Global Competition in Humanoid Robotics

China has deployed humanoid robots to patrol border crossings with Vietnam. The UBTECH Walker S2 can guide travelers, conduct inspections, patrol corridors, and swap its own batteries for 24-hour continuous operation. Deliveries began in December 2025 under a $37 million contract. We break down what the robots actually do, how the technology works, what it means for workers, and where this fits in the global robotics race.