Component map
Every major subsystem in a humanoid robot, who supplies it today, and how much of it Malaysia could make.
Last updated 8 October 2026 · Methodology
Where the money goes
Actuators and hands are most of the cost
A reference humanoid design uses about 16 rotary actuators and 14 linear actuators. Whoever makes joints at scale controls most of the value in the robot.
Source: BofA Institute, Physical AI Part 2, March 2026. Figures for subsystems not shown are included in other categories.
Component map
Subsystems, suppliers and localisation potential
Companies come from the supplier directory. Naming is not endorsement. Localisation potential is MEIHA's draft assessment, explained in the methodology.
| Subsystem | Key parts | Chinese suppliers | Other suppliers | Malaysia & ASEAN | Localisation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vision & perception 4% of cost | RGB-D cameras, LiDAR, microphones | Sensor and camera-module test and packaging, machine vision expertise (ViTrox, Penang) and sensor testing (Bosch, Penang). | Medium | ||
| Compute & AI chips 10% of cost | AI system-on-modules, controllers, boards | Malaysia handles about 13% of global chip assembly, test and packaging, and Intel is building advanced packaging in Penang. Exporting US-origin AI chips needs a Strategic Trade Permit. | Medium | ||
| Rotary actuators 24% of cost | Frameless torque motors, harmonic and RV reducers, encoders, motor drivers | Precision machining (UWC, SAM, Kobay), power semiconductors for motor drivers (Infineon, Kulim) and an automotive supplier base with motor experience. Thailand has already attracted Sanhua and Tuopu actuator plants. | Medium | ||
| Linear actuators 27% of cost | Planetary roller screws, ball screws, motors | Needs precision grinding and heat treatment at scale. JStar Motion's linear actuator plants in Johor and Malaysia's machining base are a starting point; partnerships are the realistic route. | Medium | ||
| Dexterous hands 19% of cost | Micro-motors, tendons or linkages, tactile sensors | Electronics manufacturing and micro-assembly skills exist, but hand designs and IP sit mostly with robot makers. Import and integrate in the near term. | Low | ||
| Force & motion sensing | Six-axis force/torque sensors, IMUs, encoders, pressure sensors | Bosch's chip and sensor test centre and Trensor's pressure sensor plant in Penang, plus Malaysia's semiconductor test base. | High | ||
| Batteries & power 4% of cost | Lithium cells, battery packs, battery management systems | EVE Energy makes lithium cells in Kedah; pack assembly suits Malaysia’s electronics base. Indonesia is building battery materials capacity with CATL. | High | ||
| Structure & materials 12% of cost | Machined alloy frames, composites, plastics, rare-earth magnets | Precision machining, die casting and plastics from the semiconductor and automotive supply base, and rare-earth processing in Pahang. | High |
Sources
- Hesai Group, FY2025 results. investor.hesaitech.com
- RoboSense 2025 results. aap.com.au
- BofA Institute, Physical AI Part 2, Mar 2026. institute.bankofamerica.com
- NVIDIA, Jetson Thor now available. investor.nvidia.com
- Xenospectrum, humanoid BOM and actuator count (summary of BofA). xenospectrum.com
- Thairath, BOI approves Chinese humanoid robot parts plants, Feb 2026. en.thairath.co.th
- CSIS, Rare earth export restrictions one year later. csis.org