Zheng Quan Zhi Xing·2025-03-26 08:37Core Insights - The article discusses the emerging opportunities and challenges in the robotic tendon market, highlighting the importance of materials in enhancing the performance of robotic hands [1] Technological Evolution - Traditional robotic joints relied on torque springs, which had limitations such as size, response time, and energy consumption. The introduction of tendons, mimicking human muscle mechanisms, significantly improved the lightweight and flexibility of robotic hands [2] - Mainstream tendon materials include high-strength steel wire and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers. High-strength steel wire is known for its load-bearing capacity, while UHMWPE is preferred for lightweight designs due to its low density and high wear resistance [2][3] - Companies like Daye Co. (大业股份) and Jiangsu Jiuzhou Star (江苏九州星际) are key players in the tendon material market, with Daye Co. focusing on steel wire and Jiuzhou Star leading in UHMWPE production [2][4] Industry Chain Landscape - Daye Co. is transitioning into the tendon market with plans to establish a subsidiary for tendon research and development, although their products have not yet been mass-produced [4] - Henghui Security (恒辉安防) is expanding its UHMWPE capacity, with a current production of 3,000 tons and plans for an additional 4,800 tons, although they have not yet secured orders for robotic applications [5] - Tongyi Zhong (同益中) has a near-full capacity of 8,000 tons of UHMWPE and is positioned to respond quickly to customized demands despite not having direct orders from robot manufacturers [7] - Nanshan Zhishang (南山智尚) has a production capacity of 3,600 tons and is in discussions with multiple robot manufacturers, with their products meeting basic requirements for robotic applications [8] Market Outlook - The cost of tendons represents about 10% of the total cost of robotic hands, with UHMWPE being significantly cheaper than steel wire, potentially accelerating the replacement of traditional materials [9] - The demand for tendon materials is expected to grow exponentially as humanoid robots become more prevalent, with UHMWPE also applicable in various other robotic components [9] - Current tendon business contributions to company revenues are minimal, with most companies still in the research and testing phase [9] Conclusion - The competition in the robotic tendon market is fundamentally about material innovation and industry chain collaboration, with UHMWPE likely to become mainstream while high-strength steel wire remains irreplaceable in specific scenarios [10] - Key factors for investors to monitor include technological breakthroughs, production capacity expansions, and order validations from leading manufacturers like Tesla [10]