Humanoid
Schaeffler Technologies AG is expanding its humanoid robotics portfolio with formed strain wave gearboxes, having concluded extensive validation testing and preparing to start mass manufacturing in 2027. Strain wave gearboxes are key components in actuators, which make up around half of the total costs of manufacturing a humanoid robot, and they offer precise movement, high torque capacity, high gear reduction ratio, accuracy, and stiffness in compact spaces.
Schaeffler will take a leading role in the market for humanoid robots, said David Kehr, president of humanoid robotics at Schaeffler. We deploy humanoids along our entire global value chain and therefore have first-hand knowledge of the requirements of this technology and can develop key components based on our know-how.
Typically, manufacturers use precision machining to create strain wave gearboxes, a method that is time-consuming and capital-intensive. Schaeffler believes this could become a major bottleneck in scaling humanoid robots. Instead, the company is using a forming technology that avoids material removal, potentially enabling high-volume production. The Herzogenaurach, Germany-based company aims to leverage its manufacturing experience and automotive DNA to create solutions geared toward quality, economy, and scalability.
Source: The Robot Report