UBTech Humanoids Clock In: Walker S1 Robots Deployed at Zeekr Factory for Collaborative Tasks

UBTech Humanoids Begin Factory Work, Testing Collaborative Skills at Zeekr Plant

Humanoid robots from Shenzhen-based UBTech Robotics are stepping onto factory floors, marking a significant move towards integrating these advanced machines into industrial settings. The company's Walker S1 model has officially started operational deployment at a 5G-enabled smart factory belonging to Zeekr, an electric vehicle brand under Geely, located in Ningbo, China.

Standing 1.72 meters tall, the Walker S1 units are designed to perform tasks typically handled by humans, such as sorting materials, carrying crates, and assisting with assembly. This deployment follows earlier trials and represents what UBTech calls the "world's first multi-robot, multi-task, and multi-scenario collaborative training" in an industrial environment.

From Trials to Deployment

UBTech's journey to this point involved iterative improvements. An earlier version, the Walker S Lite, underwent a 21-day trial at the Zeekr factory in July 2024 for autonomous material transport. However, its performance was limited, achieving only about 20% of human efficiency due to slow speed.

Three months later, the upgraded Walker S1 debuted. With enhanced stability, dexterity, and a larger operational workspace, these robots are now tackling more complex jobs. Beyond material handling, the Walker S1 uses intelligent cameras and deep learning models for tasks like quality inspection, checking car logos and headlights with reported accuracy exceeding 99%.

The Power of 'BrainNet'

A key element enabling the robots' factory work, particularly collaborative tasks, is UBTech's "BrainNet" AI framework. This system functions like a distributed nervous system, combining a central "super brain" with individual robot "sub-brains" or "cerebellums."

The super brain, utilizing large multimodal reasoning models like DeepSeek-R1, handles higher-level functions such as task planning, process decomposition, and coordinating multiple robots. The sub-brains manage individual robot movements, posture, and grip, integrating perception and control technologies.

This architecture facilitates swarm intelligence, allowing robots to learn skills faster through distributed learning and execute coordinated actions. In demonstrations, two Walker S1 units successfully lifted a crate together, planned a delivery route, and navigated around other moving robots. During complex sorting tasks, the central brain assigns roles, while individual robots adapt their actions in real-time.

"Developing swarm intelligence for humanoid robots represents a critical pathway to achieving scalable industrial applications," stated Jiao Jichao, vice president of UBTech and executive dean of UBTech Research Institute.

Expanding Industrial Footprint

Beyond Zeekr, UBTech is actively testing the Walker S series in various industrial contexts. Trials are underway at facilities for BYD, Foxconn, and SF Express. At BYD, the Walker S1's efficiency has reportedly doubled, with scaled deployment planned. At Foxconn's Shenzhen facility, its use in logistics has been validated. Furthermore, the robot is being piloted for air-conditioning leak detection at an Audi-FAW production base in Changchun.

UBTech founder Zhou Jian mentioned that the company has "over 500 units in the pipeline as intended orders." Recent reports indicate that Dongfeng Liuqi Motor, a subsidiary of Dongfeng Motor Group, plans to purchase at least 20 Walker S1 units, marking a step towards commercial sales.

Challenges Ahead

Despite these advancements, widespread adoption faces hurdles. "For widespread integration into production lines, robots must evolve from 'functional' to 'highly practical', and the cost must come down," Zhou Jian acknowledged.

UBTech is investing heavily in R&D, dedicating nearly 50% of its revenue to this area and holding numerous patents. While currently in small-scale pilot production, Jiao Jichao estimates it will take another one to two years to achieve full industrial-grade mass production capacity. Nonetheless, the company views intelligent manufacturing as the primary frontier for humanoid robot applications.

The deployment at Zeekr and ongoing trials suggest that humanoid robots are transitioning from prototypes to potential industrial tools, particularly where collaboration and adaptability are required. The focus now shifts to proving their practicality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness at scale.

Sources:

People's Daily Online: Humanoid robots clock in for work

Interesting Engineering: World’s first humanoid robot swarm tackles complex factory tasks at China’s car plant