Schaeffler Wins Hermes Award for Advanced Actuator Platform Driving the Future of Humanoid Robotics

Schaeffler Wins Hermes Award for Advanced Actuator Platform Driving the Future of Humanoid Robotics

(IN BRIEF) Schaeffler AG has received the Hermes Award for its innovative actuator platform designed for humanoid robots, marking a significant achievement in industrial robotics and motion technology. The platform features highly integrated, modular actuators that enable precise and efficient movement in robotic joints, addressing one of the most critical cost and performance factors in humanoid development. By combining advanced engineering, scalable manufacturing processes, and compact design, the solution supports the transition toward large-scale industrial deployment of humanoid robots. The award highlights Schaeffler’s growing role in the robotics sector and its ability to integrate mechanical engineering with AI-driven applications. With plans for series production and continued innovation, the company is positioning itself as a key supplier for next-generation robotic systems.

(PRESS RELEASE) HANOVER/HERZOGENAURACH, 20-Apr-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Schaeffler AG has been awarded the prestigious Hermes Award for its advanced actuator platform designed specifically for humanoid robotics. The recognition was presented during the opening ceremony of Hannover Messe on April 19, highlighting the company’s contribution to cutting-edge industrial innovation.

The award, determined by an independent jury chaired by Holger Hanselka, honors technologies that demonstrate exceptional innovation and deliver tangible benefits to industry. The prize was formally presented by Dorothee Bär in the presence of Friedrich Merz. This year’s focus emphasized the convergence of mechanical engineering and artificial intelligence, a theme reflected in Schaeffler’s actuator platform.

The company’s solution consists of a scalable system of highly integrated actuators engineered for use in humanoid robot joints. These components combine advanced technologies, efficient production methods, and modular design principles, enabling flexibility and performance in robotic applications. Given that actuators account for roughly half of the total cost of humanoid robots, their design and efficiency are critical factors in enabling large-scale industrial deployment.

Georg F W Schaeffler, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Schaeffler AG, emphasized that the award reflects the company’s longstanding commitment to innovation and technological leadership. He noted that the actuator platform builds on decades of engineering expertise while addressing emerging growth areas such as humanoid robotics.

Klaus Rosenfeld, CEO of Schaeffler AG, described the recognition as a testament to the work of the company’s engineering and development teams. He also pointed to actuator technology as a central element of Schaeffler’s broader Motion Technology strategy, particularly in enabling the conversion of energy into controlled mechanical movement. When combined with artificial intelligence, this capability is expected to play a crucial role in advancing humanoid robotics.

As demand for efficient actuator systems continues to rise globally, Schaeffler is preparing to begin series production of these components. Leveraging its experience as a supplier in the automotive and industrial sectors, the company aims to deliver high-quality, scalable, and cost-effective solutions. Its integrated approach to development, manufacturing, and supply chain management allows for rapid production ramp-up and adaptability.

The actuator platform itself includes rotary actuators capable of delivering precise and powerful movements in key robotic joints such as shoulders, elbows, and knees. These actuators are built around high-efficiency electric motors with integrated electronics, precision encoders, and configurable gearing systems, including planetary and strain wave gears. An innovative design that integrates the bearing directly into the rotor reduces the overall footprint by approximately 20% and decreases weight by up to 500 grams. This compact configuration—up to 10 mm smaller than comparable solutions—maintains high torque performance while enhancing efficiency and flexibility.

Schaeffler is showcasing its actuator platform alongside other robotics and industrial technologies at its exhibition stand during Hannover Messe, underscoring its expanding role in the rapidly evolving humanoid robotics sector. The company’s latest innovation positions it as a key contributor to the development of scalable, industrial-grade humanoid systems.

Schaeffler at Hannover Messe
The actuator platform, as well as other innovative key components for humanoid robots and industrial solutions for intralogistics, will be on display at Booth E60 in Hall 13 from April 20 to 24. Learn more about Schaeffler’s participation in Hannover Messe 2025: Schaeffler at the Hannover Messe 2026 | Schaeffler Group

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.

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.

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SOURCE: Schaeffler AG