Malaysia Embodied Intelligence & Humanoid Association
MEIHAEmbodied Intelligence & Humanoids

Where Malaysia can win

A draft assessment of which parts of the humanoid supply chain Malaysia should make locally, build with partners, or import and integrate.

Last updated 8 October 2026 · Methodology

Why now

Chinese component makers are choosing their ASEAN bases now.

In February 2026 Thailand approved five Chinese humanoid-parts plants worth THB 9.22 billion: roller screws, ball screws, actuators, joints and body parts. They are the first humanoid component plants outside China.

Malaysia has attracted AGIBOT’s first overseas experience centre and a potential RM1 billion investment, plus Chinese sensor, actuator and battery plants. It has not yet secured a humanoid actuator plant, the part that carries most of the value.

The window to become ASEAN’s second humanoid component base is open, but not for long.

Assessment

Make, partner or import

MEIHA's draft view, based on the five factors in our methodology. For review by MEIHA working groups.

High

Make locally now

Malaysia already has the capability and scale.

  • Structure and materialsPrecision machining, die casting and plastics; rare-earth processing by Lynas.
  • Sensor test and packagingForce, motion and pressure sensors through the semiconductor test base.
  • Battery packsCells from EVE Energy in Kedah; pack and BMS assembly.
  • ElectronicsCircuit boards, motor drivers, wiring and power stages.
  • Integration, test and serviceAutomation firms that build lines and test systems today.
Medium

Build with partners

Achievable through joint ventures and technology transfer.

  • Rotary actuatorsMotors and reducers with Chinese, Japanese or European makers, using automotive suppliers.
  • Linear actuatorsRoller screws need precision grinding at scale and a technology partner.
  • Compute modulesAdvanced packaging and board design around global AI chips.
  • Vision modulesCamera and LiDAR module assembly and calibration.
  • Final robot assemblyRegional assembly for ASEAN markets by global robot makers.
Low

Import and integrate

Better sourced globally for now, while building skills.

  • Dexterous handsComplex designs and IP held by robot makers.
  • Leading-edge AI chipsDesigned by a few global firms; subject to export controls.
  • Foundation modelsBuild applications and local data on global platforms.

Recommendations

6 moves for Malaysia

Actions MEIHA proposes to pursue with members, MIDA, MITI and other partners.

  1. MOVE 1

    Win an actuator investment

    Actuators and hands make up about 70% of a humanoid’s cost. Work with MIDA to bring at least one rotary or linear actuator maker to Malaysia, paired with local machining and electronics suppliers.

  2. MOVE 2

    Bring automotive suppliers into robotics

    Malaysia’s roughly 730 automotive vendors make motors, gears, wiring and housings. Support MARii’s study with a supplier development programme that matches them to robot makers.

  3. MOVE 3

    Become ASEAN’s robot test and certification hub

    Build on Malaysia’s semiconductor test strength and SIRIM to offer safety testing, standards conformity and end-of-line testing for robots sold in the region.

  4. MOVE 4

    Secure the magnet link

    Rare-earth magnets are a chokepoint. Explore how Lynas Malaysia’s heavy rare-earth output could support magnet and motor production in the region.

  5. MOVE 5

    Create local demand

    Run pilot programmes in electronics plants, palm oil, logistics and healthcare so Malaysian buyers deploy robots and local suppliers get early orders.

  6. MOVE 6

    Make compliance an advantage

    Help members document origin and value added, meet data protection duties and understand destination rules, including the US FCC rule that applies to advanced robots made in Malaysia.

Risks

What could hold Malaysia back

Competition

Thailand’s head start

Early component plants in Thailand will attract suppliers around them.

Trade

Shifting trade rules

US tariffs and robot rules, and China’s export controls, can change quickly and affect where robots can be sold.

Market

Chinese overcapacity

Falling prices make it hard for new suppliers to compete without scale or a partner.

Talent

Skills

Robotics needs mechatronics, control and AI engineers, competing with demand from the semiconductor industry.