Motion Technology Company Schaeffler received the globally renowned Hermes Award for its highly integrated actuator platform for humanoids, the company announced April 20. The award, presented during the opening ceremony of Hannover Messe by Dorothee Bar, Federal Minister of Research, Technology and Space, and Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, recognizes outstanding products with high innovation and significant industry benefits. This year's focus was on integrating mechanical engineering and artificial intelligence.
The actuator platform, designed specifically for humanoid robot joints, integrates advanced technologies, efficient production processes, and extensive modularity. Since actuators account for about 50% of humanoid total costs, Schaeffler's innovation is pivotal for making humanoids competitive and ready for large-scale industrial use. The company plans to begin series production of components this year, leveraging its 12 core manufacturing technologies, including highly automated winding for coils and chipless metal forming for roller bearing rings as thin as 1 mm.
Georg F. W. Schaeffler, family shareholder and Chairman of the Supervisory Board, stated: “We are very delighted to receive the prestigious Hermes Award. For 80 years, our company has been the embodiment of innovative strength and pioneering spirit, qualities that we apply consistently in both our core business and growth segments like humanoid robotics.” Klaus Rosenfeld, CEO of Schaeffler AG, added: “Receiving the renowned Hermes Award is primarily an accolade for our engineers and product developers, but we also see in it an acknowledgement of the concept of the Motion Technology Company.”
The platform includes rotary actuators for joints like shoulders, elbows, and knees, based on highly efficient electric motors with integrated power electronics and high-precision encoders. It can be configured with two-stage planetary or strain wave gears. By integrating bearings into the rotor, the installation footprint is reduced by about 20% and weight by up to 500 grams, resulting in a design up to 10 mm more compact than other solutions while delivering high continuous torque.
Schaeffler’s award-winning technology underscores its key role as a component supplier in humanoid robotics. The actuator platform and other innovative components will be displayed at Booth E60 in Hall 13 at Hannover Messe from April 20 to 24. More information is available at Schaeffler at the Hannover Messe 2026.
