Motion technology company Schaeffler has been awarded the prestigious Hermes Award for its highly integrated actuator platform designed specifically for humanoid robots. The award was presented during the official opening ceremony of Hannover Messe on April 19 by Dorothee Bar, Federal Minister of Research, Technology and Space, in the presence of Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The independent jury, chaired by Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft President Prof. Dr.-Ing. Holger Hanselka, selected Schaeffler from three nominees, recognizing the platform's high level of innovation and significant benefits for industry.
The actuator platform integrates innovative technologies, efficient production processes, and extensive modularity for use in humanoid robot joints. As actuators account for approximately 50 percent of the total cost of humanoids, they are critical for making these robots competitive. Schaeffler plans to begin series production of components as early as this year, leveraging its experience as an automotive and industrial supplier to offer cost-effective, scalable solutions.
Schaeffler's actuator platform includes rotary actuators that deliver precise rotational movements in key joints such as shoulders, elbows, and knees, enabling natural motion. The platform is based on highly efficient electric motors with integrated power electronics and high-precision encoders, and can be configured with two-stage planetary or strain wave gears. An innovative architecture integrates the bearing into the rotor, reducing installation footprint by about 20 percent and weight by up to 500 grams, resulting in a design up to 10 mm more compact than other solutions.
Georg F. W. Schaeffler, family shareholder and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Schaeffler AG, 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 demand for highly efficient actuators for humanoid joints is growing worldwide. Schaeffler is building on its 12 core manufacturing technologies, including highly automated winding technology for coils and chipless metal forming for roller bearing rings a mere 1 mm thick, to enable fast and flexible production ramp-up. The company's actuator platform will be on display at Booth E60 in Hall 13 at Hannover Messe from April 20 to 24. More information about Schaeffler's participation can be found at Schaeffler at the Hannover Messe 2026.
