Schaeffler and Hexagon: Partnership for humanoid robotics

Germany And Switzerland Schaeffler Focuses on Cooperation in the Field of Humanoid Robots

2026-04-23 Source: Schaeffler | Translated by AI 2 min Reading Time

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The motion technology company Schaeffler has announced that it has entered into a strategic partnership in the field of humanoid robotics with the Swiss company Hexagon Robotics ...

Hexagon, the Swiss expert for humanoid robot systems, such as the Aeon here, has know-how that Schaeffler now also wants to use as part of a cooperation. Read here what this is all about ...(Image: Hexagon Robotics) — Hexagon, the Swiss expert for humanoid robot systems, such as the Aeon here, has know-how that Schaeffler now also wants to use as part of a cooperation. Read here what this is all about ...
(Image: Hexagon Robotics)

The focus of the cooperation between Schaeffler and Hexagon Robotics, which has now begun, is the development and supply of high-precision shaft gear and planetary gear actuators from the Herzogenaurach-based company's actuator platform, which has won the Hermes Award from Deutsche Messe (Germany). Schaeffler's core competence in drive technology will thus be combined with Hexagon's robot systems expertise. Schaeffler also plans to deploy approximately 1,000 humanoid robots (also known as humanoids for short) from Hexagon Robotics in its global production network over the next seven years. The aim is to gradually further automate production processes, increase efficiency in manufacturing and systematically scale the use of humanoid robotics in the industrial environment. The innovative actuator platform provides the technological backbone for the next generation of humanoid robotics. It is the basis for making humanoid robotics suitable for mass use. The cooperation with Hexagon Robotics therefore shows how Schaeffler combines hardware excellence with industrial application. Hexagon states that it has developed a humanoid robot called Aeon specifically for the industrial market, using its expertise in sensor fusion, spatial intelligence and physical AI.

Schaeffler Brings Movement to the Joints of Humanoids

The partnership with Hexagon Robotics will focus on the development and supply of rotary actuators that are used in the central joints of humanoids, such as the shoulders and elbows. Schaeffler's actuator platform offers highly efficient electric motors with integrated power electronics and precise encoders. Depending on the requirements, the entire system is designed with 2-stage planetary or shaft gearboxes. This creates a flexible and powerful basis for humanoid robots that meets all requirements. Shaft gear actuators, explains Schaeffler, score particularly well thanks to their high precision, freedom from backlash and a very good weight-torque ratio. And planetary gear actuators are characterized by high thermal stability, high torque transparency and low back drive capability. Schaeffler thus offers a comprehensive product portfolio for humanoids. The range extends from rolling bearings and precision drives to motors and sensors through to thermal and battery management.

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