Schaeffler plans to deploy robots from Humanoid across its global factories. Source: Humanoid
While humanoid robotics developers have gotten a lot of public and investor interest, many still need partners for the technologies that go into their systems. SKL Robotics Ltd., which does business as Humanoid, today announced a strategic partnership with motion technology company Schaeffler Technologies AG.
“Real-world integration is the ultimate test for humanoid robots,” said Artem Sokolov, founder of Humanoid. “Moving from pilots to large-scale deployment requires close alignment on systems, data, safety, and operations with our partners.”
“Our collaboration with Schaeffler allows us to validate and scale humanoid deployment with clear requirements, measurable outcomes, and long-term plans,” he added. “Together, we are laying the groundwork for humanoid robots to become a practical and reliable part of industrial environments within just a few years.”
Sokolov founded Humanoid in 2024, and the company has more than 200 engineers, researchers, and innovators from top global tech companies. With offices in London, Boston, and Vancouver, Humanoid said it is building commercially viable, scalable, and safe robots for real-world applications.
Humanoid recently noted that it went from a concept to a functional prototype of its HMND 01 mobile manipulator in just seven months. The company’s HMND 01 Alpha Bipedal model achieved stable locomotion only 48 hours after final assembly.
Schaeffler to be preferred partner for actuators
“As a motion technology company, we want to play a key role in the growing humanoid robotics market,” stated Klaus Rosenfeld, CEO of Schaeffler AG. “To do so, we are relying on our decades-long manufacturing excellence and industrialization expertise. With Humanoid, we are gaining an attractive partner in Europe that will enable us to drive forward joint innovations in the field of humanoid robotics.”
Under the new agreement, the companies will also strengthen cooperation on the supply and integration of actuator components for Humanoid’s robotic platforms. They will explore the joint development of next-generation actuators.
Schaeffler said it will become Humanoid’s preferred supplier for joint actuators used in its wheeled platform.
Schaeffler’s planetary gear actuator is designed to enable precise and energy-efficient motion sequences. Source: Schaeffler
In addition, the companies plan to collaborate on data collection and skill development for humanoid robots. This includes gathering robot-specific and use case-driven data through teleoperation, synthetic data generation, and peripheral data.
Schaeffler said it will use the information to train AI models and continuously improve robot performance, with skills tailored to its own operational needs.
The Herzogenaurach, Germany-based company has also worked with Agility Robotics.
At CES last week, Schaeffler showed its motion-control systems, including a new planetary gear actuator for humanoid robots. The company said its new system combines a two-stage planetary gearbox, electric motor, encoder, and controller in a compact unit for precise movement and continuous operation.
Humanoid to deploy hundreds of robots into production
Over the next five years, the companies agreed to bring hundreds of Humanoid’s robots into Schaeffler’s production facilities, fostering further industrial automation. Beyond deployment, the partnership covers actuator supply, data collection, skill development, and other critical areas.
Initial deployments are scheduled to begin with beta-stage robots in 2026 and 2027. This phase will focus on validating technical integration; operational performance; and compliance with Schaeffler’s system, safety, IT, and security requirements.
The companies said they will measure success across performance, efficiency, availability, reliability, serviceability, and ease of integration. Following validation, Humanoid plans to offer its products under robot-as-a-service (RaaS) models for the gamma phase, with both RaaS and CapEx (capital expenditure) options available for later stages.
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