Ⅰ） Re examination of the strategic value of aluminum materials in humanoid robots
1.1 Paradigm breakthrough in balancing lightweight and performance
Aluminum alloy, with a density of 2.63-2.85g/cm ³ (only one-third of steel) and a specific strength close to high alloy steel, has become the core material for lightweight humanoid robots. Typical cases show:
The Zhongqing SE01 is made of aviation grade aluminum alloy and can achieve front flip under a total weight of 55kg. The maximum torque of the core joint reaches 330 N · m;
The Yushu G1 adopts an aluminum+carbon fiber composite structure, with a total weight of only 47kg, a load of 20kg, and a range of 4 hours. The hip joint torque reaches 220N · m.
This lightweight design not only reduces energy consumption, but also significantly improves motion flexibility and load capacity.
1.2 Collaborative evolution of processing technology and complex structures
Aluminum alloy supports various processes such as casting, forging, and extrusion, and can be used to manufacture complex components such as joints and shells. The joint motor housing of Yushu Robot is made of high-precision aluminum alloy, achieving micrometer level machining accuracy. Combined with topology optimization technology (such as the foot/joint reinforcement design of Zhongqing SE01), the material life can exceed 10 years, adapting to the high-strength requirements of industrial scenarios.
1.3 Multidimensional Empowerment of Functional Features
Thermal conductivity: A thermal conductivity of 200W/m · K effectively ensures the stable operation of the main control chip;
Corrosion resistance: The surface oxide layer makes it excellent in humid, acidic and alkaline environments;
Electromagnetic compatibility: Aluminum magnesium alloys exhibit unique advantages in complex electromagnetic environments.
Ⅱ） Quantitative analysis of market size and growth momentum
2.1 Prediction of the critical point of demand explosion
Short term: As the “first year of mass production” in 2025, it is expected that the global shipment volume will reach 30000 units (conservative estimate), driving aluminum demand by about 0.2%;
Long term: By 2035, the annual production of humanoid robots may reach 10 million units, and the demand for aluminum is expected to reach 1.13 million tons per year (CAGR 78.7%).
2.2 Deep Deconstruction of Cost Competitive Advantage
Economy: The cost of aluminum alloy is only 1/5-1/3 of that of carbon fiber, making it suitable for large-scale production;
Magnesium aluminum substitution logic: The current price ratio of magnesium aluminum is 1.01, but the increased cost of magnesium surface treatment weakens its cost-effectiveness advantage. Aluminum alloys still have significant advantages in large-scale production and supply chain maturity.
Ⅲ） Sharp insights into technological challenges and breakthrough directions
3.1 Inter generational iteration of material properties
Semi solid aluminum alloy: research and development to enhance strength and toughness, adapting to complex structural requirements;
Composite applications: aluminum+carbon fiber (Yushu H1), aluminum+PEEK (joint components) and other solutions balance performance and cost.
3.2 Extreme exploration of cost control
Scale effect: Mass production of aluminum materials reduces costs, but requires breakthroughs in surface treatment processes for magnesium aluminum alloys;
Alternative material comparison: PEEK material has a specific strength 8 times that of aluminum, but it is expensive and only suitable for key components such as joints.
Ⅳ） Essentials of Application Opportunities in Core Races
4.1 Industrial Robots and Collaborative Robots
•Material requirements: Lightweight+High strength (joints/transmission system/shell)
•Competitive advantage: Aluminum alloy replaces traditional steel, reduces weight by more than 30%, and increases fatigue life by 2 times
•Market space: By 2025, the global robot market will exceed $50 billion, and the penetration rate of high-strength aluminum will increase by 8-10% annually
4.2 Low altitude economy (unmanned aerial vehicles/eVTOL)
• Performance matching: 6N grade ultra-high purity aluminum achieves dual breakthroughs in strength and purity, reducing the weight of brackets/keels by 40%
•Policy leverage: Trillion level low altitude economic track, with a target of 70% localization rate of materials
• Growth trigger point: Expansion of pilot cities for urban air traffic to 15
4.3 Commercial Aerospace Manufacturing
• Technical card position: 2-series aluminum alloy has passed aerospace certification, and the strength of the ring forging reaches 700MPa
•Supply chain opportunities: Private rocket launch frequency increases by 45% annually, and the localization of core materials accelerates substitution
•Strategic Value: Selected from the qualified supplier list of multiple leading aerospace companies
4.4 Domestic Large Aircraft Industry Chain
• Alternative breakthrough: 6N grade aluminum material has passed C919 airworthiness certification, replacing 45% of imports
• Demand estimation: Thousands of aircraft fleet+wide body aircraft research and development, with an annual increase of over 20% in demand for high-end aluminum materials
•Strategic positioning: Key components such as the body/rivets achieve full chain autonomous controllability
Ⅴ） Disruptive predictions of future trends and application scenarios
5.1 Deep penetration in application fields
Industrial manufacturing: Tesla Optimus plans to produce in small batches by 2025, using 7 series aluminum alloy for factory battery sorting;
Service/Medical: The integration of electronic skin and flexible sensors drives the upgrade of human-computer interaction, and the demand for aluminum as a structural component is growing synchronously.
5.2 Cross border innovation of technology integration
Material compounding: Balancing performance and cost with schemes such as aluminum+carbon fiber and aluminum+PEEK;
Process upgrade: Precision die-casting technology improves component integration, and Merisin has partnered with Tesla and Xiaomi to develop robot die-casting parts.
Ⅵ） Conclusion: Irreplaceability and Investment Opportunities of Aluminum Materials
6.1 Strategic Value Repositioning
Aluminum has become an inevitable choice for the core structural material of humanoid robots due to its lightweight, high strength, easy processing, and cost advantages. With technological iteration and demand explosion, aluminum suppliers (such as Mingtai Aluminum and Nanshan Aluminum) and robotics companies with material research and development capabilities (such as Yushu Technology) will usher in significant development opportunities.
6.2 Investment Direction and Forward looking Suggestions
Short term: Focus on investment opportunities brought by upgrading aluminum processing technology (such as semi-solid aluminum alloy research and development), large-scale production, and industrial chain integration;
Long term: Developing robot companies with material research and development capabilities, as well as potential dividends brought by breakthroughs in magnesium aluminum alloy surface treatment processes.
Ⅶ） Sharp Point of View: Aluminum Hegemony in Industrial Gaming
In the wave of lightweight revolution, aluminum is no longer just a material choice, but also a symbol of industrial discourse power. With the maturity and accelerated commercialization of humanoid robot technology, the game between aluminum suppliers and robot manufacturers will determine the evolution of the industry landscape. In this game, companies with deep technological reserves and strong supply chain integration capabilities will dominate, while companies with weak cost control capabilities and lagging technological iterations may be marginalized. Investors need to grasp the pulse of industrial transformation and lay out leading enterprises with core competitiveness in order to share the dividends of the lightweight revolution.
Post time: Mar-28-2025