TBI Motion Technology is betting on humanoid robots to offset declining revenue as geopolitical tensions threaten its China business, which accounts for up to 75% of sales.
The Taiwanese transmission component maker reported that 2024 consolidated revenue fell 10.77% to NT$2.29 billion (approx. US$78.7 million) amid macroeconomic headwinds and supply chain disruptions. China's decision to terminate the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) will further pressure the company's competitiveness in its largest market.
TBI Motion is developing roller screw technology for humanoid robots, focusing on linear actuators that function like human muscles and dexterous hands requiring miniaturized components. The company holds orders from four manufacturers across China and Taiwan, with sample testing expected by year-end and small-batch production in 2026.
TBI Motion said linear actuators integrate transmission components with motors to enhance load-bearing capacity - technology currently mastered mainly by Tesla and Xpeng Motors. Dexterous hands present greater challenges, requiring lightweight screws as degrees of freedom increase without expanding space.
Two clients receive linear actuators for forearms and lower limbs, while two others are developing six-degree-of-freedom dexterous hands. TBI Motion collaborates with Taiwanese suppliers on compact mechatronic assemblies rather than traditional components.
TBI Motion emphasized that humanoid robots differ substantially from industrial robots internally, with movement control requiring center-of-gravity considerations. All manufacturers remain in development phases without standardization, he said.
The pivot to higher value-added subsystems reflects TBI Motion's strategy to target mid-to-high-end segments as external pressures mount. While the humanoid robot market hasn't reached mass production, early positioning in dexterous hand components could provide differentiation as the sector develops.
The company's China exposure highlights broader challenges facing Taiwanese manufacturers as cross-strait relations deteriorate and Beijing ends preferential trade agreements that previously boosted competitiveness.
Article translated by Vyra Wu and edited by Jack Wu
