Robots Emerge as Next 'Super Terminal' for Semiconductor Industry

Following Unitree Technology's IPO, robots are becoming a critical demand driver for the semiconductor industry, similar to smartphones and automobiles. The complex requirements of physical AI robots are pushing for redesigns in chip and electronic component architectures.

Mon Jun 01 2026

Evolving Robot Industry and Increasing Semiconductor Demand

Unitree Technology (宇樹科技) is preparing for an IPO on Shanghai's STAR Market (科創板) on June 1, 2026. This milestone for a robotics company is seen as a significant signal for the semiconductor industry. Following smartphones, automobiles, and servers, robots are poised to become the next super terminal for the chip industry.

Technical Challenges of Physical AI Robots and Chip Design Innovation

Before 2025, robots were minor players in the chip market. However, with the advent of Physical AI, this is rapidly changing. Embodied intelligence (具身智能) companies like Unitree Technology are moving beyond simple programmed control, introducing complex demands for motion control, millisecond-level real-time response, ultra-low power consumption, and multi-sensor fusion. These requirements are driving the redesign of chips and electronic components, leading to the development of diverse semiconductor solutions, including heterogeneous computing architectures, real-time control MCUs, high-performance analog front-ends, high-voltage driver chips, and custom SoCs.

Unitree Technology explicitly divides embodied intelligence into 'brain' and 'cerebellum.' The 'brain' focuses on cognitive intelligence and task planning, serving as the cornerstone of edge AI computing. Currently, companies like Horizon Robotics, Cambricon, and Black Sesame Technologies are active in this domain, with Black Sesame A2000X boasting 1000 TOPS of computing power. The 'cerebellum' prioritizes motion control and high-dynamic response, generating significant chip demand for real-time control, embedded systems, motor drivers, sensors, and power management, all requiring high reliability. While Renesas Electronics dominates the motor control MCU market, Chinese firms like Rockchip and Allwinner Technology are exploring new opportunities.