The Herzogenaurach-based auto parts supplier Schaeffler and Neura Robotics, a Metzingen-based provider of cognitive robotics, have established a technology partnership: according to a press release dated 4 November, the collaboration includes the development and delivery of key components for humanoid robots, such as actuators. In addition, Schaeffler intends to deploy humanoids from Neura in its global production network and to integrate a mid four-digit number of humanoids into its production by 2035. Schaeffler, according to the company, also cooperates with other manufacturers. Through the partnership, Neura Robotics aims to secure a substantial portion of the demand for compact and lightweight actuators for continuous-duty operation. Both companies intend to generate real-world application data, which are essential for training humanoid robots. These are to flow into the so-called 'Neuraverse.' According
to the provider, this is a worldwide cognitive ecosystem that networks physical AI and enables faster learning to continuously optimize the capabilities of robots.
Andreas Schick, member of the Executive Board for Production, Supply Chain Management and Purchasing at Schaeffler AG, says:
“Humanoid robotics is an important growth field for Schaeffler, and Neura ranks among the most innovative companies in Europe. The collaboration underscores our position as the preferred technology partner in this area. Schaeffler brings its decades-long product and industrialization expertise into the cooperation. By strategically linking our know-how, we not only strengthen our own competitiveness, but also, as technology pioneers, set standards for Germany as a business location.”
David Reger, CEO and founder of Neura Robotics, says:
“With Schaeffler, one of the largest and most experienced
industrial players in Germany, it shows that you must not wait for new technologies, but actively drive them forward. In this way, the German automotive industry, hand in hand with the automation sector, became the world market leader. With united strength we have the goal of advancing the industrialization of humanoids and, above all, creating what makes their deployment at industrial scale scalable: a global ecosystem for Physical AI, with a sovereign European data base.”
Joint Use of Production Data
A central component of the partnership is, according to the press release, the joint capture and use of production data as a basis for developing industrial robotics competencies needed in the production of the future. By employing advanced systems, movement and interaction data in the production environment are
to be generated and used for training AI models. Thus, humanoid robots could be trained specifically for particular tasks and continuously developed, it is said. Jointly, new skills based on real-world application data would be developed for Schaeffler, while at the same time the data base in the Neuraverse grows.
Schaeffler will also bring its extensive expertise in developing so-called planetary gear actuators. These are found in joints that perform precise rotational movements, for example in shoulders, elbows, knees or wrists. Despite their compact and light construction, they must be designed for the highest torque in continuous-duty operation. Schaeffler offers in its actuator portfolio for humanoids torque classes of up to 250 Newton-meters. This means, for example, that the Humanoid 4NE1 is capable of transporting even heavy loads.
