Schaeffler introduces solutions for humanoid robots at Hannover Messe 2025

By Staff Report April 1, 2025 11:47 am IST

Schaeffler is showcasing its expertise in the industrialisation of humanoid robots at the Hannover Messe. The company is focusing on the industrialisation of humanoid robots, which are crucial for efficient and agile production systems in the future.

At the Hannover Messe, the motion technology company Schaeffler showcases its product expertise in the industrialisation of humanoid robots. Humanoids will play a key role in the industry’s future, as they can be readily deployed in existing work environments and significantly improve process efficiency. Building on its eight product families, Schaeffler offers a broad product portfolio to give manufacturers of humanoid robots a technological edge. As an integrator who is already using this future technology in its factories, the company understands the high requirements for key components such as bearings and actuators and incorporates this knowledge into its own product development. The industrialisation process is supported by the high level of vertical integration that has characterised Schaeffler for decades.

Andreas Schick, Chief Operating Officer, Schaeffler AG, said, “As a technology partner across all areas of motion, Schaeffler is in an ideal position to revolutionise industry with its innovations for humanoids. Humanoid robots are crucial for the efficient and agile production systems of the future. Schaeffler is already a strong partner in their development, supplying key components to major players in this field. Our comprehensive expertise in product and manufacturing technologies allows us to effectively establish and actively advance this disruptive technology in the industrial environment.”

Key technologies for humanoid robots

As a user of humanoid robots in the production environment, Schaeffler has sound knowledge of the exact requirements for components used in humanoid systems. Due to this expertise and its innovative product range, Schaeffler is transferring proven technical solutions to humanoid robots and systematically driving their ongoing development.

On average, humanoid robots have 25–30 joints, the effectiveness of which is largely dependent on the precision and robustness of the components used within them. Schaeffler’s innovative XZU double-row angular contact needle bearing was originally designed for industrial robots. A lightweight variant and more compact design variant of the XZU bearing have been developed by Schaeffler specifically for the humanoid market. Thanks to improved friction behaviour and high tilting rigidity, these bearings allow the movements of humanoid systems to be controlled more efficiently and precisely.

Schaeffler offers a broad range of key components for humanoids, like linear and rotary drive assemblies. Thanks to its longstanding experience in the automotive sector, Schaeffler is extending its high standards in drive technology to humanoid robotics. This results in scalable solutions that meet the requirements of the industry. Schaeffler’s rotary gearboxes and linear actuators, such as ball and planetary roller screw assemblies, can be used in various humanoid joints to achieve optimum functionality and efficiency.

At the Hannover Messe, Schaeffler is also presenting a wide range of sensor solutions. Humanoid robots must be capable of precise gripping or touching, so sensitive and ultra-modern sensors are crucial components. The company will present innovative linear sensors that detect longitudinal movements and can therefore substantially increase the perception range of humanoids.

In the electric motor segment, Schaeffler is showcasing high-performance, scalable product solutions. Originally developed for e-mobility, Schaeffler’s electric motors and power electronic solutions can be used in the drives of humanoid limbs and joints. Thanks to the merger with Vitesco Technologies, Schaeffler has substantially enhanced its expertise in these areas of technology and now has additional capabilities and competencies in the vertical integration in the development of components for humanoid applications.

David Kehr, president of Humanoid Robotics at Schaeffler, said, “At the Hannover Messe, Schaeffler will showcase its product solutions for humanoid robots for the first time. Our goal is to be a strong technology partner to manufacturers of humanoids. With our in-depth system knowledge, we are in a position to supply products optimally designed for the humanoid market. Schaeffler will leverage its outstanding manufacturing capabilities to scale up these technologies cost efficiently as soon as the demand for humanoids increases.”

Schaeffler at the Hannover Messe

Schaeffler is displaying its innovations in eight product families at the Hannover Messe from March 31 to April 4, 2025, in Hall 5, Booth D18. Schaeffler also has a booth in Hall 13 (E41/1) focusing on solutions for the generation and use of hydrogen.