Motion technology company Schaeffler has been awarded the Hermes Award at Hannover Messe for its highly integrated actuator platform designed specifically for humanoid robot joints. The award, presented by German Federal Minister of Research Dorothee Bar in the presence of Chancellor Friedrich Merz, recognizes the platform's innovation and potential to industrialize humanoid robotics.
The actuator platform addresses a critical cost factor: actuators account for approximately 50 percent of the total cost of humanoid robots. By integrating efficient electric motors, power electronics, high-precision encoders, and flexible gearing options (planetary or strain wave), Schaeffler's design reduces installation footprint by 20 percent and weight by up to 500 grams compared to other solutions. The compact architecture, which integrates the bearing into the rotor, enables a design up to 10 mm thinner while delivering high continuous torque.
Schaeffler plans to begin series production of actuator components this year, leveraging its 12 core manufacturing technologies including automated winding for coils and chipless metal forming for roller bearing rings as thin as 1 mm. The company's experience as an automotive and industrial supplier supports fast production ramp-up with high reliability and scalability.
Georg F. W. Schaeffler, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, stated: "With our highly integrated actuator platform, we are setting new benchmarks in this growth area by combining our decades-long technology expertise with our excellent track record in industrialization." CEO Klaus Rosenfeld added: "There’s barely any other technology at Schaeffler that illustrates more effectively the immense potential behind this concept than actuator technology."
The platform includes rotary actuators for key joints like shoulders, elbows, and knees, enabling natural movement sequences. Its modularity allows customization for different humanoid designs. The award jury, chaired by Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft President Prof. Dr.-Ing. Holger Hanselka, selected Schaeffler from three nominees, emphasizing the integration of mechanical engineering and artificial intelligence.
Schaeffler will showcase the actuator platform and other humanoid robot components at Hannover Messe in Hall 13, Booth E60 from April 20 to 24. More details are available at Schaeffler at the Hannover Messe 2026.
