Amid the global push toward the industrialization of humanoid robots, the dual demand for lightweight structures and high-efficiency energy transmission is driving a new wave of materials innovation.
While high-performance polymers such as PEEK have gained attention as “lightweight champions,” another traditional metal—copper—is quietly building a formidable technological moat across humanoid robot power systems, sensor networks, and thermal management, thanks to its irreplaceable physical properties.
Dual Value in Conductivity and Thermal Management
As a metal with electrical conductivity second only to silver, copper plays a dual role in humanoid robot mechatronic systems—as both an “energy carrier” and a “thermal regulator.”
According to Tesla’s recently released Optimus Gen3 technical white paper, the joint drive motors employ high-density copper windings that deliver a 23% efficiency improvement over conventional aluminum-based solutions. This performance gain is enabled by 0.08 mm ultra-fine copper alloy wire developed by Jiangxi Copper (600362).
Xiaomi’s second-generation CyberOne humanoid robot introduces copper–graphene composite fins in its thermal management module, reducing joint module operating temperatures by 14°C. The technology originates from a September 2024 research program titled High-Thermal-Conductivity Metal Matrix Composites, published by the Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences.
In power transmission, Jingda Co. (600577) has developed nano-coated copper harmonic reducer gears. Through surface modification, wear rates have been reduced to 0.003 mm per 1,000 operating hours—meeting aerospace-grade precision transmission standards.
Notably, Suzhou Junduo Robotics’ dexterous hand prototype, released in December 2024, integrates copper-based flexible circuits within its tactile sensor array, enabling stable signal acquisition at 1,200 cycles per second. The technology has already entered small-batch trial production.
Supply Chain Restructuring Under the Localization Drive
Rising demand for high-end copper materials from the humanoid robotics sector is accelerating upgrades across China’s copper processing industry.
Jintian Copper (601609) has commissioned a new 50,000-ton high-precision copper strip production line dedicated to humanoid robot connectors and electromagnetic shielding components. The products achieve conductivity levels above 101% IACS, breaking the long-standing dominance of Nippon Mining Metals in this segment.
In specialty wire applications, Changcheng Technology (603897) has developed high-temperature-resistant enamelled flat copper wire capable of maintaining insulation performance for 2,000 hours at 150°C. The product has been incorporated into the supply chain of UBTECH’s Walker X humanoid robot.
Meanwhile, Yunnan Copper (000878) has partnered with Harbin Institute of Technology to establish a “Bionic Joint Materials Joint Laboratory.” Its copper–titanium shape memory alloy bionic muscle fibers have achieved a load-bearing ratio equivalent to 83% of that of biological muscle.
At the policy level, China’s “Robot+” Application Action Plan (2024–2026)—jointly issued by 17 government departments—sets a target of over 85% localization for key humanoid robot materials by 2026. The 2025 Government Work Report further elevated “embodied intelligence” and “intelligent robots” to national strategic priorities, with explicit support for humanoid robot deployment across industrial, medical, and domestic service scenarios.
A Technology Race Toward a Hundred-Billion-Dollar Market
According to estimates released by GGII (Gaogong Industry Research Institute) in February 2025, global annual copper demand from the humanoid robotics industry is projected to reach 380,000–420,000 tonnes by 2030, corresponding to a market value of USD 24–26 billion.
This forecast is based on two key variables:
First, the rollout of L4-level humanoid robots is expected to increase copper usage per unit from 8.5 kg in 2025 to 15 kg by 2030.
Second, advances in recycled copper smelting. Hailiang Co. (002203) commissioned an electronic-grade recycled copper production line in November 2024, capable of reducing the carbon footprint of copper materials by 62%. This represents a strategic advantage in meeting the EU’s forthcoming Humanoid Robot Lifecycle Carbon Management Regulation.
On the pricing front, London Metal Exchange (LME) data show that the average spot price of electrolytic copper in Q1 2025 reached USD 8,920 per tonne, up 14% year-on-year. However, premiums for humanoid robot–specific copper materials continue to expand. For example, high-purity oxygen-free copper supplied by CMOC Group (603993) to Boston Dynamics reportedly commands prices of up to USD 18,000 per tonne—representing a 102% premium over benchmark copper prices. This highlights how technological value is reshaping traditional commodity pricing mechanisms.
Outlook
In this wave of industrial transformation driven by intelligent systems, the revaluation of copper extends beyond the optimization of its physical properties. Its deep integration with artificial intelligence, precision manufacturing, and advanced robotics is redefining the future role of traditional industrial metals.
With continued funding support under Made in China 2025 intelligent manufacturing initiatives, a complete innovation chain—from copper mining and refining to intelligent robotic joints—is taking shape, signaling a new chapter for copper in the era of embodied intelligence.
Source：Changjiang Nonferrous Metals Network