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Schaeffler Unveils New Strain Wave Gearboxes for Humanoid Robots
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German automotive and industrial supplier Schaeffler has unveiled a new strain wave gearbox designed specifically for the mass production of humanoid robots. The company announced that mass manufacturing of this key robotic component is scheduled to begin at its facilities in Germany in 2027. This development marks a significant expansion of Schaeffler's portfolio into the rapidly growing field of humanoid robotics.
Strain wave gearboxes are critical, compact transmission components used within robot actuators, which control joint movements in arms and legs. Schaeffler notes that actuators alone can account for approximately half of a humanoid robot's total manufacturing cost. Therefore, optimizing their production is essential as the industry seeks to scale output and reduce expenses.
The core innovation lies in Schaeffler's forming process, which replaces conventional, slow machining. This method uses high pressing forces to form components into shape in seconds, a dramatic reduction from minutes. The company states this approach can slash gearbox manufacturing costs by over 25% and reduce material waste by more than 75%.
Crucially, validation testing has confirmed that these formed gearboxes deliver torque and efficiency comparable to traditionally machined parts. They maintain the necessary dimensional accuracy and stiffness required for the precise, repeated movements of a robot. This performance parity is vital for adoption in high-functioning humanoid systems.
Schaeffler brings proven expertise to this challenge, having supplied over 2 million formed strain wave gearboxes to the automotive sector over the last decade. David Kehr, President of Humanoid Robotics at Schaeffler, emphasized the company's unique position. He stated that Schaeffler will take a leading role in the market by leveraging its firsthand knowledge from deploying humanoids in its own value chain.
The move positions Schaeffler as a major enabler for the next generation of humanoid robot manufacturers. By drastically improving the economics and scalability of a core component, the company aims to lower a significant barrier to widespread adoption. Initial production will be based in Germany, with plans to later expand manufacturing to other global regions as demand grows.
