东吴证券：轻量化成为人形机器人迭代核心 镁合金与PEEK材料迎机遇

Core Insights - Lightweight design is becoming a core direction for humanoid robot iteration, significantly enhancing endurance and dynamic response speed through structural optimization and the use of lightweight materials like magnesium alloy, carbon fiber, and PEEK [1] Group 1: Importance of Lightweight Design - Lightweight design aims to reduce the weight of humanoid robots while meeting functional and performance requirements, allowing for longer endurance and higher dynamic response speed [1] - Leading humanoid robot manufacturers are focusing on lightweight as a core aspect of their product iterations, utilizing self-developed high-torque density motors, topological optimization structures, and composite materials [1] - Current lightweight materials include aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy, carbon fiber, and high-performance engineering plastics like PEEK, with a future trend towards multi-material collaborative applications [1] Group 2: Magnesium Alloy Insights - Magnesium alloy has a density of only two-thirds that of aluminum alloy, showcasing advantages in specific strength, shock absorption, electromagnetic shielding, and processing performance [2] - The industrialization of magnesium alloy has been previously hindered by high costs, complex forming processes, and corrosion resistance issues, but recent improvements in price and processing have boosted its penetration rate [2] - The price of magnesium has decreased, with the magnesium-aluminum price ratio dropping to nearly 1.0, alleviating price pressures [2] - Advances in semi-solid magnesium alloy die-casting technology have improved safety and performance, with leading companies investing in this technology for various applications, including industrial robots [2] Group 3: PEEK Material Characteristics - PEEK exhibits excellent mechanical properties, flame resistance, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, hydrolysis resistance, heat resistance, and biocompatibility, outperforming metal materials [3] - The high cost of PEEK is a barrier to large-scale use, primarily due to complex production processes and limited supply of core raw materials [3] - The application of PEEK in humanoid robots is expected to open new scenarios, with potential for cost reduction as demand increases [3]