Insider Brief
- SKF and Leaderdrive agreed to form a China-based venture to develop high-precision transmission components for robot joints used in industrial humanoid robots.
- SKF will hold a 60% majority stake in the venture, which is expected to become operational by the end of 2026.
- Leaderdrive will contribute automation and humanoid robotics expertise, while SKF will bring bearing technology, scalable manufacturing and global supply-chain capabilities.
SKF and Leaderdrive have agreed to form a China-based venture to develop high-precision transmission components for humanoid robot joints.
SKF will hold a 60% majority stake in the venture, which is focused on components used in industrial humanoid robots powered by embodied AI technology, according to the Swedish company. The venture is expected to become operational by the end of 2026.
The companies said the venture will develop and supply transmission components designed to support reliable, continuous operation of humanoid robots in industrial settings.
“This venture is well aligned with our strategy to drive profitable growth and strengthen our position in selected high-growth industrial segments,” Henry Wang, president of SKF’s industrial region China and North-East Asia , said in the announcement. “Targeting the industrial humanoid segment, this partnership provides the agility needed to respond to rapid market iterations, while leveraging our core technologies to support industry advancement.”
Leaderdrive, also known as LD, will contribute automation and humanoid robotics expertise. SKF will bring bearing technology, scalable manufacturing and global supply-chain capabilities.
“As the Embodied AI humanoids industry continues to scale, the stable delivery of reliable core transmission components becomes a critical differentiator,” added Leaderboard chairman and executive director Yuyu Zuo. “Building on our shared foundation in industrial applications, we can help drive technological development in these humanoids and create sustainable value in this expanding market.”
The venture will be headquartered in China, near key supply chains and customers. The companies said it will serve China and target selected international markets, including Europe, Japan and the U.S., through SKF’s global sales network.
Image credit: SKF
