UBTech, a Shenzhen-based humanoid robot manufacturer, announced a new “comprehensive long-term partnership” with Foxconn, Apple’s Chinese manufacturing partner, on January 15.
The Walker S1 humanoid robot, which stands 5.6 feet tall and weighs 167.6 pounds, was first introduced in October 2024. It is specifically designed for various tasks, from visual quality inspections to sorting parts and assembling components. The robots have already undergone months of training in logistics operations at Foxconn’s factories, particularly at Foxtron’s production facility in Shenzhen’s Longhua district. The Walker S1 is now set to be deployed at Foxconn’s electric vehicle factory in Zhengzhou city to assist in the manufacturing of electric vehicles (EVs).

The partnership will also focus on enhancing the development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in manufacturing, improving the robots’ motion, perception, and decision-making capabilities. The collaboration aims to automate tasks that have traditionally posed a risk to human workers, such as heavy lifting, sorting, and quality inspections, with the potential to significantly improve both productivity and worker safety.

UBTech’s Walker S1 robots are not new to China’s manufacturing scene. In addition to Foxconn, the company has successfully convinced other leading Chinese manufacturers like BYD, SF Express, and Geely to experiment with its humanoid robots. UBTech is pushing to become the world’s first robot maker to achieve “commercial mass production” of humanoid robots, leveraging Foxconn’s supply chain and manufacturing expertise to make this goal a reality.
UBTech’s CEO and marketing director also highlighted China’s growing humanoid robot industry, noting that it is fueled by the country’s rich talent pool, robust industrial capabilities, and increasing market demand.