BEYOND Expo 2025: UBTECH showcases its newest humanoids with a cosplay performance on stage.

      Credit: BEYOND EXPO

      UBTECH, a Chinese company specializing in humanoid robotics, introduced its latest full-sized commercial robot, Walker C, along with the panda-themed robot, Youyou, at the BEYOND Expo 2025 in Macau, a global technology innovation event held from May 21 to 24. In a fun twist, Walker C and Youyou kicked off the event with a “reverse cosplay” act, portraying BEYOND Expo co-founders Jason Ho and Dr. Gang Lu. While the co-founders spoke backstage, the robots animatedly waved and rotated their heads on stage. For the first time, BEYOND Expo held an AI Summit that highlighted China’s advanced AI ecosystem. During a panel discussion titled, “The Rise of Humanoid Robots: From Science Fiction to Reality”, UBTECH's Chief Brand Officer Tan Min shared insights on the company's journey towards the practical deployment of humanoid robots. Tan emphasized the significance of embodied intelligence in pushing the field forward, while noting that current applications are still in the early stages. He stated that until artificial general intelligence develops further, humanoid robots are most effectively utilized in structured settings like smart manufacturing, which is increasingly becoming a central point of global technological competition. To facilitate real-world implementation, UBTECH is integrating simulation-based training with real-world data gathering through practical applications, according to Tan. The Walker S series has completed initial training in automotive factories, focusing on improving software and algorithm stability for industrial settings. Earlier in March, UBTECH reached a significant milestone by deploying multiple Walker S1 robots in the first-ever multi-robot, multi-task collaborative training session. Utilizing swarm intelligence, the robots collaborated seamlessly across intricate environments including final assembly lines, SPS (Programmable Logic Controller) instrument zones, quality inspection areas, and door installation stations, as reported by the company.

      Jessie Wu is a tech journalist based in Shanghai. She reports on consumer electronics, semiconductors, and the gaming sector for TechNode. You can reach her via e-mail: [email protected]. More articles by Jessie Wu.