Gasgoo Munich- Huaxiang Qiyuan opened its Shanghai Innovation Center in Zhangjiang, Pudong New Area, on September 3, according to Gasgoo Embodied Intelligence.
Acting as the flagship for Ningbo Huaxiang's expansion into embodied intelligence, Huaxiang Qiyuan utilizes its parent's production processes for millions of units and zero-defect standards. The subsidiary has established a full-chain manufacturing ecosystem covering proprietary PEEK material development, core component production, system integration, and large-scale mass production.
The facility combines three centers: high-performance PEEK materials, humanoid robot lightweighting, and automotive adhesives and sealants. Research will focus on modifying PEEK materials, designing and verifying lightweight structures for humanoid robots, and testing core components to drive technical breakthroughs and industrial applications.
Image Source: Huaxiang Qiyuan
Regarding materials, Huaxiang Qiyuan has progressed from modification and processing to full-system integration through its in-house research institute. It is the first to achieve large-scale application of PEEK materials in full-size humanoid robots.
PEEK has half the density of aluminum alloy but offers tensile strength between 132 and 148 MPa. Its specific strength of 44 N·m/kg exceeds that of most metals. The material also offers superior corrosion resistance, addressing potential safety and durability risks associated with traditional metals during a robot's operational life.
For the planetary reducer, Huaxiang Qiyuan's proprietary version uses modified PEEK for the main body, retaining metal only for essential transmission parts. The unit weighs 270 grams, about 70% less than comparable metal units. While limiting peak torque performance loss to within 10%, the design achieves a 70% improvement in torque-to-weight ratio compared to metal alternatives.
The full set of PEEK structural parts reduces a single humanoid robot's weight by 5.3 kilograms. The material also outperforms metals in resisting sweat and bodily fluids, addressing the industry's core challenge of balancing weight reduction, extended range, and structural durability.
