Schaeffler deploys humanoid robots from Neura Robotics and supplies parts

German automotive and industrial supplier Schaeffler will increasingly supply robot parts to the German robotics company Neura Robotics in the future. Schaeffler announced this on Tuesday. The two companies have concluded a partnership that also stipulates that Schaeffler will integrate a “medium four-digit number” of humanoid robots into its production by 2035.

Together, Schaeffler and Neura Robotics aim to develop and manufacture key components for humanoid robots. These include, for example, robotic actuators that move the robots' joints. Schaeffler already has expertise in the field of planetary gearboxes, which enable precise rotational movements with high torque. Furthermore, these actuators are lightweight and robust, making them suitable for continuous operation.

Schaeffler already offers robot actuators in various performance classes that can deliver up to 250 Nm of torque. Neura Robotics' current humanoid robot 4NE1 is equipped with such actuators, enabling it to handle heavy loads. In the future, Neura Robotics intends to meet its demand for lightweight and powerful actuators through Schaeffler.

Neura robots to work at Schaeffler

The agreement also stipulates that Schaeffler will deploy a larger number of humanoid robots from Neura Robotics in its production. The exact number has not been disclosed by either company. Schaeffler's announcement cryptically mentions a medium four-digit number. Both companies are also tight-lipped about the costs. Industry sources suggest that the order value for Neura Robotics could be 300 million euros, but this cannot be confirmed at present.

During the robots' deployment in real production environments, application data will be collected, which will then be used for AI training of the humanoid robots. The goal: Through continuous learning of specific skills, the robots are intended to further develop.

(olb)