SeAH Besteel Mass-Produces Advanced Special Steel to Power Next-Gen Robotics

Key Highlights:

• SeAH Besteel has demonstrated its advanced metallurgical capabilities by developing a special steel for robot reducers, utilizing ultra-clean refining and thermal deformation control to bring gear backlash close to zero.
• Engineered for absolute durability, the new material simultaneously maximizes fatigue life and secures exacting dimensional precision, effectively minimizing shape deformation under varying temperatures and severe physical impacts.
• This milestone establishes sovereign capacity in core robotic materials through proprietary technology, breaking historical reliance on highly concentrated foreign supply chains to aggressively drive global competitiveness.

SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- SeAH Besteel has successfully developed and commercialized a special steel material for the reducers that serve as critical components driving robotic movement. With this breakthrough, the company positions itself at the forefront of the robotics revolution, securing a powerful competitive edge in the booming materials market for advanced robotics.

Serving as the mechanical joints of a robot, reducers are the critical link that tames high-speed motors, allowing robotic limbs to operate with absolute precision and controlled force. The key to flawless robotic operation lies in minimizing the microscopic gaps between interlocking gears. As this backlash approaches zero, robots can execute complex, error-free movements with unprecedented accuracy.

The advanced special steel is specifically tailored for the flexspline, a vital component responsible for transmitting motor power within the reducer. Through a proprietary alloy design, SeAH Besteel has fundamentally solved the challenge of microscopic shape deformation caused by thermal stress during heat treatment. Since robotic components undergo rigorous precision machining, the resilient material minimizes deformation from varying temperatures and impacts, ultimately ensuring optimal machinability and exacting dimensional precision.

Furthermore, the grueling nature of continuous robotic movement demands materials with exceptional fatigue life. Rising to this challenge, SeAH Besteel integrated a highly advanced vacuum degassing system into its refining process to completely eradicate microscopic impurities. By nearly eliminating the non-metallic inclusions responsible for micro-cracks, the company has forged an ultra-clean steel. This technological achievement pushes mechanical reliability to the maximum possible level.

The material quickly transitioned into full-scale mass production following an initial supply in February to SPG, a prominent Korean precision reducer manufacturer. It continues to expand its footprint and market share across diverse industrial applications.

Capitalizing on the mass production of its newly developed flexspline material, SeAH Besteel is accelerating the expansion of its advanced material portfolio. Targeting the next frontier in automation, the company plans to develop a broader range of special steel grades tailored for humanoid robots.

"Achieving mass production entirely through our own proprietary technology marks a major milestone in the robot reducer materials market, a sector historically reliant on a highly concentrated handful of foreign suppliers," said a representative of SeAH Besteel. "Establishing sovereign capacity in these core materials is critical for the sustainable growth of the robotics ecosystem. We will continue to lead the charge in developing proprietary, high-quality special steels, empowering the industry to secure a commanding competitive edge on the global stage."

About SeAH Group

SeAH Group is a leading steel materials company headquartered in Korea, with core businesses in steel pipes, special steel, and advanced metal materials. The Group supplies energy steel pipes for the oil and gas industry, piping and structural steel pipes for the construction market, and special steel used in automotive and industrial machinery components. Building on more than 65 years of expertise in steel materials manufacturing and engineering, SeAH Group continues to expand into future growth industries, including aerospace and defense, nuclear energy, and renewable energy such as offshore wind power.

The Group's business portfolio is built around two key pillars: special steel and steel pipes. Its special steel businesses are centered on SeAH Holdings, while its steel pipe businesses are led by SeAH Steel Holdings. SeAH Group operates 61 affiliated companies worldwide, including 24 in Korea and 37 overseas, while maintaining a global manufacturing and business network serving customers across key international markets. The Group's four publicly listed companies in Korea are SeAH Holdings, SeAH Steel Holdings, SeAH Besteel Holdings, and SeAH Steel. For more information about SeAH Group, visit www.seah.co.kr.

About SeAH Besteel

SeAH Besteel is a leading special steel manufacturer supplying critical materials for the automotive, machinery, and construction equipment industries. Leveraging its integrated production system and advanced automation capabilities, the company has established a strong reputation for quality, technological excellence, and manufacturing competitiveness in Korea. Through continuous R&D and the development of proprietary materials, SeAH Besteel supplies special steel products to major automotive manufacturers in Korea and continues to expand its presence in global markets through partnerships with key automotive OEMs. In the nuclear energy sector, SeAH Besteel supplies casks and critical equipment used in nuclear power facilities and has established a proven track record through the successful delivery of products to Orano TN and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP). The company is also strengthening its position in sustainable growth sectors by supplying special steel materials for offshore wind applications, including wind turbine gearboxes and offshore wind power generators. To learn more about SeAH Besteel, visit www.seahbesteel.co.kr.

SOURCE SeAH Besteel