- Leveraging robotics for 24/7 operations.
- Reducing human intervention in maintenance.
- Unlocking new avenues for robotics in complex, dynamic environments.
As designers and manufacturers prioritize lifecycle autonomy, innovations like the Walker S2 are redefining what humanoid robots can achieve in real-world, mission-critical roles
