Core Insights - The article emphasizes the rapid growth of humanoid robots, particularly focusing on the significance of rotary joints as a core component that affects both performance and manufacturing costs [1] - The rotary joints are expected to maintain double-digit growth in the coming years due to the booming humanoid robot industry [1] Group 1: Technology Routes of Rotary Joints - The three main technological routes for rotary joints are rigid actuators, elastic actuators, and quasi-direct drive (QDD) actuators [2] - Rigid actuators have played a crucial role in early humanoid robot development due to their high torque output and precision, maintaining a dominant position in the market [4] - Elastic actuators enhance compliance control but face challenges in industrial application due to complex control algorithms and high hardware costs [4][6] Group 2: QDD Actuators - QDD actuators combine the advantages of both rigid and elastic actuators, becoming a mainstream solution for humanoid robot rotary joints [6] - They optimize structural design and control algorithms to reduce manufacturing costs and system complexity while ensuring joint performance [6][7] Group 3: Motors in Rotary Joints - Motors are critical for rotary joints, requiring high torque output, dynamic response, low inertia, and lightweight characteristics [8] - The frameless torque motor has emerged as a popular choice due to its compact design and flexibility, aligning well with high integration needs [8] - Axial flux motors show promise for future applications in humanoid robots due to their high torque density and efficiency [9] Group 4: Gearboxes in Rotary Joints - Gearboxes play a key role in torque output, precision, and lifespan of rotary joints, with harmonic and planetary gearboxes being the primary types used [10] - Harmonic gearboxes are widely used for their compact size and high precision, while planetary gearboxes are favored for their cost-effectiveness and durability [13][15] - Both types of gearboxes complement each other to meet diverse joint requirements [16] Group 5: Sensors in Rotary Joints - Sensors are essential for measuring force/torque information to achieve precise motion control in humanoid robots [17] - Force/torque sensors provide high precision but are costly and require careful installation [19] - Current loop sensors offer a cost-effective alternative with lower precision, suitable for cost-sensitive applications [21] Group 6: Market Competition in Core Components - The market for humanoid robot rotary joints is characterized by intense competition among core components like motors, gearboxes, and sensors [22] - Domestic companies such as Boke, Haozhi, and Weichuang have made significant advancements in frameless torque motors, enhancing domestic competitiveness [24] - The harmonic gearbox market is led by companies like Harmonic Drive and Lide, while the planetary gearbox sector is competitive with domestic players like Zhongdali and Niusidate [27][31] Group 7: Six-Dimensional Force Sensors - Six-dimensional force sensors are increasingly used in various fields, including humanoid robots, where they have become a standard trend [34] - The market for these sensors is expected to grow significantly, with a current average price of around 40,000 RMB for foreign brands and 20,000 RMB for domestic products [34] - The market is concentrated, with leading companies like ATI and Yuli Instruments holding significant market shares [35] Group 8: Future Outlook - The humanoid robot industry is seen as a new direction in industrial automation with substantial growth potential [36] - The demand for key products like motors, controllers, gearboxes, and six-dimensional force sensors is expected to rise as the industry develops [36] - Companies with technological advantages in gearboxes and sensors are likely to benefit from the growth in humanoid robot demand [36]

Core Insights - The global smart sensor market is approximately $52 billion, with an annual growth rate of around 10%. The rise of embodied intelligence, represented by humanoid robots, is expected to drive a surge in the sensor market [1][2]. Sensor Market Overview - Sensors are devices that convert external signals into electrical signals, and they are considered one of the three pillars of modern information technology alongside communication and computing [2]. - The sensor market in China is about 164 billion yuan, with an annual growth rate exceeding 15% [2]. Visual Sensors - Visual sensors are crucial for perceiving and understanding the surrounding world, contributing approximately 70% of sensory information. The market for 3D visual sensors in humanoid robots is projected to reach around 20 billion yuan by 2030 [3]. - Companies to watch include Orbbec, SUTENG, Lingyun Optics, and Opto [3]. Tactile Sensors - Tactile sensors, which simulate skin functions, are increasingly used in dexterous hands and are vital for humanoid robots to perceive their environment. The market for tactile sensors in humanoid robots is expected to reach 10.5 billion yuan by 2030 [4]. - Key players include Hanwei Technology [4]. Force/Torque Sensors - Force/torque sensors are essential for maintaining stable positions and high repeatability in industrial applications. The demand for force sensors in humanoid robots is anticipated to reach 58.5 billion yuan by 2030 [5]. - Companies to consider include Koli Sensor and Donghua Testing [5]. Attitude Sensors - Attitude sensors measure the direction or angular position of objects in three-dimensional space, with MEMS inertial sensors being the mainstream technology. The global MEMS inertial sensor market is expected to exceed 30 billion yuan by 2025 [6]. - Companies to focus on include Huayi Technology [6]. Position Sensors - Position sensors, specifically encoders, are used in robotic joints for motion control. The domestic encoder market is valued at 2-3 billion yuan, with significant potential for growth in the robotics sector [7]. - Notable companies include Inovance Technology, Aopu Optoelectronics, and Leadshine [7].

Core Viewpoint - The humanoid robot industry is expected to enter a mass production phase in 2025, with Tesla being a leading company due to its advanced computing power, chips, models, data, hardware, and application scenarios in automotive manufacturing [1][2]. Industry Trends - The humanoid robot index has significantly outperformed the CSI 300 index since October 2024, indicating strong market interest despite recent adjustments [1]. - The demand for humanoid robots in consumer applications is projected to be substantial, currently in the 0-1 investment phase, necessitating attention to event-driven catalysts [1]. - Major domestic manufacturers have accelerated their entry into the market since 2024, which is expected to further drive industry development [2]. Key Components - **Harmonic Reducers**: High technical barriers and concentrated competition; domestic manufacturers have largely replaced imports, with Green Harmonic being a leading player [3]. - **Planetary Roller Screws**: Currently low domestic production rates; achieving mass production is crucial as domestic firms are positioned to become mainstream suppliers due to conservative approaches from European competitors [4]. - **Dexterous Hands**: Composed of various components with multiple technological routes; domestic companies are gradually gaining market share through localized sales strategies [5]. - **Sensors**: Essential components with the highest difficulty in six-dimensional force sensing; leading global companies are primarily based in Europe and the US, while domestic Kunwei Technology has a significant market presence [6]. - **Lightweight Materials**: Important for enhancing performance and accuracy; various materials such as aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy, PEEK, and TPV are being explored [7].