In recent years, the field of humanoid robots has been booming. According to the China High-Tech Industry Research Institute (GGII), it is predicted that by 2025, global sales of humanoid robots will reach 12,400 units, with a market size of 6.339 billion yuan; by 2035, global sales are expected to exceed 5 million units, with a market size exceeding 400 billion yuan. The industrialization process of humanoid robots is accelerating, which is expected to continuously boost the demand for lightweight materials.
PEEK materials, known for their lightweight, high strength, self-lubricating, and high-temperature resistance properties, have become a focal point in the industry chain. As a high-end material among engineering plastics, PEEK’s performance aligns closely with the needs for weight reduction and efficiency enhancement in humanoid robots. In the design of Tesla’s Optimus Gen2, engineers have utilized PEEK materials in various components such as transmission parts, shells, and support structures, achieving the dual goals of lighter weight and higher efficiency. Due to the absolute advantages of PEEK materials in lightweight applications, several listed companies are making significant investments in this area.
Optimus Gen2 Source: Tesla
Wote Co., Ltd.
Founded in 2001, Wote Co., Ltd. has developed into one of the leaders in the new materials field in China after more than 20 years of development and accumulation. As a leading enterprise in the field of specialty polymer materials, its liquid crystal polymer technology is at the global forefront, with production capacity ranking first in the country, successfully achieving domestic substitution. The company has undertaken several major national technology projects and maintains deep cooperation with leading electronic manufacturers such as Samsung, Huawei, and Xiaomi.
In terms of PEEK material layout, Wote Co., Ltd. has achieved full control over the “synthesis-modification-processing” process, becoming one of the companies with the most complete PEEK industrial chain layout in China. It can supply clients in the robotics, semiconductor, and other fields, and is currently collaborating with end customers for product validation. Although the short-term shipment volume in the humanoid robot field is limited, it may become an important growth point for the business in the future.
Chaojie Co., Ltd.
Since its establishment in 2001, Chaojie Co., Ltd. has developed into a leading manufacturer in the automotive fastener industry, with core business covering the R&D, production, and sales of automotive metal and plastic components, providing a range of high-quality, high-strength precision fasteners and special connectors for the automotive industry.
In the field of humanoid robots, the company can provide various fasteners, PEEK material products, sensor bases, and high-precision machining products. It has currently obtained small batch samples and formal small batch orders from some clients, including Zhiyuan Robotics.
Plastic functional parts and fastener products Source: Chaojie Co., Ltd.
Huitong Co., Ltd.
Huitong Co., Ltd. is a national high-tech enterprise and one of the larger new materials companies in China, with a wide customer base. The company’s product business mainly includes modified new materials, specialty engineering materials, environmentally friendly high-performance PCR materials, and multifunctional film materials, which are widely used in various national pillar industries and emerging industries such as automotive, home appliances, new energy, consumer electronics, electronics and electrical, AI, medical, rail transportation, home building materials, and security.
The company has the production capacity for PEEK materials, and related products are continuously being promoted in the market. Currently, the company has developed material solutions for different parts in the robotics field, such as structural components, robotic arms, and joints, through innovative high-rigidity carbon fiber reinforced nylon materials, cost-effective PEEK materials, PC ternary alloy materials, TPE, TPEE, and PPS materials, providing support for product lightweighting, long endurance, and flexibility.
Jinfa Technology
Jinfa Technology, located in Guangzhou Science City, has 64 subsidiaries and has established R&D and production bases in South Asia, North America, and Europe. Jinfa Technology possesses independently developed PEEK polymerization technology, with related modified products mainly applied in various fields such as automotive, electronics, and machinery, with technology levels at the forefront of the industry.
Currently, the company has established a research and development team for humanoid robot materials. Given the proximity of the robotics industry supply chain to the automotive industry, and benefiting from the company’s technological accumulation and cooperation in the automotive sector, the company has engaged in material collaborative development with downstream clients, with some clients already achieving bulk supply of materials. It is expected that the contribution of the robotics industry to the company’s performance will be limited in the short term, but in the long run, humanoid robots are expected to become an important downstream application industry for the company.
Weike Molding Technology
Xiamen Weike Molding Technology Co., Ltd. is a leading domestic and internationally renowned precision injection molding enterprise, achieving integration of mold R&D and manufacturing with plastic part production. The company holds multiple core patents in mold design and injection molding, with clients spanning various industries including automotive, home appliances, electronics, and robotics.
PEEK products Source: Weike Molding Technology
Weike Molding Technology has mastered PEEK mold development and precision processing technology, with technical reserves covering joint components, PEEK lead screws, planetary gearboxes, electronic skin, etc. The company is currently actively expanding into domestic robotics OEMs and first-tier suppliers, promoting the application of existing and reserved products.
References:
Various company websites
Shanghai Securities “PEEK materials are widely applied in various high-end fields, and the PEEK material market is expected to experience rapid growth—Insights on the humanoid robot industry” report
Guangda Securities “Robots catalyze continuously, the industrialization of lightweight materials accelerates”—Basic Chemical Industry Weekly Report”