Schaeffler
Schaeffler will debut a new planetary gear actuator, made exclusively for humanoid robots, at CES 2026.
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Schaeffler
Schaeffler will debut a new planetary gear actuator, made exclusively for humanoid robots, at CES 2026.
Motion technology company Schaeffler announced it will be presenting a planetary gear actuator developed specifically for humanoid robots at CES 2026 in Las Vegas.
The company said the compact, yet powerful system combines a two-stage planetary gearbox, an electric motor, along with an encoder and controller in a space-optimized unit.
Schaeffler said that actuators transmit torque with high precision and minimal compliance and are essential for enabling humanoid robots to move accurately and efficiently. On average, 25 to 30 actuators are required in total for joints such as the shoulders, knees and hips. While conventional actuators often offer limited or no back-drivability - that is, the ability to move the drive in reverse - Schaeffler said its planetary gear actuator enables smooth back-driving and high precision thanks to its innovative design.
In addition, Schaeffler manufactures all components entirely in-house, which the company said ensures the highest levels of quality and reliability.
“Schaeffler aims to secure a key position in the rapidly growing humanoid robotics market,” said Andreas Schick, COO of Schaeffler AG and responsible on the Executive Board for humanoid activities. “Thanks to our decades of manufacturing expertise, we are able to deliver the highest quality in large volumes and within the shortest possible production times. The innovative planetary gear actuator is a production-ready key product within our portfolio and will make humanoid robots even more capable and powerful.”
Schaeffler deploys humanoid robots across its entire value chain, and the company said it understands market requirements and customer needs firsthand.
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