Chinese robotics company UBTech has partnered with Foxconn, Apple's main manufacturing partner, to deploy humanoid robots for iPhone production. The landmark agreement announced on Wednesday will introduce UBTech's Walker S1 robots to handle delicate assembly tasks on production lines.
The 5.6-foot-tall Walker S1 robot, which weighs 167.6 pounds, comes equipped with advanced capabilities including visual inspection, component assembly, screw-tightening, and parts sorting. The humanoid robot closely matches human proportions and movements.
Under the partnership, UBTech will initially focus on automating tasks that could impact worker health and safety, such as heavy lifting and materials transport. The robots have already completed several months of logistics training at Foxconn subsidiary Foxtron's facilities in Shenzhen.
Both companies plan to establish a dedicated laboratory to enhance the robots' motion control, perception, and decision-making abilities. The collaboration aims to accelerate artificial intelligence development in manufacturing while reducing production costs through Foxconn's supply chain expertise.
UBTech, which went public in 2023, has already secured prominent clients in China including electric vehicle maker BYD, courier service SF Express, and automotive companies like Dongfeng Motor and FAW-Volkswagen. Through the Foxconn partnership, UBTech aims to become the first company globally to achieve mass production of humanoid robots for industrial applications.
The partnership reflects China's growing leadership in humanoid robotics, supported by the country's technical talent pool and established industrial infrastructure. As manufacturing automation accelerates, this collaboration could reshape the future of consumer electronics production.
The Walker S1 robots are scheduled to begin operations at Foxconn's electric vehicle factory in Zhengzhou before expanding to other manufacturing facilities.