China to deploy humanoid robots at Vietnam border

China has decided to deploy humanoid robots for border patrol and inspection duties along its border with Vietnam, signalling a major step in the use of robotics for security and logistics management.
The deployment is expected to begin later this month at the Fangchenggang border crossing in the Guangxi region of southern China.
Shenzhen-based UBTECH Robotics Corporation has received a government contract worth approximately 37 million US dollars to deploy its Walker S2 humanoid robots at the border facility.
Fangchenggang is a key coastal entry point in Guangxi, which shares a land border with Vietnam and handles significant passenger and freight traffic.
The Walker S2 is a full-size humanoid robot equipped with legs, arms and a torso, designed for operation in crowded public spaces.
The robots can replace their own batteries, bend up to 125 degrees and carry loads weighing up to 15 kilograms. They are fitted with advanced cameras, sensors and night-vision systems to enable continuous monitoring and assistance.
At the Fangchenggang crossing, the robots will assist border officials by guiding passenger queues, operating certain vehicles and answering basic questions from travellers.
Some units will patrol halls and waiting areas to support routine inspection and security work.
Additional robots will be deployed in freight lanes, where they will support logistics operations by checking container identification numbers, verifying security seals and transmitting status updates to dispatch centres.
The move reflects China’s broader push to integrate artificial intelligence and automation into border management and infrastructure services.