Six-dimensional force sensors are core components for humanoid robots to achieve precise force control, capable of measuring three force components in three-dimensional space (Fx/Fy/Fz) and three torque components (Mx/My/Mz), widely used in key parts such as robot wrists and ankles, aiding in achieving complex functions like gait balance and fine manipulation. According to data from the High-tech Industry Research Institute (GGII), the shipment volume of six-dimensional force sensors for humanoid robots in China is expected to reach 12,300 units by 2025, a staggering increase of 510.1% year-on-year, with leading company Blue Dot Touch holding over 70% market share. Market forecasts predict a compound annual growth rate of over 60% in sales from 2024 to 2027, with the market size expected to exceed 1.5-2 billion yuan by 2027.
Mainstream products such as Tesla’s Optimus Gen 2, UBTECH’s Walker X, and Zhiyuan’s A2-W are equipped with 4-6 six-dimensional force sensors, with each unit using 4-8 sensors. IDC predicts that the global shipment of humanoid robots may reach 18,000 units by 2025, and exceed one million units by 2030, driving a surge in sensor demand. Currently, the unit price of imported sensors ranges from 20,000 to 100,000 yuan, while domestic mid-to-high-end products range from 10,000 to 50,000 yuan. The application of MEMS technology and silicon strain gauge processes is expected to reduce costs to 2,000 yuan per unit (after mass production), with a reduction of over 90%. The national “14th Five-Year” plan for robot industry development clearly lists sensors as a core technology focus, with over 30 listed companies in the A-share market investing in this field, with capital investment exceeding 2 billion yuan.
Six-dimensional force sensors are a “bottleneck” in the localization of humanoid robots, with the current localization rate being less than 20%. Technological breakthroughs and cost reductions will drive the acceleration of domestic replacements. In terms of design, the selection of elastomer materials (aerospace aluminum/titanium alloy) and strain gauges needs to balance stiffness and sensitivity; in terms of decoupling, complex algorithms are required for six-dimensional force signal separation, with errors needing to be controlled within 0.1%FS; in terms of calibration, the self-developed six-dimensional combined loading equipment has high difficulty, with calibration points increasing exponentially. In terms of short-term mass production capacity, attention can be paid to Haoshi Electromechanical (already shipped) and Donghua Testing (fastest sample delivery) as they are likely to benefit first; in terms of long-term technological breakthroughs, Zhongding Co., Ltd. (automotive-grade cost reduction) and Keli Sensor (multi-sensor collaboration) are noteworthy for their elasticity, etc.