Humanoid to deploy up to 2,000 robots at Schaeffler plants
Major Robot Deployment Deal Between Humanoid and Schaeffler
(Corrects attribution of estimated robots deployment to Humanoid spokesperson in paragraph 2, not CEO)
By Amir Orusov
Overview of the Deployment Agreement
May 13 (Reuters) - British technology company Humanoid said on Wednesday it will deploy humanoid robots at German industrial supplier Schaeffler's factories under a deal that marks one of the robot maker's largest planned manufacturing rollouts.
Scope and Timeline of the Rollout
The plan covers an estimated 1,000 to 2,000 robots across Schaeffler's global manufacturing sites by 2032, a Humanoid spokesperson said. The companies did not disclose the contract value or precise numbers. An initial rollout is scheduled from December 2026 to June 2027 at two German sites.
Initial Rollout Locations and Focus
The first phase will focus on box handling in Herzogenaurach and on testing near-full-scale operations in Schweinfurt, CEO Artem Sokolov told Reuters. Humanoid will also help Schaeffler integrate the robots into existing factory lines.
Strategic Technology Partnership and Industry Context
The agreement builds on a strategic technology partnership announced in January. Manufacturers are testing humanoid robots for repetitive tasks in warehouses and production plants to raise efficiency and address labour shortages.
Five-Year Supply Agreement for Actuators
Alongside the deployment deal, the companies signed a separate five-year supply agreement for actuators, the parts that move robotic joints.
Details of the Actuator Supply Pact
Under that pact, Schaeffler will become Humanoid's preferred supplier for more than half of the company's demand for joint actuators for its wheeled humanoid platforms through 2031, Sokolov said.
Sokolov added that the agreement is expected to cover a seven-digit number of actuators over its term, indicating supplies of at least 1 million units.
(Reporting by Amir Orusov; Editing by Matt Scuffham)
