Forget the dancing demos. The real winners in the humanoid robot race aren’t the flashy OEMs — they’re the infrastructure companies quietly supplying every joint, chip, actuator, and motion log behind the scenes.
As of mid-2025, the cost of humanoid robots has dropped from $500,000 to just $16,000 (see: Unitree G1), and global deployments are now underway in factories operated by BMW, Amazon, and GXO. The tipping point isn’t hype — it’s hardware, latency, and reflex-driven automation.
If you’re watching Tesla’s Optimus and waiting — you’re already behind. This index targets eight public companies actually booking revenue from humanoid robotics today.
Ticker Watchlist: Humanoid Infrastructure Index (2025)
| Ticker | Company | Primary Role | Why It Matters Now |
|---|---|---|---|
RRX |
Regal Rexnord | Actuators, gearboxes, motion control | Cited in Citrini report with $100M+ humanoid pipeline |
6481.T |
THK Co., Ltd. | Linear robotic limbs, rails | Japan’s actuator backbone; used by multiple OEMs |
002050.SZ |
Sanhua Intelligent | Tesla Optimus component supplier | Powers joints, thermal dissipation, and servo chains |
601689.SS |
Tuopu Group | Tier-1 robot joints + power systems | Key to China’s fast-scaling humanoid ecosystem |
NVDA |
NVIDIA | Robot AI chips, simulation, motion foundation | Owns Isaac Sim + Jetson + GR00T — full stack AI |
SLAB |
Silicon Labs | Motion telemetry, real-time fleet sync | Embedded in Figure, Apptronik, and GXO tele-op bots |
UBXN.SW |
u-blox (Swiss) | GNSS + location + edge mesh | Enables localization and multi-robot coordination |
SMTC |
Semtech Corp. | Fleet communications & telemetry | Humanoid comms backbone + motion traceability |
Why This Index Works
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These companies are already generating cash from humanoid robotics.
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They provide critical components to multiple OEMs, not just one bet.
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Most investors are still focused on Tesla, XPeng, or Figure — not the supply chain actually scaling.
You’re not buying prototypes or promises. You’re buying torque curves, heat dissipation, field-tested servos, and reflex chips that every robot must have — whether it walks, rolls, or stumbles.
Suggested Exposure Split (for Watchlist or Portfolio Simulation)
| Segment | Allocation | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Motion Hardware (RRX, THK, Sanhua, Tuopu) | 40% | Strong margin, high replacement cycle |
| AI/Compute (NVDA) | 25% | Monopoly-grade advantage, vertical dominance |
| Fleet Comms (SLAB, SMTC, UBXN) | 25% | Latency layer = critical bottleneck to scale |
| Experimental buffer | 10% | Leave room for IPOs (Figure, Apptronik, etc.) |
Bonus Signal: RRX and THK Are “Picks and Shovels” Plays
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RRX (Regal Rexnord) supplies core motion systems to multiple humanoid pilots across the U.S. and Europe. They’re already embedded in non-humanoid automation, giving them a cash-positive robotics bridge.
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THK is the go-to precision actuator source for Japanese OEMs, and is deeply entangled in the robotic supply chain of Panasonic, Omron, and SoftBank.
Why Not Tesla or XPeng?
Tesla Optimus is not shipping, and it relies on Chinese suppliers like Sanhua and Tuopu. XPeng’s robot division is promising — but still pre-revenue and focused on consumer-grade bots, not logistics deployment.
In contrast, this index targets companies that get paid when any robot gets built, regardless of who makes the face or uploads the viral demo.
The humanoid robot revolution isn’t starting in showrooms. It’s starting in bolt factories, torque labs, and servo plants. And that’s exactly where the smart money should look.
Tricia Nelson is a skilled writer at 3Zebras, known for her insightful articles on technology, science, and gaming. She covers a wide range of topics, from the potential of nanotechnology in mimicking cobwebs to exploring new discoveries in astronomy. Tricia’s work stands out for its clear explanations and engaging style, making complex subjects accessible to all readers. Her contributions have made her a respected voice in the 3Zebras community,