Against this backdrop, Schaeffler AG is also systematically expanding its involvement in the field of humanoid robotics in order to position itself as a technology partner for the next generation of industrial robots.

German automotive and industrial supplier Schaeffler AG is significantly expanding its involvement in the future field of humanoid robotics and aims to establish itself as a technological pioneer in one of the most dynamic growth markets in the industry. Recent developments show a strategic realignment that combines classic automotive technology with highly innovative robotics technologies and encompasses both product development and industrial applications of humanoid systems.

High-precision actuators for bipedal and wheel-based robot platforms

One of the most recent milestones is the strategic technology partnership with the British robotics and AI company Humanoid, which was officially announced in January 2026. This cooperation aims to jointly develop and supply groundbreaking components for humanoid robots—in particular, high-precision actuators that can be used in both bipedal and wheel-based robot platforms. This includes a comprehensive supply contract for Schaeffler components and the intention to integrate several hundred humanoid robots into Schaeffler's global production network within the next five years.

Significant involvement in the design of robotic manufacturing models

As part of this partnership, not only will technologies be supplied, but robot-specific data will also be collected to train AI models for controlling and optimizing robot performance. Schaeffler thus plans to be more than just a component manufacturer, but to actively participate in the industrialization of humanoid systems. According to the company, this step will make Schaeffler a preferred technology partner in the rapidly growing robotics segment – moving away from pure supplier activities to playing a key role in shaping robotic manufacturing models.

Four-digit number of humanoid robots in the manufacturing environment

At the same time, Schaeffler is intensifying its technology partnership with Neura Robotics, another European high-tech partner in the field of cognitive robotics. This cooperation was initiated in fall 2025 and includes the joint development and supply of key components for humanoid robots, including innovative actuators and sensor technology. In addition, Neura robots will be integrated into Schaeffler's manufacturing – in the long term, the integration of a mid-four-digit number of such systems into the Group's production processes is planned by 2035. Through the shared use of real production data, humanoid systems will continuously learn and evolve to strengthen a physical AI ecosystem – referred to here as “Neuraverse.”

Series-ready key product for humanoid systems

A significant technological advance that Schaeffler is driving forward in the field of robotics is the planetary gear actuator for humanoid robots, which was unveiled at CES in December 2025. Schaeffler describes this actuator as a series-ready key product for humanoid systems: It combines a two-stage planetary gear, an electric motor, an encoder, and a controller in a compact unit. Thanks to its high precision, energy efficiency, and back-drive ability, this development enables robot movements that are both precise and energy-efficient, thus facilitating practical applications in industry.

Competitive advantage over many robotics startups

Such actuator systems are extremely important for humanoid robots: on average, humanoid systems require 25 to 30 such actuators to precisely control arms, legs, or the torso.

Schaeffler emphasizes that the complete in-house production of these components enables both the highest quality standards and rapid scalability for large quantities. This is a competitive advantage compared to many robotics startups, which are often heavily dependent on external suppliers.

Research locations in Asia

Another strategic element in Schaeffler's robotics commitment is its collaboration with research partners such as Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore. Through this cooperation, Schaeffler is expanding its research locations in Asia and creating platforms for applied robotics and AI research, which are intended to ensure technological differentiation in the long term. These research investments are an expression of an integrated approach that interlinks commercial developments, industrial application, and knowledge generation.

I bought this after Elon went crazy

Schaeffler's development momentum is taking place against the backdrop of a growing international movement in the field of humanoid robotics. The US company Tesla has recently been particularly prominent: in its latest quarterly report, the company announced that it would unveil the third generation of its humanoid robot Optimus in the first quarter of 2026 and set up a production line by the end of the year with a long-term capacity of up to one million units per year. Tesla also plans to not only use Optimus models in its own production facilities, but also to sell them to end customers starting in 2027, including applications in industry, households, and service areas.

Hyundai Motor Group also gets involved

Other international players are also reporting progress: American robotics company Boston Dynamics, part of the Hyundai Motor Group, recently unveiled Electric Atlas, a humanoid robot that is set to be used in factory environments from 2028. Atlas is considered a technological leader in mobility and automation and symbolizes the convergence of classic robotics capabilities with industrial applications.

Demand is growing despite technological hurdles

In a global comparison, Chinese companies are also entering the competition. Manufacturers such as UBTech report progress with their humanoid platforms, even though current models have yet to reach the efficiency of human workers. Despite these technological hurdles, demand is growing, and with it the pressure to scale autonomous systems for specific tasks in production and logistics.

Vision of the future becomes a concrete, implementable building block of industrial automation

Against the backdrop of this context, the contours of a dynamic scenario are emerging: Schaeffler is using strategic partnerships to integrate its own technological strengths into humanoid robotics ecosystems, while global heavyweights and specialized developers are simultaneously advancing machine networks, production strategies, and AI capabilities. This development signals that humanoid robotics is no longer perceived as a vision of the future, but as a concrete, implementable building block of industrial automation. For decision-makers, this means that investments in partner networks, data infrastructures, and modular robotics components are increasingly becoming a strategic differentiator—not only for increasing efficiency, but also for redesigning value chains in industry.