UBTech to Deploy 1,000 Humanoid Robots To Tackle Labor Shortages In Factories

UBTech Robotics plans to deliver between 500 and 1,000 units of its Walker S Series industrial humanoid robots this year, with customers including Foxconn, car manufacturers, and logistics giant SF Express.

Michael Tam, UBTech’s chief brand officer, shared this during the recent South China Morning Post’s China Conference in Guangzhou.

While UBTech’s ultimate goal is to bring humanoid robots into homes, the company is currently focusing on industrial applications. “Factories need humanoid robots “to help them solve the challenge of the shortage of manpower,” Tam explained, as reported by South China Morning Post (SCMP).

Factories, he noted, provide a simpler and more stable environment for robots to operate and train compared to homes, as current models are not yet advanced enough for home use.

Founded in 2012 and listed in Hong Kong in 2023, UBTech is a leading player in China’s robotics sector, offering a wide range of non-humanoid robots for tasks such as cleaning, delivery, and service, as reported by SCMP. Its Walker S1, launched in October 2024, is the company’s most advanced industrial humanoid robot to date.

SCMP says that the Walker S1 is already deployed in factories of major car manufacturers, while integration into Foxconn’s production lines will involve more delicate and complex tasks, according to Tam. This year, UBTech plans to launch the Walker S2 in the second quarter, which will feature a lighter and stronger build.

A newer Walker S3 model is also scheduled for release later in the year. Tam confirmed that more than 60% of this year’s deliveries will consist of the upcoming Walker S2, as reported by SCMP.

UBTech’s rollout comes as competition intensifies in China’s robotics industry. New entrants, including a two-year-old start-up led by a former Huawei recruit, have begun mass production of general-purpose robots, says SCMP.

However, Tam emphasized UBTech’s advantage from over a decade of experience in the sector. “Technology is a key driving power for the new companies, but it takes time for all of them to train or to make the talent pool, because humanoid robots are a really comprehensive area,” he said, as reported by SCMP.

Despite its position in the industry, SCMP reports that UBTech faces financial challenges, reporting a net loss of 516.4 million yuan (US$70.5 million) in the first half of 2024, a slight improvement from the previous year.

Nonetheless, the company remains committed to investing in AI over immediate profitability. “We need more patience,” Tam stated, adding that UBTech will focus on building its AI capabilities to enhance its robots, as reported by SCMP.