Schaeffler, a supplier to the automotive and mechanical engineering industries based in Herzogenaurach, Franconia, and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore are deepening their existing partnership. A new 900-square-meter laboratory will be used to advance technologies for robotics and artificial intelligence in particular. Humanoid robotics is an important growth area in which Schaeffler intends to contribute its expertise as a user and supplier of innovative components. The company recently announced partnerships with major humanoid manufacturers, which also include supply agreements for components. In addition, Schaeffler will integrate a significant number of humanoids into its global production. The cooperation with leading research institutions supports the Motion Technology Company in becoming the preferred technology partner for humanoid robotics. NTU is part of the SHARE program (Schaeffler Hubs for Advanced Research), a core element of Schaeffler's innovation strategy. The on-campus concept creates an international network with leading universities.

“Added value that extends beyond the region”

Uwe Wagner, Member of the Executive Board of Schaeffler AG, says: "Schaeffler stands for the highest level of innovation and is specifically strengthening this expertise in the future fields of humanoid robotics and artificial intelligence. The opening of the laboratory at NTU marks another important milestone in our long-standing, successful partnership. Through close cooperation with leading scientists, we are accelerating the development of disruptive technologies to series production readiness, thereby creating added value that extends beyond the region."

From the lab to practice: research transfer for innovative products

Together with scientists and students from the university, Schaeffler is also conducting research in the fields of collaborative robotics and automated mobile robot platforms. The new development center not only strengthens Schaeffler's innovation profile, but also promotes interdisciplinary research at NTU. The company uses its exchanges with scientific institutions and industry partners to effectively combine research and business. This close cooperation makes it possible to quickly and practically transform innovative ideas into marketable technologies – and thus actively shape the future of robotics.

Schaeffler as a technology partner for humanoid robotics

Humanoid robotics is one of the most promising technologies for industrial production in the future. Schaeffler is actively shaping the development of this disruptive technology as a supplier of components and as a user along the entire value chain. Based on its decades of expertise and a broad portfolio of key technologies, including linear and rotary transmissions, bearings, sensors, and intelligent actuator systems, the company is able to transfer scalable solutions from the automotive and industrial sectors to humanoid robotics. One example of this is planetary gear actuators. Originally developed for electromobility, the actuators are used in the joints of humanoid robots, such as in shoulders and hips.

Aiming high: pushing the boundaries of what is possible

Maximilian Fiedler, Regional CEO Asia/Pacific (acting) at Schaeffler AG, says: "We are delighted to take our long-standing partnership with NTU to a new level. This collaboration forms the basis of our innovation activities. Together, we are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in robotics and forward-looking innovations. By combining our extensive industry experience with NTU's cutting-edge research and academic excellence, we are creating a strong partnership. As a leading company in drive technology, Schaeffler is proud to be part of Singapore's vibrant ecosystem, which continues to set the pace for technological progress. Singapore's reputation as a global innovation hub, combined with its rich talent pool, provides the ideal setting for this collaboration to flourish. We look forward to this next chapter and are confident that together we will continue to lead and inspire innovation in this rapidly evolving field."