[Edaily Reporter Kim Hyun-ah ] A forecast indicates that U.S. production of humanoid robots will reach up to 400,000 units by 2030 and 1.5 million units by 2035. Analysts predict that as the humanoid robot industry moves beyond technology demonstrations into the commercialization phase—where robots are actually deployed in manufacturing and logistics settings—key component suppliers will reap the benefits of this growth before finished product manufacturers. South Korean robotics company ROBOTIS has also been named as a promising component supplier.

According to Reuters on the 13th (local time), global investment bank JPMorgan projected in a report released on the 12th that U.S. humanoid robot production would reach 300,000 to 400,000 units by 2030 and approximately 1.5 million units by 2035. The report analyzed that labor shortages, economic recovery, and expanded production capacity would drive companies to adopt robots.

ROBOTIS Cited as a Promising Global Component Supplier

J.P. Morgan predicted that early growth opportunities in the humanoid robot market would be concentrated among key component manufacturers rather than finished product manufacturers. The firm projected that the market for key components—such as actuators and motors that move robotic joints, and vision systems that recognize the surrounding environment—would approach $30 billion (approximately 40 trillion won) by 2035.

It identified five companies as promising component suppliers: South Korea’s ROBOTIS(108490), along with the U.S.-based Timken and Cognex, and China’s Leader Drive and Orbbec.

ROBOTIS is a South Korean robotics company specializing in the development of actuators and motor control technologies required for driving robotic joints. Its flagship product, “DYNAMIXEL,” is a drive module that combines a motor, reducer, and controller, and is used to enable precise robotic movements.

Humanoid robots must control multiple joints simultaneously to walk and grasp objects like humans. This is why the performance, durability, and price competitiveness of actuators are key factors in determining the mass production and commercialization of robots.

The fact that JPMorgan cited ROBOTIS as a promising supplier does not imply that a supply contract has been signed with a specific humanoid robot manufacturer or that it is recommending the purchase of its stock.

Adopting robots could save $100,000 annually… Mass production remains a challenge

J.P. Morgan assessed that the humanoid robot industry is shifting from technology demonstrations to the stage of deploying robots in actual industrial settings. Demand is growing to automate repetitive tasks in manufacturing, logistics, and warehouse operations.

Cost-effectiveness is also improving. JPMorgan noted that the operating costs of humanoid robots are approaching those of labor, and estimated that customers deploying robots across multiple shifts could save approximately $100,000 (about 130 million won) annually.

However, technical challenges remain before mass production can be achieved. JPMorgan identified technology for enabling precise movements of robotic hands, the supply of actuators, AI training data and computing resources, and production capacity as key bottlenecks.

The fact that major U.S. humanoid manufacturers, excluding Tesla, have set annual production targets in the range of 10,000 to 30,000 units is also related to these constraints.

U.S. government policy is another variable. As the Trump administration linked imported robots and industrial machinery to national security concerns during its review, there is a possibility that future measures—such as the imposition of tariffs or incentives to expand domestic production—may be introduced.

Currently, major U.S. humanoid manufacturers include Tesla’s “Optimus,” Agility Robotics’ “Digit,” Boston Dynamics’ “Atlas,” Figure AI’s “Figure,” and Aptronic’s “Apollo.”

J.P. Morgan forecasts that, in the short term, key component suppliers will benefit from the expansion of the humanoid market, but in the long term, the focus of value creation will shift to finished product manufacturers and robot platform integrators.

Analysts note that the success of the humanoid industry depends not only on robot performance but also on a stable supply of components, mass production capabilities, and ensuring economic viability in actual industrial settings. While opportunities for domestic component manufacturers to enter the global supply chain may expand, the key challenge will be translating these opportunities into actual orders and revenue growth.