Schaeffler has been awarded the prestigious Hermes Award for its highly integrated actuator platform designed specifically for humanoid robots. The award, presented during the opening ceremony of Hannover Messe on April 19, 2026, recognizes outstanding innovation with significant industrial benefits. The independent jury, chaired by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Holger Hanselka of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, selected Schaeffler from three nominees. The accolade underscores Schaeffler's pivotal role as a component supplier in the humanoid robotics segment, where actuators account for roughly 50% of total robot costs.
Georg F. W. Schaeffler, family shareholder and Chairman of the Supervisory Board, stated that the award reflects the company's 80-year legacy of innovation and its application to growth segments like humanoid robotics. CEO Klaus Rosenfeld emphasized that the actuator platform exemplifies the Motion Technology Company concept, converting energy into mechanical motion and, combined with AI, enabling the breakthrough of humanoid robots.
The actuator platform includes rotary actuators for joints such as shoulders, elbows, and knees, enabling natural movement. It features highly efficient electric motors, integrated power electronics, high-precision encoders, and flexible gearing options (planetary or strain wave). An innovative design integrates the bearing into the rotor, reducing installation footprint by about 20% and weight by up to 500 grams, resulting in a more compact solution than competitors while delivering high continuous torque. This modularity and efficiency make the platform a key technology for humanoid robot drive systems.
Schaeffler plans to begin series production of components as early as 2026, leveraging its 12 core manufacturing technologies, including highly automated winding and chipless metal forming for bearing rings just 1 mm thick. The company's experience as an automotive and industrial supplier ensures cost-effective, scalable, and reliable solutions. The close integration of development, production, and supply chain enables rapid production ramp-up.
The actuator platform will be on display 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.
