Humanoid robots are driving demand for lighter and more efficient components as manufacturers seek to improve performance and operating endurance.
To meet this need, U.S.-based Celanese Corporation and China-based Vigor Precision have partnered to develop lightweight plastic joint solutions for humanoid robots.
The companies aim to use high-performance materials to reduce the weight of joint components by more than 30 percent compared with traditional metal designs.
Recently, Harvard researchers developed a mathematical framework to optimize rolling contact joints, potentially enabling more capable grippers, personalized assistive devices, and agile, animal-like robots.
Lighter plastic joints
Humanoid robot joints are emerging as a key area for materials innovation as manufacturers look for ways to make robots lighter, stronger, and more efficient.
To address these demands, Celanese and Vigor are partnering to develop high-performance plastic solutions for robotic joint components, with the companies targeting weight reductions of more than 30 percent compared with conventional metal designs.
The partnership focuses on replacing or reducing the use of traditional metal components with advanced engineered plastics capable of handling the demanding operating conditions found in humanoid robots. These joints must withstand rapid starts and stops, high-frequency reciprocating movements, and complex loads while maintaining precise motion over extended periods.
Under the agreement, Celanese will provide customized material solutions based on Vigor’s technical requirements. The companies will focus on materials that combine high strength and rigidity with resistance to elevated temperatures and thermal degradation. Other priorities include precision transmission, self-lubricating performance, dimensional accuracy and extreme lightweighting.
Self-lubricating materials could be particularly valuable in robotic joints because they can reduce friction and wear between moving components while limiting the need for additional lubrication. This could help improve reliability and reduce maintenance requirements in robots operating through repetitive motion cycles.
“Through this partnership, we can bring Celanese materials science, application development and local technical capabilities together with VIGOR’s precision gear design and manufacturing expertise to help enable the next generation of robotic motion systems,” said Todd Elliott, Senior Vice President, Celanese Engineered Materials, in a statement.
Smarter robotic motion
The companies also aim to develop materials that maintain their mechanical and dimensional properties under changing temperatures.
Thermal stability is important for humanoid robots because actuators and other components can generate significant heat during high-load or continuous operation. Maintaining dimensional accuracy under these conditions is also critical for gears and other precision components, where small variations can affect movement and positioning.
The technology development will extend beyond material selection. Celanese said it will support targeted material commercialization, lifecycle validation and consistent performance during mass production. This approach is intended to integrate material development with Vigor’s precision plastic molding, gear design and manufacturing capabilities.
“Vigor possesses deep technical expertise in precision plastic molding, while Celanese is a global leader in high-performance materials science. We look forward to working closely together to achieve the precise formulation of high-performance materials for robotic joints, thereby clearing the way for the large-scale deployment of humanoid robots,” said Hoi-sang Chan, CEO of Vigor.
The companies believe lighter plastic-based joints could help humanoid robots improve energy efficiency, dynamic response and overall mobility while supporting the industry’s move toward higher-volume production.