Tesla CEO Elon Musk has announced plans to begin limited production of humanoid robots by 2025. Meanwhile, Chinese company Unitree Robotics has already listed its humanoid robots on JD.com, sparking widespread debate about the commercialization of humanoid robots.
However, according to various players in the robotics supply chain, the consensus is that the widespread adoption of humanoid robots in the industry is still some way off. Leading robotics companies suggest that, for now, the market for collaborative robots (cobots) may be more promising.
Japanese robotics giant Fanuc made its debut at the "2024 Taiwan Automation Intelligence and Robot Show" (TAIROS) by showcasing 20 robotic arms, half of which are cobots. This marks the largest display of its kind, underscoring Fanuc's dominance in the global market.
Currently, the competition in the humanoid robot industry is most intense between the U.S. and China, with Japan seemingly less involved. However, Fanuc's strategy for the 2024 exhibition indicates a focus on another potential market.
Fanuc has long been a leader in the industrial robot market. Despite the buzz around humanoid robots as the next big thing, Fanuc has stated that it will not be developing humanoid robots at this time.
According to Ivan Chen, Manager of Fanuc Taiwan's Robotics Division, the technical leap from traditional robotic arms to dual-arm and bipedal robots is significant and fraught with safety concerns. He believes it is challenging to make this transition quickly.
Fanuc sees more immediate potential in the cobot market. Cobots have already proven their safety and practicality in human-robot collaboration. In a broader sense, cobots could be considered the most suitable transitional product from traditional industrial robots to humanoid robots.
Fanuc's large-scale debut of cobots in 2024, all in new green livery, contrasts with its traditionally yellow heavy-duty robots. This shift indicates where the mainstream market demand is heading.
HIWIN, a major manufacturer of transmission components, has long invested in the development of harmonic reducers and is seen as a beneficiary of the AI robotics boom.
HIWIN Chairman Wen Heng Cho recently stated that achieving the intelligence and fine motor skills of humans in humanoid robots will take more time. Currently, non-humanoid AI robots are more in demand, especially customized robots for specific industrial applications.
HIWIN can independently develop key components for robots, such as reducers, cross-roller bearings, servo motors, and drivers. They offer both complete systems and customized solutions based on customer needs.
In the robotics market, HIWIN can develop multi-axis robots or joint modules tailored to end-user requirements. Cho noted that various industries might need specialized robots, such as those for welding or logistics. He also revealed that a Spanish company has approached HIWIN to develop robots for grape harvesting.
In addition to existing medical and wafer-handling robots, HIWIN plans to focus on specialized industrial robots, expecting to showcase new achievements soon. Although robots currently account for less than 10% of HIWIN's total revenue, the contribution is expected to grow with the addition of specialized industrial robots.
Recently, Hota Industrial Mfg. Co. has reportedly entered Tesla's robot supply chain. Its subsidiary, Main Drive, is one of the few domestic suppliers of reducers, and its value has surged accordingly.
Main Drive's General Manager Chuck Chen noted that in 2023, the industry knew little about humanoid robots. However, within just a year, interest has surged, primarily due to breakthroughs in AI technology.
While the price of humanoid robots has not yet reached a sweet spot, and progress may not be as rapid as Elon Musk suggests, Chen remains optimistic that the wait won't be too long, given the pace of AI advancements.
