UBTech Robotics has announced a significant milestone by securing a US$37 million (S$48 million) contract to provide its latest generation of humanoid robots for a trial project in collaboration with a humanoid robotics testing center near China’s border with Vietnam. The Shenzhen-based company revealed that the agreement was struck with a testing center dedicated to exploring the applications of humanoid robots in border management. These robots are envisioned to aid in directing travelers, managing crowds, executing logistics tasks, and patrolling factories, as reported by AFP.
The trial project will predominantly utilize the latest iteration of UBTech’s Walker robots, which possess the capability to autonomously change their own batteries. The company anticipates commencing deliveries in December. While it remains unspecified whether the robots will be powered by artificial intelligence or controlled remotely, China has been actively encouraging local enterprises to innovate in the field of humanoid robotics, striving to dominate the global robotics market.
A report by consulting firm Leaderobot projected that China’s humanoid robotics industry could reach RMB82 billion by 2025, constituting roughly half of global sales. Several Chinese companies have been showcasing the capabilities of humanoid robots. For instance, a robot developed by Shanghai-based AgiBot recently set a Guinness World Record by walking 100 kilometers in three days. Moreover, Beijing recently hosted the purportedly world’s first humanoid robot games, where over 500 robots competed in basketball matches and an intensive cleaning challenge.
However, despite these advancements, the widespread practical application of humanoid robots remains a challenge. Market analysts, including Goldman Sachs, have cautioned about potential overcapacity issues as production outpaces actual demand. UBTech disclosed that its Walker series has generated RMB1.1 billion in sales this year. Responding to concerns regarding overcapacity, UBTech executive Tan Min assured local media that the company’s order volume exceeded publicly disclosed figures.
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