从90%依赖进口到市场半壁江山，一颗“关节”如何撬动国产机器人崛起？

Core Insights - The production of industrial robots in China reached 148,000 units in Q1 2024, marking a year-on-year increase of 26%, indicating a significant penetration of robots in various sectors such as automotive, electronics, and metal processing [1] - For the first time, domestic robot manufacturers have surpassed 50% market share, overtaking foreign companies, signifying China's transition from a "follower" to a "runner" in the robotics industry [1] - The RV reducer, a critical component in robotic arms, which was previously dominated by Japanese firms, is now pivotal for China's high-quality manufacturing development [1] Policy Guidance - The RV reducer is essential in industrial robots, bearing over 70% of the motion load, and has been historically monopolized by Japanese companies [2] - Prior to 2015, the procurement cost of a domestic RV reducer was tens of thousands of yuan, accounting for about 35% of the total cost of a robot, allowing foreign companies to capture most of the profits [2] - The Chinese government has initiated systematic efforts to overcome the technological barriers of RV reducers, prioritizing core component localization in the "Made in China 2025" initiative and the "14th Five-Year Plan" for robotics [2][4] Industry Chain Resonance - The push for RV reducer localization is not only a response to national strategy and market demand but also relies on the dedication of companies willing to tackle tough challenges [4] - The RV reducer's development has catalyzed the localization of upstream materials and precision manufacturing capabilities, significantly reducing overall costs and enhancing the safety of the domestic robot supply chain [5] - Companies like Huandong Technology have made significant advancements in precision processing technology for RV reducers, collaborating with domestic suppliers and universities to improve manufacturing processes [5] Market Validation - The market share of domestic RV reducers has been rapidly increasing, with Huandong Technology's share rising from 10.11% in 2021 to 24.98% in 2024, while the share of Nabtesco has decreased from 51.77% to 33.79% [8] - The choice of domestic products is driven not only by a 30% lower price but also by faster service response and higher flexibility in product customization [9] Future Outlook - The success of RV reducers illustrates a broader narrative of China's journey from dependency on imports to achieving self-sufficiency and participating in global competition [14] - The advancements in RV reducers are expected to drive further innovations in the robotics sector, with a focus on embodied intelligence and human-machine collaboration [15]