China bearing industry ushers in new opportunities with the development of humanoid robots
With the continuous advancement of artificial intelligence and automation technologies, humanoid robots are gradually transitioning from conceptual designs to commercial applications. This trend is not only driving technological upgrades across the entire industry chain but also creating new market growth opportunities for critical components. Among them, bearings, as the core elements of connection and transmission, are expected to see sustained demand growth in the coming years.
In humanoid robot systems, joint mechanisms play a pivotal role in enabling flexible movement, and bearings are one of the core components that make this functionality possible. Whether in reducers, motors, or lead screw assemblies, different types of bearings are required to meet structural and performance demands. For instance, harmonic reducers typically incorporate cross roller bearings and flexible bearings; motor sections often employ ball bearings or roller bearings; while in precision structures like dexterous hands, hollow cup motors commonly use miniature ball bearings or sliding bearings.
Taking a humanoid robot product launched by an international company as an example, each unit requires a significant number and variety of bearings. If annual shipments reach the million-unit level in the future, this product line alone could generate an additional bearing market exceeding 3 billion yuan. Furthermore, based on patent analyses of two domestic tech firms, the adoption of linear joint designs in areas like ankles and wrists may further drive demand for sliding bearings.
From a broader market perspective, bearings are fundamental components in numerous high-end equipment, widely used in automotive, aerospace, industrial machinery, and other sectors. Rolling bearings dominate the market due to their low friction and high operational efficiency, while sliding bearings excel in specific scenarios with their superior load-bearing capacity. According to authoritative forecasts, the global bearing market is expected to maintain steady growth, surpassing $240 billion by 2030.
As one of the world's leading bearing producers, China has seen rapid industry development in recent years. In 2023, domestic bearing output exceeded 20 billion units, with industry revenue nearing 220 billion yuan. Although the global market remains dominated by a few foreign giants, domestic manufacturers have made continuous strides in R&D and product quality, achieving import substitution in multiple niche markets. Particularly in sectors like new energy and smart manufacturing, the adoption rate of domestic bearings is rising, creating more opportunities for local players to compete in high-end markets.
It is worth noting that bearing manufacturing is complex, involving critical processes such as forging, heat treatment, and grinding. Among these, grinding demands extremely high precision, directly impacting product performance and lifespan. Currently, less than half of China's grinding machines for bearing production are domestically made, with high-end equipment still reliant on imports. Therefore, advancing domestic grinding technology will be a key breakthrough in elevating the entire bearing industry.
In summary, the rise of the humanoid robot industry has opened new possibilities for human-machine interaction and intelligent equipment, while also presenting substantial growth potential for bearings and related manufacturing equipment. Against this backdrop, domestic companies with strong technical expertise and industrial capabilities are well-positioned to achieve higher-quality development by leveraging the import substitution trend.
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