Schaeffler has been awarded the Hermes Award for its highly integrated actuator platform designed for humanoid robots. The award, presented during the Hannover Messe opening ceremony on April 19 by German Research Minister Dorothee Bar and Chancellor Friedrich Merz, recognizes innovations that integrate mechanical engineering with artificial intelligence. The jury, chaired by Fraunhofer President Prof. Dr.-Ing. Holger Hanselka, selected Schaeffler from three nominees.
The actuator platform is a critical development for the humanoid robotics industry because actuators account for roughly 50% of a humanoid's total cost. By providing scalable, cost-efficient components, Schaeffler aims to make humanoid robots commercially viable for large-scale industrial use. The company plans to begin series production of actuators this year, leveraging its expertise in automotive and industrial supply chains.
Schaeffler's platform includes rotary actuators for joints such as shoulders, elbows, and knees, enabling natural movement. Key innovations include integrated bearings within the rotor, which reduce installation footprint by 20% and weight by up to 500 grams, and a modular design that accommodates two-stage planetary or strain wave gears. The use of automated winding technology and chipless metal forming for ultra-thin bearing rings (1 mm) supports efficient production.
Georg F. W. Schaeffler, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, stated that the award reflects the company's 80-year legacy of innovation and its commitment to growth segments like humanoid robotics. CEO Klaus Rosenfeld emphasized that the actuator technology exemplifies Schaeffler's Motion Technology Company concept, converting energy into motion with AI integration as a key enabler.
The platform will be showcased at Hannover Messe from April 20 to 24 at Booth E60 in Hall 13. More information is available at Schaeffler at Hannover Messe 2026.
This award underscores Schaeffler's pivotal role as a component supplier in the humanoid robotics segment, addressing the industry's need for affordable, high-performance actuators. With production ramping up, the company is positioned to accelerate the adoption of humanoid robots across industrial applications.
