Schaeffler, a motion technology company, has received the 2026 Hermes Award for its highly integrated actuator platform designed specifically for humanoid robot joints. The award, presented at Hannover Messe, recognizes the platform's innovation and potential to transform industrial robotics. The independent jury, chaired by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Holger Hanselka of Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, selected Schaeffler from three nominees. Federal Minister of Research Dorothee Bar presented the award on April 19, with Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz in attendance.
Actuators account for approximately 50% of humanoid robot costs, making them a critical factor in achieving competitiveness. Schaeffler's platform integrates electric motors, power electronics, high-precision encoders, and flexible gearing options—either two-stage planetary or strain wave gears. An innovative architecture that incorporates the bearing into the rotor reduces the installation footprint by about 20% and weight by up to 500 grams, resulting in a design that is up to 10 mm more compact while delivering high continuous torque. This combination of space-saving design, efficiency, and modularity positions the platform as a key enabler for humanoid robot drive systems.
Schaeffler plans to begin series production of components as early as this year, leveraging its decades of experience as an automotive and industrial supplier. The company's 12 core manufacturing technologies, including highly automated winding technology for coils and chipless metal forming for roller bearing rings just 1 mm thick, support fast and flexible production ramp-up. According to Georg F. W. Schaeffler, family shareholder and Chairman of the Supervisory Board, the award underscores the company's innovative strength and pioneering spirit over 80 years. CEO Klaus Rosenfeld noted that the actuator technology exemplifies the Motion Technology Company concept, converting energy into mechanical motion, and when combined with AI, it is key to the breakthrough of humanoid robots.
The award highlights the growing demand for highly efficient actuators for humanoid joints worldwide. Schaeffler's platform includes rotary actuators for precise rotational movements in joints like shoulders, elbows, and knees, enabling natural motion sequences. The company will showcase the actuator platform and other components for humanoid robots and intralogistics at Booth E60 in Hall 13 from April 20 to 24. More information is available at Schaeffler at the Hannover Messe 2026.
This recognition underscores Schaeffler's key role as a component supplier in the humanoid robotics segment, with the potential to significantly lower barriers to large-scale industrial adoption of humanoid robots.
