It changes its own battery without human assistance: China launches the world’s first robot capable of operating 24 hours a day

The robotics industry has reached a decisive milestone with UBTECH’s Walker S2, a humanoid robot that masters a skill previously reserved for humans: changing its own battery. This Chinese innovation paves the way for total robotic autonomy, radically transforming the prospects for the use of machines in our daily lives.

A world first and a game-changer

The Chinese company UBTECH presents a remarkable technological feat: a robot capable of fully managing its own energy system. The Walker S2 can not only detect when its battery is running low, but also replace it completely autonomously, thanks to a specialized recharging station.

This capability is much more than just a technological gimmick. It solves one of the major challenges of modern robotics: the energy dependency that limits the operational autonomy of machines. Until now, even the most sophisticated robots required human intervention for energy maintenance, creating costly interruptions in service and limiting their continuous use.

An intelligent, adaptive energy system

The Walker S2 is equipped with a particularly well-designed dual 48-volt lithium battery system. Each energy unit enables the robot to walk for two hours or remain stationary for four hours. A full recharge takes just 90 minutes, optimizing work cycles.

The system’s intelligence lies in its predictive analysis capability.

 The robot constantly assesses its load levels, task priorities and future energy requirements. This analysis enables it to make autonomous decisions about the optimum time to change or simply recharge its batteries.

When the time comes, the replacement process becomes a fascinating spectacle of mechanical precision. The Walker S2 approaches its charging station, positions itself with its back to the device, then uses its articulated arms to gently extract the used battery from its back compartment. It then deposits it in a charging slot before grabbing a fresh battery and installing it with the same dexterity.

Dimensions designed for human integration

At 1.62 meters tall and weighing 43 kilograms, the Walker S2 has proportions similar to those of a small adult. This anthropomorphic design facilitates its integration into environments designed for humans, whether industrial spaces or public places.

Its 20 degrees of freedom of movement make it remarkably agile, while its Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity guarantee fluid communication with surrounding systems.

Total autonomy: towards an industrial revolution

The applications envisaged for the Walker S2 are many and promising. In factories, this robot could provide continuous surveillance without interrupting service, revolutionizing production processes. In public spaces, it could welcome and inform visitors 24 hours a day, redefining the customer experience.

This Chinese innovation marks the entry into a new robotic era where machines no longer depend on human assistance for their basic energy needs. The Walker S2 demonstrates that complete robotic autonomy is no longer a science-fiction fantasy, but an accessible technological reality that will permanently transform our relationship with intelligent machines.