Schaeffler Strengthens Position in Human Robotics Ecosystem with New Asia Pacific Partnership Focused on Actuator Technologies

At the signing of the partnership (from right): Maximilian Fiedler, Regional CEO Asia/Pacific, Schaeffler AG; Professor Boon Siew Han, Regional Head Asia/Pacific of Humanoid Robotics, Schaeffler AG; Le Minh, Director of Hardware, VinDynamics; and Nguyen Quang Vinh, Chief Technology Officer, VinDynamics. (Image: Schaeffler / VinDynamics)

(IN BRIEF) Schaeffler has partnered with VinDynamics, part of Vingroup, to develop and supply planetary gearboxes for humanoid robots, marking its first collaboration with a robotics manufacturer in the Asia-Pacific region. The partnership combines Schaeffler’s expertise in motion and drive technologies with VinDynamics’ robotics capabilities, focusing on improving actuator performance and enabling precise robotic movement. A key element of the collaboration is joint data collection to support optimization, condition monitoring, and predictive maintenance. The initiative strengthens Schaeffler’s global position in the humanoid robotics sector and supports the advancement of practical applications for next-generation robotic systems.

(PRESS RELEASE) HERZOGENAURACH/ HANOI, Vietnam, 22-Apr-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Schaeffler AG has entered into a strategic collaboration with VinDynamics, a subsidiary of Vingroup, to advance the development of humanoid robotics technologies. The partnership focuses on the design and supply of high-performance planetary gearboxes, which are essential components enabling movement in robotic joints.

The agreement represents Schaeffler’s first collaboration with a humanoid robotics company in the Asia-Pacific region, expanding its global network of partnerships that already includes leading robotics players in Europe, China, and the United States. Through this move, the company aims to strengthen its presence in the rapidly evolving humanoid robotics sector.

At the core of the partnership is the integration of Schaeffler’s expertise in motion and drive technologies with VinDynamics’ capabilities in developing next-generation robotic systems. Planetary gearboxes, which act as key elements within actuator systems, play a critical role in delivering the precision, efficiency, and power required for humanoid robot movement. These components enable robots to perform complex motions by functioning as the mechanical equivalent of muscles and joints.

Beyond hardware development, the collaboration includes a strong focus on data-driven innovation. Both companies will jointly collect and analyze operational and application data from robotic systems. This information will be used to refine actuator performance, enhance system design, and support the development of advanced capabilities such as condition monitoring and predictive maintenance.

Schaeffler brings decades of engineering experience and a high level of vertical integration to the partnership, allowing it to adapt established technologies from its existing product portfolio to meet the specific requirements of humanoid robotics. Its solutions are designed to deliver high torque density, compact form factors, and energy-efficient performance, all of which are essential for advanced robotic applications.

The partnership reflects a shared ambition to accelerate the transition of humanoid robots from research environments into practical, real-world use cases across industrial and everyday settings. By combining complementary strengths in mechanical engineering and robotics development, both companies aim to drive innovation in motion technologies and contribute to the broader advancement of the human robotics ecosystem.

Schaeffler Group – We pioneer motion: The Schaeffler Group has been driving forward groundbreaking inventions and developments in the field of motion technology for 80 years. With innovative technologies, products, and services for electric mobility, CO₂-efficient drives, chassis solutions and renewable energies, the company is a reliable partner for making motion more efficient, intelligent, and sustainable – over the entire life cycle. Schaeffler describes its comprehensive range of products and services by means of eight product families: From bearing solutions and all types of linear guidance systems through to repair and monitoring services. Schaeffler is with around 110,000 employees and more than 250 locations in 55 countries, one of the world’s largest family-owned companies and one of Germany’s most innovative companies.

Forward-looking statements and projections
Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions could adversely affect the outcome and financial consequences of the plans and events described herein. No one undertakes any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You should not place any undue reliance on forward-looking statements which speak only as of the date of this press release. Statements contained in this press release regarding past trends or events should not be taken as representation that such trends or events will continue in the future. The cautionary statements set out above should be considered in connection with any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that Schaeffler, or persons acting on its behalf, may issue.

Media contact:

Dr. Axel Lüdeke
Head of Group Communications & Public Affairs Schaeffler Group
Tel.: +49 9132 82 8901
E-mail: axel.luedeke@schaeffler.com

Daniel Pokorny
Head of Communications Technology, Operations & Digitalization
Tel.: +49 9132 82-88708
E-mail: Daniel.pokorny@schaeffler.com

Heiko Eber
Head of Investor Relations
Tel.: +49 9132 82-88125
e-mail: heiko.eber@schaeffler

SOURCE: Schaeffler AG