Walker S: Humanoid Robot Joins Production Line at Leading Chinese Carmaker

Chinese car manufacturer Dongfeng Liuzhou, a subsidiary of the state-owned Dongfeng Motor Corporation, is set to welcome Walker S, a humanoid robot developed by Ubtech Robotics, to its vehicle production line in Guangxi.

The deployment follows a strategic partnership between the two companies aimed at accelerating the integration of humanoid robots into manufacturing. Walker S, standing 5.5 feet tall, is equipped with 41 force-feedback servo joints, multi-modal sensors, 3D mapping, and real-time system connectivity—enabling it to navigate factory floors, identify complex components, and assist with detailed tasks.

Initially, the robot will be responsible for inspecting seatbelts, door locks, headlight covers, and interiors, as well as performing bodywork checks, oil refills, axle sub-assembly, and logo attachment. It will work alongside traditional automation systems and over 7,000 human employees at Dongfeng Liuzhou’s facility, which has the capacity to produce 500,000 vehicles annually.

Lin Changbo, General Manager of Dongfeng Liuzhou, commented:

“Walker S will offer solutions for complex inspection, assembly, and logistics tasks—boosting efficiency and setting a new benchmark for intelligent manufacturing in the automotive industry.”

Ubtech’s Walker S has already been deployed by another Chinese automaker, Nio, and its arrival at Dongfeng reflects a broader global trend. Automakers like BMW are also embracing humanoid robots, with plans to integrate robots from Californian AI company Figure at its Spartanburg plant in the U.S.