December 25, 2024 – Unitree Robotics has recently released a captivating showcase video, highlighting the exceptional capabilities of its industry-grade robotic dog, the B2-W. As an upgraded version of the B2 model, the B2-W has been in mass production for a year, and its industrial legs have unlocked a multitude of new skills, leaving audiences impressed.
The manufacturing of this robotic marvel hinges on a crucial material: PEEK (polyetheretherketone). According to AsiaMB’s Color Masterbatch Network, PEEK, with its outstanding mechanical properties and wear resistance, is extensively used in the production of key components for the B2-W, such as joints and transmission parts. These components endure significant loads and friction during the robotic dog’s operation, making PEEK the ideal choice to meet these stringent requirements.
PEEK, a specialty engineering plastic, boasts not only high temperature resistance, self-lubrication, and ease of processing but also exceptional mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and anti-aging properties. Consequently, it plays a vital role in various sectors, including automotive parts, high-voltage motor enameled wires, medical applications, semiconductor production consumables, and aerospace components. Notably, in the realm of humanoid robot skeletons, PEEK stands out as an indispensable material due to its unique advantages.
The global PEEK market is expanding and is projected to maintain steady growth in the coming years. Frost & Sullivan data indicates that the market size is expected to rise from RMB 4.9 billion in 2022 to RMB 8.4 billion in 2027, with an annual compound growth rate of 11.38%. However, challenges such as long production capacity build-up cycles, extended customer adoption periods, synthesis difficulties, and high technical requirements for consistent quality production suggest that new effective supply may be slow to come, potentially leading to a supply-demand imbalance.
In this context, Zhongyan Corporation, as the fourth company worldwide to achieve a thousand-ton annual PEEK production capacity, has emerged as a leader in the domestic PEEK market, thanks to its robust technical expertise and production capabilities. The company has not only achieved import substitution but also surpassed British firm Victrex to become the largest PEEK material producer by sales in China. Currently, Zhongyan Corporation is closely collaborating with leading humanoid robot manufacturers and supply chain partners to promote the application and development of PEEK in this field.
Furthermore, Xinhan New Materials, an early player in the industry specializing in the research and production of DFBP (difluorobenzophenone), a key intermediate for PEEK, provides essential components for PEEK production. The company’s products are renowned for their high quality and stability, earning favor from major global PEEK manufacturers like Solvay, Victrex, and Evonik. Xinhan New Materials continues to invest heavily in R&D, striving to maintain its industry-leading position and contribute further to the future development of PEEK materials.