China revises harmonic drive reducer standards for robot components

China has issued revised national standards for harmonic drive reducers. These are the precision transmission parts fitted into robot joints. The update was reported by the Guangming Daily and discussed at a seminar in Shengzhou, Zhejiang Province.

One standard, GB/T 12601-2026, sets shared terminology for harmonic gear drives. The other, GB/T 14118-2026, covers harmonic drive reducers and addresses product categories, quality requirements and testing procedures. According to the report, both are the first major revisions in more than three decades. They take effect on April 1, 2027, per China's National Standard Information Public Service Platform.

The report says the standards give manufacturers and customers a common benchmark for judging whether products meet requirements. It also links the revision to efforts to strengthen the domestic robotics supply chain.

For equipment buyers, ask suppliers whether their harmonic drive reducers will be certified to GB/T 14118-2026 before the April 2027 effective date. Consider whether testing procedures under the revised standard match your acceptance criteria. If terminology in contracts or datasheets matters, check how suppliers map their specifications to GB/T 12601-2026.