China’s Humanoid Robots Set World Records, Expand Nationwide

Kivo Daily Staff 2 on November 26, 2025

China’s humanoid robots industry is making significant strides, transitioning from experimental prototypes to large-scale applications. With the announcement of a Guinness World Record and a major contract to deploy humanoid robots at border crossings, the country is positioning itself as a leader in robotics. As of November 2025, the AgiBot A2 humanoid robot achieved a groundbreaking feat by walking 66 miles (106 kilometers) from Suzhou to Shanghai, earning the record for the longest continuous trek by a humanoid machine. This achievement marks a pivotal moment in China’s robotics landscape, showcasing advancements in endurance, autonomy, and real-world application.

In parallel, Shenzhen-based UBTech Robotics has secured a $37 million contract to deploy its humanoid robots, known as “Walker S2,” at border crossings. These robots will assist travelers, manage crowds, and support public safety operations, signaling a significant expansion of humanoid robotics beyond industrial settings. The contract is expected to begin delivering robots in December 2025, making this one of the largest public service deployments of humanoid robots in the world.

Together, these milestones demonstrate how China is leveraging its technological advancements to lead the way in humanoid robotics, offering a glimpse of how these robots could integrate into various sectors of society.

Breaking Records and Showcasing Endurance

The AgiBot A2’s three-day walk from Suzhou to Shanghai was not just a publicity stunt—it was a true test of endurance, navigation, and mechanical resilience. The humanoid robot covered 66 miles without major technical failure, showcasing improvements in battery efficiency, autonomous decision-making, and balance. This record-breaking journey, which was confirmed by Guinness World Records, offers a clear indication of the robot’s ability to perform long-duration tasks in real-world environments.

While some might argue that humanoid robots are impractical compared to specialized machines, AgiBot A2’s success demonstrates that humanoid robots can, in fact, handle sustained, real-world tasks. This achievement has sparked curiosity about the potential of humanoid robots to be used in applications such as logistics, disaster response, and public service.

The media attention surrounding this record is also significant, with outlets like CBS News noting how the event resonated with the public. In a country like China, where technological advancements often carry symbolic weight, the successful completion of this trek has helped solidify the belief that humanoid robots are ready to take on more practical roles.

Humanoid Robots Expanding Into Public Services

While record-breaking feats like AgiBot A2’s walk grab headlines, the true test for humanoid robots lies in their deployment for real-world, practical use. UBTech’s Walker S2 robots are being prepared for deployment at border crossings, where they will help manage crowds, guide travelers, and support security operations. This initiative reflects confidence in humanoid robots’ ability to navigate unpredictable, high-traffic environments.

China’s Humanoid Robots Set World Records, Expand Nationwide

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The $37 million contract secured by UBTech is one of the largest of its kind, with the robots expected to start operating at border crossings in Guangxi province, located at China’s border with Vietnam. These humanoid robots will be tasked with guiding travelers through customs, helping manage queues, and supporting border staff with inspections. This deployment is set to begin in December 2025, marking a significant expansion into public service applications for humanoid robots.

In addition to their border-crossing duties, Walker S2 robots are also being tested in factory environments, where they will patrol and monitor operations. These trials aim to assess how humanoid robots perform alongside human workers in complex, dynamic settings. As humanoid robots move beyond factory floors and into public spaces, they are poised to play an important role in managing public services and large-scale operations.

Humanoid Robots Move into Mass Production

China’s humanoid robot industry is entering a new phase of mass production, with companies like Unitree and AgiBot planning to manufacture thousands of units in 2025. Analysts predict that China will produce over half of the world’s humanoid robots by the end of the year, with more than 10,000 units expected to be sold globally. The domestic market for humanoid robots in China is forecast to reach 4.5 billion yuan (approximately US$616 million), while global sales are expected to generate 8.24 billion yuan (US$1.14 billion).

This surge in production reflects both technological progress and increasing market demand. Humanoid robots, once confined to research and development settings, are now being positioned as commercial products with applications in logistics, public safety, and customer service. By scaling production, companies aim to lower costs and make humanoid robots more accessible to industries beyond the tech sector.

Reports highlight the importance of mass production in transitioning humanoid robots from experimental tools to mainstream products. However, challenges remain in ensuring reliability and safety as production scales up, particularly as humanoid robots move into public service roles. Despite these hurdles, the rapid expansion of humanoid robots in China demonstrates the country’s growing influence in the global robotics market.

Humanoid Robots in Daily Life: Shaping New Norms

As humanoid robots become more integrated into public services, they are also shaping societal attitudes toward technology. The AgiBot A2’s record-breaking walk was not just a technological milestone; it was also a symbolic event that sparked conversations about progress, endurance, and the potential for robots to play a larger role in society. These events highlight the growing interest in how robots might seamlessly integrate into daily life.

In real-world settings, humanoid robots are being introduced as assistants rather than replacements for human workers. At border crossings, they are expected to help guide travelers, reduce congestion, and provide information. In factories, they will patrol and monitor operations, ensuring safety and efficiency without taking on the heavy labor typically reserved for machines. This framing positions humanoid robots as collaborators, aligning with broader goals of creating more efficient, human-friendly environments.

As humanoid robots expand into more sectors, the conversation will shift from “whether” robots can perform certain tasks to “how” they will fit into daily routines. The successful deployment of robots in public services is sparking a global dialogue on the role of humanoid robots in future societies.

The Future of Humanoid Robots in Society

The rapid expansion of humanoid robots in China raises important questions about their future role in public spaces. Will humanoid robots become a common sight in airports, border crossings, and factories? How will industries adapt to the integration of humanoid robots, and what new roles might emerge as these machines gain more capabilities?

Technological milestones like AgiBot A2’s world record walk and UBTech’s border-crossing deployment show that humanoid robots are ready for broader integration into various sectors. However, challenges remain in ensuring the safety, reliability, and public acceptance of these robots. Success will depend on how well innovation can be balanced with trust, making humanoid robots both functional and widely accepted by society.

Ultimately, China’s efforts in humanoid robotics represent a significant step toward defining the future of embodied AI. As the country continues to break records and expand its humanoid robot initiatives, it is setting the stage for a future where robots are integral parts of everyday life. The next few years will reveal whether humanoid robots will become a familiar part of daily operations or remain a symbol of technological ambition.

National Park Fees Set to Triple for Non-Residents in 2026

Kivo Daily Staff 2 on November 26, 2025

Starting January 1, 2026, the United States will implement a significant change to its national park fee structure. Non-residents visiting some of the country’s most iconic parks will see entry fees triple, rising to $100 per person at select destinations. Annual passes for international visitors will also increase from $80 to $250, marking the largest fee adjustment in decades.

This new fee policy aims to prioritize affordability for U.S. citizens and permanent residents, whose annual pass will remain at $80. In addition, Americans will continue to benefit from resident-only free days, ensuring that access to these public lands remains equitable for those who already contribute to the park system through taxes. The adjustments reflect how the National Park Service (NPS) is balancing accessibility with financial sustainability.

For international visitors, this change has sparked conversation about the future of tourism in U.S. parks. While the fee hike may deter some, others see it as part of the broader trend of premium pricing for sought-after destinations. The decision highlights how national parks are adapting to rising operational costs and evolving visitor expectations.

Key Details of the National Park Fee Changes

The fee increase will affect 11 of the most popular national parks, including Yosemite, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and Zion. These destinations attract millions of visitors annually, making them focal points for the new policy. The $100 per-person entry fee is in addition to standard vehicle or per-person charges, creating a layered cost structure for non-residents.

Annual passes for international visitors will rise sharply to $250, compared to the unchanged $80 pass for U.S. residents. This distinction reflects the National Park Service’s effort to maintain affordability for Americans while generating additional revenue from international tourism. Officials have emphasized that these funds will support park maintenance, staffing, and conservation projects.

National Park Fees Set to Triple for Non-Residents in 2026

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Resident-only free days will continue, offering U.S. citizens opportunities to visit parks without paying entry fees. International visitors, however, will be excluded from these free access days. This change underscores the emphasis on ensuring that U.S. taxpayers retain unique benefits tied to their contributions to the park system.

Why the National Park Fees Are Changing

The U.S. Department of the Interior has explained that these fee changes are necessary to address budget pressures and rising operational costs. National parks face numerous challenges, including maintaining aging infrastructure, staffing shortages, and ongoing conservation efforts. Additional revenue from fee hikes is seen as essential to ensuring that these services continue and that the parks remain accessible to future generations.

Another key reason for the new policy is fairness. U.S. taxpayers already contribute to the upkeep of national parks, and the new pricing structure ensures that they continue to enjoy affordable access. International visitors, who do not directly contribute to park funding, will now pay higher fees that reflect the true cost of maintaining these iconic destinations.

This policy also reflects broader trends in tourism management. As demand for high-traffic destinations increases, governments worldwide are adopting tiered pricing models to balance accessibility with sustainability. The U.S. decision aligns with this global shift, positioning national parks as both treasured sites and managed resources.

Impact of the Fee Changes on Visitors and Tourism

For international visitors, the fee hike represents a substantial increase in the cost of visiting U.S. national parks. Families planning trips to destinations like Yellowstone or Yosemite may face hundreds of dollars in additional expenses. While some may reconsider their plans, others may still prioritize these bucket-list experiences despite the higher costs.

Tourism experts suggest that demand for U.S. national parks will remain strong, given their global appeal. However, the fee increase could lead to shifts in visitor demographics, with more affluent travelers dominating international tourism. This change may also encourage tourists to explore lesser-known parks with lower fees, redistributing tourism across the national park system.

For Americans, the impact is minimal. With fees unchanged and resident-only free days preserved, domestic visitors will continue to enjoy affordable access to national parks. The distinction between resident and non-resident pricing highlights how the policy is designed to protect accessibility for U.S. citizens while generating additional revenue from international tourism.

What These National Park Fee Changes Mean

The fee changes mark a significant turning point in how the United States manages its national parks. By introducing higher costs for non-residents, the system is adapting to financial realities while preserving affordability for U.S. citizens. The policy reflects a broader conversation about how public resources are funded and accessed in the global tourism economy.

For the National Park Service, the additional revenue will support critical needs such as infrastructure repairs, staff recruitment, and conservation initiatives. Officials hope that the changes will ensure the long-term sustainability of the park system, allowing it to continue welcoming millions of visitors each year. The challenge will be to balance financial goals with the mission of accessibility for all.

Ultimately, the fee increases highlight the evolving role of national parks in American culture and global tourism. They remain symbols of natural beauty and heritage, but their management now requires careful consideration of both economics and equity. The 2026 fee adjustments signal how the U.S. is navigating these complexities while maintaining the integrity of its national park system.

Stephanie Selby Photography: Charleston’s Premier Portrait Studio Redefining Luxury Photography

Kivo Daily Staff on November 26, 2025

By: Photographers Advantage

Located in Mount Pleasant just minutes from downtown Charleston, Stephanie Selby Photography is redefining what luxury portraiture looks and feels like. With over 6 years of experience and more than 200 five-star reviews, the studio has become one of the most respected names in the Lowcountry for elevated, emotionally rich photography. Known for its signature blend of warmth, editorial artistry, and impeccable attention to detail, the studio creates portraits that feel both timeless and deeply personal.

From polished branding portraits and professional headshots to empowering boudoir sessions, elegant family photography, and high-end senior photoshoots, each experience is elevated through a concierge-inspired approach. Clients are guided through every step with care, making the process effortless and allowing them to feel confident in front of the camera. This combination of technical excellence and meaningful connection is what has positioned Stephanie Selby Photography as one of Charleston’s leading luxury portrait studios.

A Custom Tailored Photography Experience Rooted in Storytelling

Every portrait experience begins with an in-depth design consultation where the team learns who you are, what matters to you, and the style of portraits that will best reflect your story. Whether photographed in the bright, curated Mount Pleasant studio or at one of Charleston’s iconic outdoor locations, every detail is intentionally crafted to match the aesthetic and emotion you want your portraits to convey.

Clients enjoy professional hair and makeup, wardrobe styling recommendations, and a curated selection of fine art products designed to showcase their portraits beautifully. Whether booking a milestone session, a branding photoshoot, or a family portrait experience, the studio’s signature approach ensures an elevated, magazine-quality result that feels completely personal.

Branding Portraits and Professional Headshots That Elevate Your Online Presence

Stephanie Selby Photography: Charleston’s Premier Portrait Studio Redefining Luxury Photography

Photo Courtesy: Stephanie Selby Photography

In today’s digital world, your image is often the first introduction to clients, employers, and collaborators. Stephanie Selby Photography helps Charleston professionals create a powerful visual presence through branding portraits and professional headshots that blend polish with personality. These portraits communicate confidence, credibility, and authenticity in a single glance.

Designed for entrepreneurs, executives, real estate professionals, creatives, and small business owners, each session is intentionally crafted to align with your brand. Whether photographed in the Mount Pleasant studio or on location throughout Charleston, these portraits help clients stand out online and build a cohesive, elevated visual identity.

Corporate Team Photography for Charleston Businesses

For companies needing a unified, professional look across their team, the studio also offers streamlined corporate group headshots. Businesses can choose in-studio or on-site sessions, allowing teams to update their images with consistency and convenience. The result is a polished, cohesive set of portraits perfect for websites, LinkedIn, and marketing materials.

Explore the studio’s portfolio to see how elevated branding photography is helping Charleston professionals and businesses strengthen their digital presence.

Senior Portraits That Capture Personality and Milestones

Senior portraits at Stephanie Selby Photography are crafted to celebrate both accomplishment and individuality. Each session balances playful energy with editorial artistry, giving graduates portraits that feel modern, confident, and uniquely theirs.

Sessions can take place in the Mount Pleasant studio, along Charleston’s beautiful beaches, or in iconic downtown locations filled with color and charm. Whether a senior prefers bold editorial flair or classic, timeless imagery, the experience is centered around highlighting who they are and the moment they are stepping into. The result is a collection of portraits that families cherish long after graduation day.

Family Portraits Filled With Emotion and Connection

Photo Courtesy: Stephanie Selby Photography

Families trust Stephanie Selby Photography for the ability to create images that feel authentic, heartfelt, and expressive. With years of experience photographing families across Charleston, the team brings a calm and warm presence to every session, helping clients feel relaxed and connected.

Whether capturing maternity portraits, couples sessions, or full family gatherings, the approach is always centered around storytelling. Sessions can be photographed in the studio or outdoors using Charleston’s scenic streets, beaches, and parks. The outcome is a collection of portraits that beautifully preserve the bond and emotion within your family.

Family Beach Photoshoots Along Charleston’s Coastline

For families who want portraits that feel natural, vibrant, and full of movement, Stephanie Selby Photography offers family beach photoshoot sessions at some of Charleston’s most iconic coastal locations. Popular destinations include Folly Beach, Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms, and the shores of Kaiwah Island, each offering a different backdrop of soft dunes, pastel sunsets, and sweeping ocean views. Beach sessions are especially loved by families with children, since the open space allows for playful moments that translate into candid, heartfelt images. These coastal settings create artwork that feels relaxed, timeless, and uniquely Lowcountry.

Beauty, Boudoir & Glamour Photography That Celebrates Strength

The studio’s beauty, boudoir, and glamour sessions are designed to create artwork that feels powerful, elegant, and deeply feminine. Clients are pampered with professional hair and makeup, guided posing, and lighting that enhances every feature. Whether choosing soft glamour or a bold, editorial-inspired look, each session is shaped around confidence and self-expression.

From striking black-and-white portraits to luminous, modern editorial images, Stephanie’s artistic direction helps clients see their strength and beauty with renewed appreciation. These sessions are more than photos. They are experiences that remind women of their worth and individuality.

Charleston’s Beauty as a Natural Backdrop

Few cities offer the visual richness of Charleston. Stephanie Selby Photography offers on-location sessions in some of the region’s most picturesque settings, such as the historic streets of downtown Charleston, the colorful charm of Rainbow Row, the marshes of Mount Pleasant, and the shores of Isle of Palms or Sullivan’s Island.

Each backdrop is chosen with intention based on the desired aesthetic, whether coastal, historic, modern, or romantic. Combined with Charleston’s golden light, the result is an elevated portrait experience that blends artistic storytelling with the city’s natural beauty.

Luxury Artwork Designed to Last a Lifetime

Stephanie Selby Photography believes your images deserve to live beyond the digital world. The studio offers an exclusive collection of heirloom artwork, including handcrafted albums, fine art prints, custom wall portraits, and museum-grade products that are designed to last for generations.

Clients can select pieces that complement their home’s decor, creating meaningful, lasting displays of their portraits. With white glove service and optional professional installation, the entire process is seamless and designed with care.

A Trusted Photography Studio in the Lowcountry

With features in NY Weekly, Charleston Women Magazine, Mount Pleasant Magazine, and now Kivo Daily, Stephanie Selby Photography continues to set the standard for luxury portraiture in the Charleston area. The studio’s exceptional reputation is rooted in its consistent five-star reviews, client referrals, and a level of care that extends far beyond the photos themselves.

What Clients Are Saying

Clients describe the experience as uplifting, empowering, effortless, and unforgettable. Many share that they felt instantly comfortable, even if it was their first time in front of a professional camera. From the pampering of hair and makeup to the final reveal of breathtaking portraits, clients consistently express how meaningful and transformative their session felt.

With more than 200 five-star reviews, the Charleston community’s confidence in Stephanie Selby Photography is clear. The studio delivers more than portraits. It delivers a luxury experience that clients remember for a lifetime.

Book Your Luxury Portrait Experience

Whether you are ready for high-end branding portraits, an empowering boudoir session, a senior photoshoot filled with personality, or family portraits rich with connection, Stephanie Selby Photography offers an unmatched combination of artistry and care.

Visit the Stephanie Selby Photography website to schedule your Charleston portrait experience with one of the Lowcountry’s leading luxury photographers.

Day: November 26, 2025

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