Precision Technology Powering the Evolution of Humanoid Robots - Featured
MinebeaMitsumi Products
Powering the Evolution of Humanoid Robots
Exploring the Mechanisms and Architecture Behind Humanoid Robotics
A humanoid robot is an autonomous robot that mimics human appearance and behavior. With rising expectations for their social implementation to solve labor shortages and operate in complex environments, high-precision technology is essential for their realization. MinebeaMitsumi supports the evolution of humanoid robots through our precision technologies, including bearings, motors, and sensors.
A humanoid robot is an autonomous robot that mimics human appearance and behavior. With rising expectations for their social implementation to solve labor shortages and operate in complex environments, high-precision technology is essential for their realization. MinebeaMitsumi supports the evolution of humanoid robots through our precision technologies, including bearings, motors, and sensors.
How Humanoid Robots Work
The functionality or performance of a humanoid robot relies on the highly integrated coordination of
three core elements: the "Brain" (AI), the "Five Senses" (Sensors), and the "Body" (Joints and
Muscles).
In recent years, the evolution of multimodal AI*1has dramatically advanced the "brain,"
enhancing its ability to perceive and judge its surroundings. Consequently, the precision of the
"body"—which accurately translates the brain's commands into physical actions—and the "five
senses"—which provide feedback from the real world to the brain—have become essential elements for
maximizing the entire robotic system’s functionality and capabilities.
MinebeaMitsumi supports this evolution of humanoids through "Sogo" (Integration)*2—the
combination of our ultra-precision components that anchor this physical domain.
Sensing technologies, such as our strain gauge force sensors, serve as the robot's five senses.
Meanwhile, our actuators—which integrate ultra-precision ball bearings supporting joint rotation,
high-output motors, ball screws for power transmission, and motor driver ICs (semiconductors) to
control them all—enable seamless, precise body movements. This minimizes the gap between virtual
simulation and reality, paving the way for true Sim-to-Real implementation.
From research and development to mass production and high-reliability assurance, our precision
technology fundamentally supports the mechanics of Intelligent Transformation (IX).
*1 An AI technology that integrates and processes multiple diverse types of
information—such as images, audio, text, and sensor data—to make advanced judgments.
*2 A coined term meaning "to blend together," distinct from ordinary comprehensive
integration. It refers to combining all resources of the MinebeaMitsumi Group to create new value
through synergy.
Applications of Humanoid Robots
Humanoid robots are being increasingly adopted across diverse sectors because they can operate
within the same spaces as humans, utilizing existing tools and environments without
modification.
One of the primary applications is in manufacturing and logistics. In response to pressing social
challenges like severe labor shortages and the "2030 logistics crisis" (the year 2030 problem),
these robots handle complex picking and assembly tasks that were previously difficult to automate.
They are also highly anticipated as alternatives for inspection and maintenance work in hazardous
and extreme environments, such as disaster sites, high-altitude locations, and high-temperature
areas.
Furthermore, expansion into the service, medical, and nursing care fields—sectors closely tied to
daily life—is on the horizon. In environments where robots coexist with humans, quietness (to avoid
causing discomfort) and interpersonal control (to guarantee safety during contact) are
indispensable.
MinebeaMitsumi meets these rigorous demands. Our ultra-precision bearings deliver ultimate quietness
and low vibration, while the Sogo (Integration) of our high-response motors and force sensors
enables safe torque control. By providing highly durable, high-quality actuator components that
support a wide range of applications, we contribute to the social implementation of Intelligent
Transformation (IX).
Required Performance for Humanoid Robots
Unlike industrial robots that perform routine tasks, humanoid robots require advanced physical control to adapt to changing situations.
Durability & Reliability
High durability and reliability are essential to withstand movements as demanding as, or even more strenuous than, those of humans.
Low Power Consumption
Since they are battery-powered, energy-efficient design for each device is required to maximize operating time.
Quietness
Low-noise operation is a key requirement for systems deployed in human environments.
High Sensitivity, Multi-axis Sensing, & High-speed Communication
These elements are essential for precisely replicating human "senses" and achieving real-time movement.
High Payload / Gripping Force
To perform tasks beyond human capability, the ability to securely grasp and lift heavy objects is required.
MinebeaMitsumi Products Enabling High-Level Performance
Our product lineup supports humanoid robots through high-load capacity bearings with low-noise performance, lightweight and compact motors delivering high power density, and connectors designed for high-speed data transmission standards.
①Camera/Vision Sensors
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Highly reliable connectors supporting high-speed transmission standards to deliver large volumes of data reliably and rapidly.
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Optical Actuators
MinebeaMitsumi’s precision assembly technology achieves high precision and high reliability.
③Linear Actuators
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Enables smooth movement and high-precision positioning.
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Thin-walled bearings using original grease and bearing steel, along with bearings offering high quietness and load capacity.
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Frameless Motors
High power density and lightweight, compact design improve the robot's payload capacity.
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Single-axis Force Sensors
Connector
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Ensures safe connection and disconnection for both external and internal connections.
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Designed for use in harsh environments. Boasts ruggedness complying with international standards IP67 and IPX9K.
②Rotary Actuators
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Force Sensors
Customized solutions based on extensive mass-production experience, technical know-how, and specialized analysis tools.
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Thin-walled bearings using original grease and bearing steel, along with bearings offering high quietness and load capacity.
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Frameless Motors
High power density and lightweight, compact design improve the robot's payload capacity.
④Battery
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Highly efficient, long-life fan motors with enhanced waterproof performance.
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High detection accuracy and extensive functions enable safe charging and protection of batteries.
Analog Semiconductors
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ICs (ADC, AFE) (Sensor Signal Processing)
High-resolution ADCs accurately convert sensor outputs to digital signals.
①Camera/Vision Sensors
-
Highly reliable connectors supporting high-speed transmission standards to deliver large volumes of data reliably and rapidly.
-
Optical Actuators
MinebeaMitsumi’s precision assembly technology achieves high precision and high reliability.
②Rotary Actuators
-
Force Sensors
Customized solutions based on extensive mass-production experience, technical know-how, and specialized analysis tools.
-
Thin-walled bearings using original grease and bearing steel, along with bearings offering high quietness and load capacity.
-
Frameless Motors
High power density and lightweight, compact design improve the robot's payload capacity.
③Linear Actuators
-
Enables smooth movement and high-precision positioning.
-
Thin-walled bearings using original grease and bearing steel, along with bearings offering high quietness and load capacity.
-
Frameless Motors
High power density and lightweight, compact design improve the robot's payload capacity.
-
Single-axis Force Sensors
④Battery
-
High detection accuracy and extensive functions enable safe charging and protection of batteries.
-
-
Highly efficient, long-life fan motors with enhanced waterproof performance.
Connector
-
Ensures safe connection and disconnection for both external and internal connections.
-
-
Designed for use in harsh environments. Boasts ruggedness complying with international standards IP67 and IPX9K.
Analog Semiconductors
-
ICs (ADC, AFE) (Sensor Signal Processing)
High-resolution ADCs accurately convert sensor outputs to digital signals.
⑤Small Ball Bearings
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Miniature & Small Ball Bearings
A wide lineup of sizes under 35mm OD contributes to the smooth movement of robot hands.
⑥Force Sensors
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Capable of detecting minute forces through the application of MEMS technology and strain sensors. It achieves high performance and high load capacity in an ultra-compact size.
⑦Brush Motors/Brushless Motors
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Achieves high torque in limited spaces to support delicate yet powerful fingertip movements.
⑤Small Ball Bearings
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Miniature & Small Ball Bearings
A wide lineup of sizes under 35mm OD contributes to the smooth movement of robot hands.
⑥Force Sensors
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Capable of detecting minute forces through the application of MEMS technology and strain sensors. It achieves high performance and high load capacity in an ultra-compact size.
⑦Brush Motors/Brushless Motors
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Achieves high torque in limited spaces to support delicate yet powerful fingertip movements.
Showcased the latest technologies at CES 2026, one of the world's largest tech events held in Las Vegas, USA.
By leveraging the "INTEGRATION" of our core technologies,
we have realized
a high-performance robot hand.
*The drive unit of the robot hand was jointly developed with Harmonic Drive Systems Inc.
Features of the Robot Hand
(CES Exhibit / Under
Development)
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1. High-speed operation and high gripping force
Each finger module is equipped with two actuators, one for rapid movement and one for high-torque gripping.
*The small type is equipped with only one unit. -
2.Grasping "Hard" and "Soft" objects
Precise force detection using in-house Strain gage enables appropriate gripping according to the hardness of the object.
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3. Low power consumption
Equipped with a mechanical lock function to reduce power consumption during tasks such as maintaining a gripped state.
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4. Integration of in-house precision parts
Each hand utilizes 85 miniature & small ball bearings and 11 actuators.
*The drive unit of the robot hand was jointly developed with Harmonic Drive Systems Inc.
FAQ
Q What are the advantages of choosing MinebeaMitsumi products for humanoid robot development?
A We can propose a comprehensive range of products tailored for humanoid robots. With our ultra-precision machining technology—cultivated through our bearing business—at the core, MinebeaMitsumi offers a rich lineup of precision components essential for robot drive and control, including motors, sensors, and semiconductors. This allows us to serve as a one-stop solution for your component selection and technical consultations.
Q Is it possible to customize motors and bearings to optimize them for driving humanoid robot joints?
Yes, customization is available. Depending on your humanoid robot design, we can design motors tailored to your specific output torque, outer diameter, and weight constraints. We also offer bearing selection and customization optimized for extended service life.
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