In a landmark development for the robotics industry, UBTECH, often referred to as the “first humanoid robot listed company,” has secured another substantial procurement contract, further cementing the rapid commercialization of humanoid robots. On October 15, the company entered into an agreement with a prominent A-share listed automotive technology firm, involving the purchase of humanoid robots, primarily the latest Walker S2 model, valued at over 32 million yuan. This deal encompasses factory manufacturing applications and includes embedded data collection factory product services, with delivery scheduled for completion within 2025. This latest contract adds to a series of high-value orders, bringing the cumulative contract value for UBTECH’s Walker series to nearly 500 million yuan, excluding the Tian Gong Xing Zhe humanoid robots. The surge in large-scale orders for humanoid robots across multiple companies in the second half of this year underscores a significant acceleration in the industry’s shift from research and development to practical, commercial deployment.
The growing adoption of humanoid robots in various industrial sectors highlights their potential to revolutionize manufacturing and logistics. UBTECH’s recent contracts are part of a broader trend where humanoid robots are increasingly being integrated into real-world applications, driven by advancements in AI and robotics technology. The Walker S2, introduced on July 23 this year, is designed specifically for smart manufacturing scenarios. It features the company’s self-developed Co-Agent technology, hailed as the world’s first intelligent agent dedicated to industrial humanoid robot bodies. This innovation enables an AI dual-cycle system, facilitating single-unit autonomy and group coordination for humanoid robots, thereby enhancing their efficiency in complex environments. Key capabilities of the Walker S2 include replicating human-like gait walking and fine manipulation skills, along with groundbreaking autonomous battery swapping technology that allows for continuous 24/7 operation. UBTECH has emphasized its commitment to scaling up production capabilities for the Walker series to meet the escalating demand and order volumes for humanoid robots, reflecting the industry’s confidence in these advanced machines.
Detailed Breakdown of UBTECH’s Recent Contracts for Humanoid Robots
- On October 15, UBTECH signed a procurement contract with a well-known A-share listed automotive technology company, involving humanoid robots, mainly the Walker S2, worth over 32 million yuan. This order focuses on factory manufacturing applications and includes embedded data collection services, with planned delivery by the end of 2025. When inquired about specific production segments and whether the Walker series has entered batch commercialization, UBTECH representatives cited confidentiality agreements and declined to disclose further details.
- In early September, UBTECH secured a massive 250 million yuan contract for embodied intelligent humanoid robot products and solutions from a domestic renowned enterprise, marking the largest single contract for humanoid robots globally to date. This agreement primarily involves the Walker S2 humanoid robots, and UBTECH is set to commence delivery within the year, demonstrating the growing trust in humanoid robots for industrial use.
- At the end of September, UBTECH’s smart logistics subsidiary, UQI, formalized a procurement contract with Tianqi Automation Engineering Co., Ltd. (Tianqi Stock), for 30 million yuan worth of UBTECH industrial humanoid robots from the Walker S series. This purchase is expected to be fulfilled by December 31, 2025, further expanding the footprint of humanoid robots in automation and logistics.
These contracts contribute to the nearly 500 million yuan in cumulative agreements for the Walker series, highlighting UBTECH’s leading role in advancing humanoid robots. The company has established collaborations with several high-profile enterprises in sectors such as new energy vehicle manufacturing, 3C manufacturing, and smart logistics, including BYD, Dongfeng Liuzhou Auto, Geely Auto, FAW-Volkswagen Qingdao Branch, Audi FAW, BAIC New Energy, Foxconn, and SF Express. As a result, UBTECH’s industrial humanoid robots, the Walker S series, have been deployed in more factories worldwide for training and practical applications, showcasing the versatility and adaptability of humanoid robots in diverse industrial settings.
Expansion of Humanoid Robots in Broader Industry Applications
The momentum for humanoid robots is not limited to UBTECH; other key players in the robotics field have also reported significant order inflows in recent months, indicating a industry-wide push toward commercialization. For instance, on October 9, Zhiyuan Robotics announced a deep strategic cooperation with Shanghai Longqi Technology Co., Ltd., a global leader in smart product ODM, for the application of embodied intelligent robots in industrial scenarios. This partnership includes a framework order worth several billion yuan for Zhiyuan’s Elite G2 robots, emphasizing the scalability of humanoid robots in manufacturing. Similarly, on September 11, Huike Co., Ltd.’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Shenzhen Huizhi Wulian, and Zhifang (Shenzhen) Technology Co., Ltd. jointly declared a comprehensive strategic cooperation in the global semiconductor display sector, the first of its kind for embodied intelligent robots. Under this agreement, Shenzhen Huizhi Wulian plans to deploy over 1,000 embodied intelligent robots across Huike’s global production bases over the next three years. These humanoid robots will cover entire processes, from warehouse logistics and material handling to component assembly and quality testing, underscoring the transformative potential of humanoid robots in enhancing operational efficiency.
Earlier, in June, Zhiyuan Robotics and Yushu Technology successfully won a bid for a humanoid bipedal robot processing service procurement project from China Mobile (Hangzhou) Information Technology Co., Ltd., covering the period from 2025 to 2027. The total awarded amount was 124 million yuan, with Zhiyuan Robotics securing 78 million yuan and Yushu Technology receiving 46.05 million yuan. This project further validates the applicability of humanoid robots in telecommunications and IT services, expanding their reach beyond traditional manufacturing. The consecutive landing of these large orders for humanoid robots points to a broader industry acceptance and the beginning of mass adoption, as companies seek flexible and efficient automation solutions.
Technological Innovations Driving Humanoid Robots Forward
- The Walker S2 humanoid robot by UBTECH represents a significant leap in industrial robotics, featuring hardware designs that enable human-like walking and precise operations. Its autonomous battery swapping capability is a world-first, allowing humanoid robots to operate non-stop, which is crucial for high-demand manufacturing environments.
- Co-Agent technology integrated into the Walker S2 facilitates intelligent decision-making and coordination among multiple humanoid robots, enhancing their ability to handle dynamic tasks. This AI-driven approach is pivotal for the evolution of humanoid robots, making them more autonomous and collaborative.
- Other companies, such as Zhiyuan Robotics, are also incorporating advanced AI and embodied intelligence into their humanoid robots, enabling them to perform complex tasks in unstructured environments. These innovations are reducing the reliance on fixed automation and paving the way for humanoid robots to replace human labor in repetitive or hazardous jobs.
Expert opinions reinforce the trend; Ma Jihua, a seasoned telecommunications industry analyst, noted that humanoid robots are transitioning from R&D to large-scale commercial use. He highlighted that as prices decline and capabilities improve, humanoid robots are poised to substitute human workers in many scenarios. Their mobility and adaptability to varying heights make them ideal for non-fixed work environments, such as flexible manufacturing lines in the automotive industry, where order-based production requires agile process adjustments. Ma emphasized that securing large orders is a critical milestone, as it signifies user acceptance and opens up vast future opportunities for humanoid robots. This sentiment is echoed across the industry, where the integration of humanoid robots is seen as a key driver for efficiency gains and cost reduction.
Future Outlook for Humanoid Robots in Global Markets
The rapid commercialization of humanoid robots, as evidenced by the dense order activities, suggests a promising future for this technology. With companies like UBTECH, Zhiyuan Robotics, and Yushu Technology leading the charge, humanoid robots are expected to penetrate more sectors, including healthcare, retail, and services, beyond the current focus on industrial applications. The ability of humanoid robots to perform tasks that require human-like dexterity and mobility positions them as a versatile solution for aging populations and labor shortages in many regions. Moreover, ongoing investments in AI and machine learning will further enhance the cognitive abilities of humanoid robots, enabling them to learn and adapt in real-time.
However, challenges remain, such as ensuring affordability and addressing safety concerns. As the industry matures, standardization and regulatory frameworks will play a crucial role in the widespread adoption of humanoid robots. The current wave of orders indicates a strong market confidence, and if trends continue, humanoid robots could become commonplace in everyday life within the next decade. The collaboration between robotics firms and established industries, as seen in the automotive and electronics sectors, will be instrumental in refining the capabilities of humanoid robots and demonstrating their value in real-world settings.
In summary, the accumulation of nearly 500 million yuan in contracts for UBTECH’s Walker series, along with similar achievements by other players, marks a pivotal moment for humanoid robots. The technology is no longer confined to labs but is being deployed at scale, driving efficiencies and transforming workflows. As humanoid robots continue to evolve, they hold the potential to redefine automation and human-robot collaboration, ushering in a new era of intelligent manufacturing and beyond.