In China’s humanoid robotics industry, UBTECH is supplying Walker S robots to Dongfeng and Xiaomi is relocating its robotic arm, though the impact remains uncertain.Ni Tao is IE’s bi-weekly columnist, giving exclusive insight into China’s technology and engineering ecosystem. His Inside China column explores the issues that shape discussions and understanding about Chinese innovation, providing fresh perspectives not found elsewhere.
However, the exact number of Walker S units to be deployed and the specific facilities remain undisclosed, as Shenzhen-based UBTECH declined to provide details to the media. However, Chinese media reports cited insiders in February, stating that this training was merely part of a pilot to explore applications, not a real delivery or mass rollout.
Although increased sales of consumer-grade and logistics robotics compensated for the dwindling income in 2023, the category for which UBTECH became famous—smart robotics, including its Walker series—continues to struggle financially. For example, Agibot, a Shanghai-based humanoid robot developer, has been showered with venture funding and favorable policies.
The truly valuable parts of carmaking, such as pressing, welding, and paint-spraying, are mostly assigned to industrial or collaborative robots. Humanoids are not cut out for this type of work. In conclusion, humanoid robots currently play a lesser role in manufacturing than specialized robots. To become versatile helpers, they must compete with more cost-effective robotic variants.
For humanoid developers, leveraging economies of scale requires many users to buy their products. This will require more than homegrown innovation alone.