China’s Position in the Humanoid Robotics Supply Chain
China holds a dominant role in the humanoid robotics supply chain, according to a report from McKinsey. The report says the country produces 90% of the permanent magnets and 40% of the precision bearings and encoders used in humanoid robots. These parts are fundamental to motion systems, control accuracy, and the broader performance of advanced robotic platforms.
The figures highlight China’s importance not just as a manufacturing base, but as a key supplier of components that sit at the center of humanoid robot development. Permanent magnets are closely tied to motor efficiency and power delivery, while precision bearings support mechanical stability and durability. Encoders, meanwhile, are essential for sensing position and enabling accurate movement execution.
Component Leadership Matters as Competition Intensifies
McKinsey’s assessment suggests that global competition in humanoid robotics is increasingly being shaped by control over upstream components, not only by progress in end-product design. A strong position in these categories can influence production capacity, cost structure, and the ability to scale commercial deployment over time.
Based on the data cited in the report, China has already built a significant presence in multiple critical layers of the humanoid robotics supply chain. That gives the country a central role in the global robotics industry, particularly as companies race to develop and commercialize next-generation robotic technologies.