Should Robot Manufacturers Develop Their Own Joint Modules or Buy Integrated Joint Modules?

Hello everyone, I’m Allen Li, Founder of HONPINE. Today, I’d like to discuss a question that many robot manufacturers are facing: Is it better to develop robot joint modules in-house or purchase ready-made integrated joint modules?

In 2026, the robotics industry is gradually moving beyond technical feasibility testing toward product competition, cost optimization, and large-scale production. Choosing the right joint module development and procurement strategy has become an important business decision.

What Are the Advantages of Buying Integrated Joint Modules?

Purchasing integrated joint modules eliminates the need to independently manufacture or source individual components such as reducers, encoders, motor drives, and frameless torque motors. This reduces the need for substantial investment in dedicated production lines and allows manufacturers to avoid having to solve every underlying technical challenge themselves.

Instead, they can focus their limited resources on system integration, software algorithms, and real-world application development.

Many people believe that humanoid robots and embodied AI are following a path similar to that of the automotive industry. However, one major difference between manufacturing humanoid robots and manufacturing automobiles is the maturity of the supply chain. The automotive industry benefits from an established ecosystem of component suppliers, while the computer industry has a standardized chip ecosystem. Humanoid robotics, by comparison, still faces the challenge of building much of its supply chain from the ground up.

The emergence of integrated joint modules has helped address many of these hardware integration and supply chain challenges—potentially removing a significant portion of the development burden for emerging robotics companies and accelerating product development.

What Are the Disadvantages of Buying Integrated Joint Modules?

When different companies use core components from similar suppliers and then focus on overall robot integration and system development, their products may become increasingly similar. At the same time, they may not fully own or control the underlying technologies that differentiate their products.

There are also practical considerations beyond the initial purchase decision. Joint module lead times, product upgrades, quality consistency, maintenance support, and the availability of alternative suppliers can all affect a robot manufacturer's production plans.

For companies planning long-term mass production, joint module procurement is no longer simply a one-time technical selection. It is a strategic decision involving supply continuity, cost predictability, and product lifecycle management.

Why Are More Companies Adopting a Hybrid Sourcing Strategy?

Combining In-House Development with External Procurement

An increasing number of companies are adopting a hybrid strategy that combines in-house development with external procurement. This approach allows them to retain control over core technology development and build mass-production capabilities without having to develop every component from scratch.

For early-stage projects, small-batch production, or the rapid assembly of new robotic systems, manufacturers can purchase suitable integrated joint modules to shorten development cycles and accelerate product validation.

At the same time, for standardized joint modules required in large production volumes, they can gradually develop in-house capabilities or establish dedicated mass-production processes where it makes technical and commercial sense.

This balanced approach helps companies improve development efficiency while maintaining greater flexibility over their long-term technology roadmap and manufacturing strategy.

How Should You Choose the Right Joint Module Strategy?

There is no single answer that works for every robot manufacturer. The right approach depends on development resources, production volume, technical requirements, cost targets, and long-term product plans.

If you are evaluating whether to purchase integrated joint modules or develop your own, contact HONPINE to discuss your application requirements and explore a suitable joint module strategy together.