Walker S1 (industrial robot)

2024: Start of production

In mid-October 2024, the Chinese company UBTech announced the start of production of industrial humanoid robots called Walker S1. This development can help solve the problem of labor shortages in the manufacturing industry of the PRC.

At 172 cm tall, the Walker S1 weighs about 76 kg. It can carry loads weighing up to 15 kg. The robot is equipped with stereoscopic vision, and an array of tactile sensors is integrated in the palm of your hand. The machine uses artificial intelligence tools for general action planning. Walker S1 can adapt to the surrounding space, efficiently performing tasks at various enterprises. It is able to carry out visual quality control, transfer products of different sizes, use an electrical screwdriver to tighten screws, assemble parts and sort components.

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Ubtech Robotics

As of October 2024, UBTech has received more than 500 orders from automakers for its humanoid robots. The machine began to undergo training at the factories of a number of companies, including the enterprise of the world's largest manufacturer of electric vehicles BYD. Walker S1 works in conjunction with other self-driving logistics vehicles and intelligent production management systems. In addition to BYD, UBTech's customers in the automotive industry are Dongfeng Motor, a joint venture between FAW-Volkswagen and Geely.

In automated plants, it is estimated that about 70% of the workload is done by robotic systems, while the rest is taken over by humans. UBTech intends to assign another 20% of tasks to its robots, leaving only 10% for human workers. This will help to save employees from tedious and monotonous operations, as well as reduce the risk of injuries associated with physical activity.^[1]

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