A groundbreaking innovation in robotics has just been revealed: a Chinese tech company has developed the world’s first humanoid robot capable of autonomously replacing its own battery. Named Walker S2, this 1.62-meter-tall, 43-kilogram machine was created by UBTech, a company known for its advancements in humanoid robotics.
What sets the Walker S2 apart is its ability to handle one of the most basic yet essential maintenance tasks – battery replacement – entirely on its own, without any human assistance.
According to LiveScience, the robot can walk continuously for up to two hours or remain standing for four hours on a single charge. A full recharge takes about 90 minutes.
In a video released on July 17, the Walker S2 is seen approaching a battery charging station. Facing away from the unit, the robot uses its own arms to carefully remove the depleted battery from its back. It then places the battery into an empty compartment for charging. Next, it picks up a fully charged unit and inserts it into the correct socket—seamlessly resuming operation without human help.
Developers state that the Walker S2 is designed for use in factories, public spaces, and even customer service environments, where it can carry out tasks efficiently and independently.
The robot’s ability to function autonomously over long periods marks a significant milestone in the evolution of humanoid robotics, opening doors to a future where intelligent machines can manage themselves entirely.