[Click e-Stock] "KNR System Aims to Be a 'Game Changer' with Hydraulic Robots"

On October 14, KB Securities analyzed that KNR System is being recognized as a 'game changer' poised to bring about a major transformation in the robotics market.

Im Sang-guk, a researcher at KB Securities, stated, "KNR System is the only company in Korea to have established a full lineup of core hydraulic robot components, from robotic structural design to parts manufacturing," adding, "Over the past 25 years, the company has carried out more than 1,000 projects and secured stable clients, including Hyundai Motor Group, POSCO, and both domestic and international public institutions."

Founded in 2000, KNR System was listed on the KOSDAQ market in 2024 through a technology exception. Notably, the company has demonstrated its technological prowess by supplying hydraulic actuators to Boston Dynamics, a global leader in robotics. In the first half of 2025, on a consolidated basis, KNR System recorded sales of 4.1 billion won (down 34.9% year-on-year), an operating loss of 4.3 billion won, and a net loss attributable to controlling shareholders of 4.4 billion won, continuing its deficit. However, there are growing expectations that its new core product, the 'hybrid rotary actuator,' will serve as a turning point for future performance improvement.

Researcher Im explained, "The hybrid rotary actuator maintains the user convenience of electric actuators while leveraging the powerful output of hydraulic actuators," and analyzed, "It is expected to be applicable across all robot lines, including collaborative, industrial, logistics, military, and humanoid robots."

He particularly emphasized, "This technology directly addresses the demand for high-load handling in humanoid robots and is expected to become a catalyst for humanoid commercialization," adding, "Ultimately, by overcoming the payload limitations of electric robots, it will usher in an era of high-load robots and bring about a paradigm shift in the robotics industry as a true game changer."

In addition, with the full implementation of the Serious Accidents Punishment Act, demand for robots in industrial sites is increasing, and KNR System's hydraulic robot systems are expected to benefit. He noted, "In particular, KNR System is expected to benefit in the nuclear power, civil engineering and construction, steel, and shipbuilding industries," and evaluated, "Based on the high output and environmental resistance of hydraulic robots compared to electric robots, they will be specialized for environments difficult for humans to work in or for automation of production processes."

Furthermore, KNR System is the only domestic manufacturer of hydraulic simulator-grade testing equipment, possessing infrastructure that enables professional testing from the product development stage. Researcher Im added, "As the use of specialized testing equipment for various purposes during product development is essential, KNR System's concurrent growth is expected to continue."