Insider Brief
- Schaeffler is expanding its humanoid robotics strategy through a new partnership with Hexagon Robotics that includes supplying core components and deploying at least 1,000 AEON humanoid robots across its factories over the next seven years.
- The agreement centers on high-precision rotary actuators for major robot joints, with Schaeffler providing motors, encoders, power electronics and planetary or strain wave gear systems designed for industrial performance and reliability.
- By integrating Hexagon’s humanoids into its own production network, Schaeffler is turning its factories into live test beds for physical AI and industrial humanoid automation rather than remaining only a component supplier.
Schaeffler is deepening its push into humanoid robotics through a new partnership with Hexagon Robotics, combining component supply with plans to deploy large numbers of humanoid robots across its factories.
The agreement covers the development and supply of high-precision rotary actuators used in joints such as shoulders and elbows in humanoid robots, according to the German motion technology company. Schaeffler plans to integrate at least 1,000 of Hexagon’s AEON humanoids into it’s factories over the next seven years.
The partnership centers on rotary actuators used in major robot joints such as shoulders and elbows. Schaeffler will supply components from its actuator platform, including electric motors, power electronics, encoders and either planetary or strain wave gear systems depending on the application.
Schaeffler pointed out that precision, torque, durability and thermal performance all determine whether these systems can move reliably in real factory environments rather than controlled demos.
Schaeffler said its strain wave gear actuators are designed for high precision and low backlash, while its planetary gear systems focus on torque transparency, thermal stability and back-drive capability. Together, the platform gives robot makers flexibility depending on the joint and workload.
“In other words, we are creating the foundation for making humanoid robotics fit for widespread use,” Dr. Jochen Schröder, Chief Operating Officer at Schaeffler AG, said in the announcement. “The cooperation with Hexagon Robotics shows how Schaeffler combines hardware excellence with industrial application. Not only are we developing key components, we are also integrating robots from Hexagon systematically into our own plants with the clear aim of further boosting our competitiveness through the use of physical AI.”
The deal also gives Schaeffler a direct path to deployment. Rather than supplying parts alone, the company plans to use Hexagon’s AEON humanoids inside its own production facilities, turning its factories into live test beds for industrial humanoid automation.
“We have developed a humanoid specifically for the industrial market, leveraging our core expertise in sensor fusion, spatial intelligence and physical AI,” noted Arnaud Robert, President of Hexagon Robotics. “We are delighted to see our humanoid AEON move into real-world production. Working with Schaeffler allows us to deliver demonstrable business value across various factory environments and scale our operations.”
Hexagon joins China’s Leju Robotics, UK’s Humanoid and Germany’s Neura Robotics to become the fourth humanoid robotics maker Schaeffler has struck a deal with since November 2025.
Image credit: Schaeffler
