International. Motion technology company Schaeffler announced a strategic alliance with Chinese company Leju Robotics Technology Co., Ltd. to boost the development and industrial application of humanoid robots.
The collaboration seeks to accelerate the transfer of this technology to industrial-scale manufacturing and strengthen the presence of both companies in the global robotics ecosystem.
The agreement, signed between representatives of both companies in China, marks Schaeffler's first collaboration with a Chinese company in this area and adds to the partnerships it already has with manufacturers in Europe and the United States. The initiative will focus on industrial applications such as intelligent factory inspection, equipment operational support, logistics and human-robot collaboration.
The German company anticipates that humanoid robotics will play an increasing role in its own operation. In fact, it estimates that by 2035 it will integrate a number of approximately four-digit humanoid robots into its production processes.
Klaus Rosenfeld, CEO of Schaeffler AG, said: "In addition to its traditional core business, Schaeffler is specifically focused on new growth areas, including humanoid robotics. With Leju Robotics, we got a strong and innovative partner in one of the fastest growing markets for humanoids. With our eight product families and decades of manufacturing excellence and innovative capabilities, we are in a privileged position. This collaboration demonstrates that we have established ourselves as a reliable and solid partner in the global humanoid ecosystem."
For his part, Zhendong Ke, vice president of Leju Robotics, stressed that the cooperation will allow combining the technological and manufacturing capabilities of both organizations.
"Schaeffler has extensive experience in high-end equipment manufacturing and industrial automation, while Leju Robotics offers expertise in research, development and transfer to industrial-scale manufacturing of humanoid robots. This cooperation will combine the strengths of both parties and focus on industrial application scenarios, data collection, model iteration, and next-generation technological advancements. Thanks to our combined innovative capacity along the industrial value chain, we contribute to the construction of an open and mutually beneficial ecosystem for humanoid robots."
Components and technology for humanoid robots
Schaeffler seeks to position itself as a key technology partner in this market through a portfolio that includes essential components for humanoid robots. Its offering includes bearings, spindle drives, precision gears, motors, sensors, as well as battery and thermal management solutions.
These technologies make it possible to cover critical functions such as actuators, sensors, motion control and energy management. In addition, the company has experience in twelve manufacturing technologies, ranging from metallurgy to additive manufacturing, which facilitates the integration of industrial processes with advanced robotics solutions.
Dr. Zhang Yilin, Schaeffler's Regional CEO for Greater China, underlined the Asian market's potential for this technology.
"Humanoid robotics is one of Schaeffler's strategic business areas and has enormous market potential, especially in China. The signing of this strategic cooperation agreement is an important step after the creation of an independent on-site humanoid robotics company. Through open and collaborative partnerships, we aim to further strengthen our presence in the Chinese industrial ecosystem. Together with prominent partners such as Leju Robotics, we look forward to actively driving the development of the humanoid robotics industry."
