China is preparing to deploy humanoid robots for border patrol and inspection duties along its border with Vietnam, as part of a move to test artificial intelligence systems in public security operations.
Shenzhen-based UBTECH Robotics Corp. secured a $37 million contract to deploy its Walker S2 humanoid robots at the Fangchenggang border crossing in Guangxi, a coastal region close to Vietnam.
Deployment is expected to begin this December.
The Fangchenggang crossing handles a steady flow of cargo trucks, buses and daily travellers.
Chinese authorities selected the site because inspections must be carried out quickly and without delays, making it suitable for testing humanoid robots border patrol operations under pressure.
Walker S2 is a full-size humanoid robot designed to operate in environments built for humans. It has jointed legs, arms and a torso, and uses autonomous battery swapping to remain operational without direct human support.
The robots rely on cameras, depth sensors and joint-based force feedback to maintain balance, detect movement and avoid collisions. This allows the system to function across different tasks rather than being limited to a single industrial role.
At the Fangchenggang crossing, the robots will support border officials by guiding passenger queues, directing vehicles and answering basic questions from travellers.
Some units will patrol waiting areas and corridors, checking for blocked exits or crowd build-ups that may require human intervention.
Other robots will operate in cargo zones, assisting logistics teams by checking container identification numbers, confirming seals and sending updates to dispatch centres.
Beyond the border post, some robots are expected to inspect steel, copper and aluminium facilities by following preset routes through high-temperature industrial environments.
The project builds on UBTECH’s earlier deployments of humanoid robots in factories and data centres across China in 2025.
Commenting on recent agreements, company scientists wrote, “This isn’t just a number; it’s proof of real-world value and the accelerating commercialization of humanoid robots globally!”
UBTECH said total 2025 orders for the Walker S2 series, including earlier projects, now stand at about $157 billion. Despite increased orders, the company remains unprofitable and faces pressure to show that demand can lead to long-term sustainability.
The border deployment aligns with China’s national policy on humanoid robotics.
In 2023, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology called for the creation of a national innovation system for humanoid robots by 2025. In 2024, the ministry began consultations on a technical committee to develop industry standards.
Chinese authorities regard humanoid robots as a strategic sector and have involved company executives in shaping rules that will guide deployments like Fangchenggang.
Regulators are expected to closely track safety, reliability and accountability during the trial.
To support development, Beijing has also set up a humanoid robot data training centre in Shijingshan District.
The 3,000-square-metre facility currently hosts more than 100 humanoid robots carrying out simulated tasks to generate training data for future use.
