Robotics Bipedal robots in China trained for teamwork for the first time

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Humanoid robots in China are currently learning teamwork. The bipeds, who previously worked more as lone warriors, have started to assist each other in a first factory for electric vehicles.

In a video from Zeekr's car factory, which not long ago would have been considered science fiction, a team of "Walker S1" brand robots, networked through software and their own "Internet of Humanoids" (IoH), can be observed as they collectively carry boxes to the production line, carefully pass adhesive films with their fingertips, or thoughtfully recharge a robot colleague who has just run out of power.

The manufacturer of the humanoid robots, Ubtech from Beijing, uploaded the video on YouTube itself. In the accompanying press release, Ubtech refers to the use of its bipedal robots as "the first collaborative, practical training program for humanoid robots in 'Zeekr’s 5G Intelligent Factory'."

In a "group photo" of the humanoid workshop in the electric vehicle factory belonging to the Geely Group, about 20 of them can be seen.

Combining robotics, 5G communication, and AI

The whole thing is an insight into the future of industrial manufacturing, market observers in China comment, and definitely into the "future of Made in China," as the South China Morning Post writes. The cooperation of several humanoids is made possible by the combination of robotics, 5G communication in the factory, and artificial intelligence.

According to its own information, Ubtech has developed a new software framework called "BrainNet," which enables individual robots to collaborate in groups. The goal is to enable "swarm intelligence." For this purpose, the robots are also networked through their own "Internet of Humanoids" (IoH).

The new robot teams are currently being tested "in collaboration in sorting, handling, and precision assembly of automotive parts." They are operating in several production areas, including the PLC instrument zone, quality control, and final assembly, the manufacturer writes.

Ubtech hopes to be able to test its "Training 2.0" team collaboration for humanoid robots with other customers in the future. Among others, the robots from the Beijing startup are already in use with automakers FAW-Volkswagen in Qingdao, Audi FAW, BYD, BAIC New Energy, as well as with electronics manufacturer Foxconn and logistics company SF Express.

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Autonomously plan and coordinate tasks

After the bipedal robots were individually trained with artificial intelligence in a first step, the next step—like in the tests at Zeekr—is about "multi-humanoid, collaborative training" and the further development of the AI models needed for this, according to the robotics manufacturer.

Ubtech developed the first LLM tailored for this purpose, specifically designed for humanoid robots, based on the AI model "R1" from Deep Seek. This enables the robots to break down complex processes into smaller tasks and then autonomously plan and coordinate them.

China continues to show impressive progress in the field of humanoid robots.

Market research, Morgan Stanley

Strong competition in the Chinese market

Ubtech may be leading with this initiative towards humanoid teamwork, but as a provider, it faces strong competition, especially within China. According to a recent report from Morgan Stanley, more than half (56 percent) of the leading publicly traded manufacturers of humanoid robots worldwide are from the People's Republic.

China "continues to show impressive progress in the field of humanoid robots," write the market researchers from Morgan Stanley. The reason is "the strong government support, the access of its domestic startups to established supply chains, and the abundance of companies willing to deploy the machines," writes Morgan Stanley in its report.

Only in one area are Europeans and Japanese currently far ahead of the Chinese in the field of humanoid robots. This is the manufacture of high-precision screws and other fasteners used in humanoids, which often handle heavy weights.

Companies like the Bossard Group in Switzerland or NSK Ltd. in Japan produce high-quality screws, nuts, and similar components for robots that meet the high demands for precision and durability. However, the first Chinese competitors are also making inroads into this area.

*Henrik Bork, a long-time China correspondent for the Süddeutsche Zeitung and the Frankfurter Rundschau, is the Managing Director at Asia Waypoint, a consultancy specializing in China, based in Beijing. 

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