Autonomous Battery-Swap and 24/7 Operation

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.