Harmonic Drive Systems VS Nabtesco VS HONPINE Harmonic Drive Motor
The integrated harmonic joint motor is a highly integrated, high-performance robotic joint solution that combines the motor, reducer, encoder, sensors, and other key components into one unit. It provides powerful drive capability and precise motion control for robots. Regarded as the “heart” of humanoid robot motion, it is installed at various joints to control their movement and directly determines the robot’s overall performance. Therefore, choosing a reliable harmonic joint motor is crucial for humanoid robot development.
Well-known brands of harmonic joint motors include HarmonicDrive®, Nabtesco, HONPINE, Laifual, and LeaderDrive, each with unique strengths.
HarmonicDrive® Joint Motor
Harmonic Drive Systems, Inc., established in 1970, is the inventor of the harmonic reducer and a global industry leader. However, due to limited production capacity, low inventory, and high prices, its market share is increasingly being taken over by Chinese manufacturers.
Nabtesco Joint Motor
Nabtesco, like HarmonicDrive®, is a Japanese company and a leading manufacturer of RV reducers. It holds a strong position in the industrial robot and precision machine tool markets. However, since humanoid robots require lightweight harmonic joint motors, Nabtesco does not have a significant advantage in this field.
HONPINE Joint Motor
Founded in 2018, HONPINE is a rising precision transmission company. Its founder, Allen, excels at integrating China’s resources, including R&D talent, supply chains, and factory infrastructure. HONPINE’s main products include harmonic reducers, harmonic joint motors, and planetary reducers. The harmonic joint motors are divided into low-voltage and high-voltage series, with the low-voltage series being the most suitable for humanoid robot joints.
HONPINE has established dedicated facilities for the production, testing, and R&D of humanoid robot joint motors. The company also operates its own humanoid robot development team. With products exported to over 50 countries, HONPINE has proven itself as a reliable supplier validated by the global market.
Laifual Joint Motor
Laifual is one of the earliest harmonic reducer manufacturers in China, holding more than 20 technology patents and offering customized processing. Its harmonic reducers have a significant market share in India and China. Since 2024, Laifual has also begun selling harmonic joint motors. Several projects are currently under testing, and its products are gradually undergoing market validation.
LeaderDrive Joint Motor
LeaderDrive, like Laifual, is a Chinese harmonic reducer manufacturer. Its harmonic joint motors have already been applied in various scenarios within China. However, the stability of their performance under extreme conditions still requires further validation. The company’s core products remain harmonic reducers, but in recent years it has been actively investing in the development and production of harmonic joint motors.
When choosing a reliable humanoid robot harmonic joint motor, one must consider performance, integration level, and other key factors. Compared to industrial robots, humanoid robots place greater emphasis on lightweight design, high dynamic response, and compact size.
As a supplier that integrates sales, production, and R&D, HONPINE leverages its extensive experience to provide the optimal harmonic joint motor solutions for humanoid robots.
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How to Find a Reliable Supplier Amid Soaring Demand for Harmonic Drives and Harmonic Actuators?Under the driving forces of AI, embodied intelligence, and other key technologies, the humanoid robot industry is experiencing explosive growth. The demand for harmonic drives and harmonic actuators has surged accordingly, making it increasingly difficult for machinery companies to find reliable suppliers. So, how is HONPINE responding to this surge in demand?
Harmonic Rotary Actuator Helps Implement the World’s First Track-Changing Aerial Mobile Smart EV DC Charging StationChina’s first track-changing aerial mobile smart EV DC charging station has begun trial operations in over 10 cities. This project utilizes three major technologies: aerial track free lane switching, AI robotic automatic charging, and suspended installation design. The high precision, high torque, and lightweight characteristics of the harmonic rotary actuator have been crucial to the successful implementation of this project.
Robot Dogs with Planetary Joint Motors Performed Well in China's 93rd Victory DayOn September 3, 2025, China held a large-scale military parade for 93rd victory day, during which it showcased the "Mechanical Wolf," a robotic dog belonging to the Army's unmanned combat unit. The HONPINE planetary joint motor perfectly matches the joint requirements of robot dogs.- Robot Joint Motors Empower Robots with Flexible Movement in Multiple Degrees of FreedomRobot Joint motors can be freely combined to form multi-degree-of-freedom (DOF) robotic arms and serve as the internal framework for service robots, breaking the industry's conventional product design paradigms. They not only meet performance requirements but also foster innovation within the sector. For instance, the smallest models can be applied in gimbals and drones, while the largest models are suitable for humanoid robots and robotic arms. Applications span industrial robots, civilian service robots, specialized robots, machining industries, precision instruments, transportation vehicles, and medical equipment.
- How High-Precision Reducers Drive the Development of Intelligent Manufacturing TechnologyPrecision reducers are key enablers in intelligent manufacturing, providing the critical link between digital algorithms and physical motion. They ensure high-accuracy positioning in laser/visual navigation systems, enable precise wheel control in mobile robots, and guarantee repeatable motion in robotic arms. Their near-zero backlash characteristics allow manufacturers to achieve unprecedented levels of automation precision and reliability.
Trends in Humanoid Robotics from WAIC 2025: High Torque Micromotors for Robotic Joints Become MainstreamAt the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC), official data showed over 150 humanoid robots were exhibited simultaneously, with numerous manufacturers showcasing their products' comprehensive capabilities and latest achievements. The exhibition demonstrated significant expansion in humanoid robots' application scenarios, with major exhibitors presenting cutting-edge research outcomes and remarkably rapid technological iterations. Compared to last year, this year's robots are more lightweight, precise, and dynamic, with increasing adoption of high-torque micro motors in robotic joints.- Harmonic Reducer Enables Industrial Humanoid Robot Walker S2 to Achieve Autonomous Battery Replacement for 24/7 OperationWithout requiring manual intervention or shutdown, the humanoid robot can autonomously replace its battery in just 3 minutes. UBTECH Robotics, headquartered in Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area, recently announced exciting news: its new-generation industrial humanoid robot Walker S2 incorporates the world's first hot-swap autonomous battery replacement system for humanoid robots. This breakthrough technology endows Walker S2 with 24/7 continuous operation capability, establishing the foundation for smart manufacturing to achieve "non-stop next-generation productivity." The harmonic reducer's high reduction ratio, zero backlash, exceptional precision, high torque density, and lightweight design make it the optimal choice for joints in comparable industrial robots.
- HONPINE keeps up with the era of Industry 5.0 and better serves human-machine collaboration through precision transmission technologyThe concept of Industry 4.0, which corresponds to Industry 5.0, first appeared in Germany. In short, Industry 4.0 is to promote industrial transformation through information technology. It is an intelligent industrial era based on the Internet of Things, big data, artificial intelligence, etc. 5G technology, known as the "new engine of digital economy", is a product that closely fits the core concept of Industry 4.0 and is recognized by the world.
- Kawasaki Heavy Industries Launches the CORLEO Robot Horse: Harmonic Reducers Play a Key RoleKawasaki Heavy Industries has introduced the CORLEO, a highly agile robotic horse capable of traversing water, jumping, running, and striking dynamic poses. Designed to conquer challenging terrain, CORLEO's leg movement system features independently driven units for each limb, delivering exceptional stability and shock absorption. Its hind legs operate independently from the front, enabling smooth navigation over rough surfaces while maintaining the rider’s balance—even on stairs or uneven ground.
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