China Deploys Humanoid Robots to Patrol the Border With Vietnam
China is preparing to introduce humanoid patrol robots along its border with Vietnam as part of a new contract with UBTech Robotics, one of the country’s leading robotics manufacturers. The initiative will place advanced Walker S2 humanoids at key crossing points in the Guangxi region, a major border zone connecting the two countries.The deployment marks one of the first large-scale uses of humanoid robots in active border environments. According to UBTech, the Walker S2 model — unveiled earlier this year — is the first humanoid robot capable of autonomously swapping its own battery pack, allowing it to operate for extended periods without human intervention. This capability is central to the project, enabling continuous patrol cycles and reducing downtime.
Multifunctional robots for a high-traffic border zone
The Guangxi–Vietnam border is a busy transit corridor that sees a mix of tourism, trade and transport. Authorities expect the robots to help manage this flow by assisting travelers with navigation, providing information and improving the overall handling of crowds during peak hours. UBTech says the robots will act as both service assistants and operational support units for on-site staff.In addition to civilian-facing tasks, the Walker S2s will participate in patrol routines, monitoring activity at checkpoints and alerting human officers when needed. Their sensor suite and mobility systems allow them to move through mixed environments, detect unusual behavior and provide real-time feedback to border personnel.
Roles beyond border security
The initiative extends beyond the border itself. UBTech confirmed that the same class of robots will be used to conduct inspection rounds at industrial facilities involved in the production of steel, copper and aluminum. These inspections typically require staff to enter noisy, hazardous or high-temperature environments — areas where humanoid robots can reduce risk and improve operational consistency.The company frames this as part of a broader industrial transformation strategy: deploying general-purpose humanoids not only in public-facing roles, but also in environments where mechanical reliability and autonomous decision-making can enhance safety and efficiency.
China’s growing investment in humanoid robotics
The Walker S2 rollout highlights China’s increasing reliance on AI-driven robotics in civil operations. Government agencies have shown rising interest in humanoid systems for logistics, infrastructure monitoring, public administration and national security. The border-patrol deployment serves as a live test of how these machines perform outside controlled laboratory settings.If successful, authorities may expand similar deployments to other high-traffic borders or infrastructure sites, accelerating China’s broader adoption of humanoid robotics in public-sector operations.
Editorial Team — CoinBotLab