- Chinese automakers are deploying humanoid robots in their factories.
- Tesla rival Dongfeng will use a robot created by Chinese company Ubtech to assemble car parts and perform quality checks.
- Ubtech’s “Walker S” robot rivals Optimus, which Elon Musk says could transform the global economy.
Elon Musk can’t stop talking about Optimus, Tesla’s humanoid robot – and now his Chinese rivals are turning to equivalent robots as they try to challenge their American rival.
Auto giant Dongfeng Motors appears to be the latest Chinese automaker to explore deploying human-like robots in its production lines, after striking a deal with Chinese robotics company Ubtech Robotics.
A spokesperson for Ubtech told Business Insider that the robotic worker, “Walker S,” would help free human workers from repetitive factory floor tasks.
The deal between Ubtech and Dongfeng subsidiary Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor will see Walker S robots used to inspect seat belts and door locks, carry out quality checks and assemble car axles, they said.
Dongfeng, which produces electric vehicles through its Voyah unit, is the second Chinese automaker to confirm the use of Ubtech robots to help build its cars.
Robotic Revolution
EV manufacturer and Tesla rival Nio has also piloted the use of Ubtech’s technology, with Walker S working as an “intern” helping with car production.
A video posted on Ubtech’s YouTube channel shows the Walker S performing quality checks, testing seat belts and installing a car emblem.
A Nio spokesperson confirmed to BI that the company was actively exploring the use of humanoid robots in the general assembly shop at its factory in Hefei, China.
Ubtech says the Walker S, which is 1.7 meters tall and is powered by Chinese tech giant Baidu’s AI technology, it can perceive its environment in real time and recognize complex objects.
The robotics company also advertises several other humanoid robots on its website — including a panda-themed robot and the Walker X, which it says is being used in Neom, Saudi Arabia’s futuristic desert city.
Optimus Competition
Chinese companies are not the only ones experimenting with robotics. Elon Musk has been working on a humanoid robot – known as Optimus – for years.
The Tesla CEO has been extremely positive about Optimus, who has appeared in videos that show him folding a shirt, picking up an egg and doing yoga stretches.
In a recent Tesla earnings call, Musk said the AI android had the potential to transform the global economy. He added that Tesla planned to have the Optimus “in limited production” performing tasks inside factories by the end of the year and wanted to sell it externally by the end of 2025.
Dong Feng did not immediately respond to requests for comment made outside of normal working hours.
