Chinese company Ubtech Robotics from Shenzhen recently introduced several dozen humanoid robots in an electric vehicle production workshop at the Zeekr factory in Ningbo. The robots, including the Walker S1 model, are capable of lifting heavy boxes and working with soft materials, showcasing the advancements in robotics and artificial intelligence that are changing the landscape of mass production.
While the exact number of robots deployed is not disclosed, photos suggest there are about 20 robots working alongside human employees. These robots can coordinate actions and share information, allowing them to work efficiently in multiple areas simultaneously. Zeekr, the owner of the factory and a subsidiary of the Chinese conglomerate Geely, is at the forefront of integrating advanced robotics into their production processes.
This move by Ubtech Robotics is in line with a global trend towards automation and robotics in manufacturing. In January, Elon Musk announced plans to introduce 10,000 Optimus robots at Tesla factories. While the number of robots currently in operation is not revealed, Tesla has confirmed that two machines have been working autonomously since 2024. The deployment of advanced robots by Chinese companies like Ubtech Robotics reflects China’s commitment to enhancing technological capabilities and optimizing assembly processes.