Walker S2: The Robot That Knows When to Recharge Itself

A new age of robotics has arrived as UBTech’s Walker S2 robot confidently handles its own power needs. No human hand is needed; this humanoid robot knows when to recharge and seamlessly swaps its battery, freeing factories from one of automation’s biggest pain points: downtime.

Walker S2 stands just over five feet tall and is designed to mimic the build of a small adult human, weighing in at 43 kilograms. Unlike traditional robots that must pause for charging, Walker S2 uses a dual-battery setup, allowing it to replace a depleted battery with a fresh one autonomously in under three minutes. The entire process is executed using intelligent onboard systems that monitor operational requirements and battery status.

Autonomous Power Management System

The robot’s power management is orchestrated around a dual-battery architecture and a hot-swapping mechanism. When energy runs low, Walker S2 locates a station, removes the spent battery, and slots in a recharged one while maintaining critical operations.

Each battery delivers roughly two and a half hours of runtime, and it can recharge in just 90 minutes. This setup allows several robots to share charging points and keeps operations uninterrupted.

Importantly, the Walker S2 can make autonomous decisions based on task urgency, choosing either to swap a battery or undergo direct recharging. Its modular batteries use a USB-like interface that streamlines the switch, facilitating nonstop production cycles.

Did you know?
UBTech’s Walker robots have already been deployed in factories run by major automakers such as BYD and Nio, powering China’s rapid shift toward industrial automation.

Industrial Deployment and Collaborations

UBTech’s Walker robots have moved from research to real-world deployment. Earlier models are already aiding production at facilities managed by Chinese auto giants including BYD, Nio, and Zeekr. Building on this momentum, UBTech aims to deliver up to 1,000 Walkers to industrial clients by the end of 2025, with plans to reach 10,000 shipments the next year.

In partnership with Huawei, UBTech is integrating the BrainNet cloud system, an AI-based scheduler and navigation platform that enables teams of robots to collaborate, map environments, and adapt in real time. The goal is seamless coordination between humanoid robots and other smart systems working alongside human teams.

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A Catalyst for China’s Robotics Boom

Walker S2’s arrival aligns with China's emergence as the world’s leading robotics market. Fueled by state-backed initiatives, the country is accelerating automation across its manufacturing sectors.

Over the past decade, domestic robot suppliers have increased their market share in China from just over a quarter to more than half. The current factory network boasts over 1.75 million industrial robots and continues expanding at double-digit annual rates.

With the robotics sector projected to surpass $100 billion by 2028, innovations like the Walker S2's battery autonomy are expected to unlock new thresholds of efficiency. China's integration of AI, robotics, and smart infrastructure is shaping a future where intelligent machines handle more tasks independently than ever.

Looking Forward

The shift toward autonomous robotic power management is no longer theoretical. With deployment already underway and more models in development, the ability of machines to independently manage uptime is redefining automation as we know it. As Walker S2 becomes a fixture in modern factories, the era of self-sufficient robots is not just coming; it’s already here.