Actuators: The Crucial Components Driving the Humanoid Robot Revolution

Daily Technology

20/02/2026

The race to develop advanced humanoid robots has intensified, with actuators emerging as the critical battleground. These sophisticated components, responsible for a robot's movement precision, force, speed, and balance, are now attracting significant investment from major Korean conglomerates. Previously the domain of smaller firms, actuators are becoming a key differentiator in the quest for more capable and lifelike robots.

Key Takeaways

Actuators, the "joints" of humanoid robots, are central to their functionality and represent a significant portion of manufacturing costs.
Major Korean companies like LG Electronics, Hyundai Mobis, and Samsung Electro-Mechanics are aggressively entering the actuator market.
The global market for humanoid robot actuators is experiencing explosive growth, driven by increasing demand and potential supply chain realignments.

The Heart of Robot Movement

Actuators are complex assemblies that integrate motors, reducers, controllers, and sensors. They dictate precisely how a robot can move, from walking and grasping objects to maintaining stability. The sophistication and number of actuators directly impact a robot's capabilities. For instance, Tesla's Optimus robot utilizes 28 actuators, with future iterations expected to nearly double that number to over 50, highlighting the increasing complexity required for advanced humanoid robots.

Conglomerates Accelerate Entry into Actuator Production

Korean industrial giants are making significant moves to establish a strong presence in the actuator sector. LG Electronics, following the unveiling of its Cloid robot at CES 2026, has launched a new robotics actuator brand, Axiom, with products slated for release next year. The company aims to supply actuators for its own robots and secure external orders, leveraging its extensive experience in motor design and mass production.

Hyundai Mobis has already secured a contract to supply actuators for Boston Dynamics' Atlas robot, with mass production of 30,000 units planned for 2028. This move capitalizes on Hyundai's manufacturing prowess and quality control capabilities. Samsung Electro-Mechanics is also expanding its reach by investing in Alva Industries, a Norwegian manufacturer of high-performance electric motors, building on its expertise in precision component manufacturing.

High Margins and Rapid Market Growth

The actuator market presents a compelling combination of high profitability and rapid expansion. Actuators can account for 30% to 50% of a humanoid robot's material costs, with some estimates placing this figure closer to 60%. The global demand for humanoid robot actuators is projected to skyrocket from $150 million in 2024 to $9.86 billion by 2031, indicating an impressive average annual growth rate of 80%.

Supply Chain Realignment Reshapes Competition

Geopolitical factors are also influencing the actuator landscape. Potential U.S. regulations aimed at reducing reliance on Chinese components could create new opportunities for Korean firms. As demand surges and companies seek diversified supply chains, the need for multiple, reliable suppliers is becoming paramount. However, challenges remain, including the relatively low localization rates for robot components in Korea. Many current prototypes, including those from Hyundai and LG, still rely on foreign-made actuators. Leading global players in the actuator market include Harmonic Drive Systems and Nabtesco from Japan, Maxon of Switzerland, and Wittenstein of Germany. To foster domestic growth, Korean actuator companies must enhance their competitiveness and strengthen collaborations with robot manufacturers.

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