Planetary Gear Actuators for Humanoid Robotics

At the Consumer Electronics Show 2026 in Las Vegas, Schaeffler presents a planetary gear actuator developed specifically for humanoid robots, targeting precise torque transmission, efficient motion control, and industrial-scale deployability.

Motion requirements in humanoid robotics
Humanoid robots are increasingly viewed as a complementary workforce in industrial environments, where they can operate within existing infrastructures and perform repetitive or ergonomically demanding tasks. Their mechanical complexity places high demands on actuators, which must deliver precise torque, low compliance, and reliable operation across multiple joints. A single humanoid robot typically requires between 25 and 30 actuators for key joints such as shoulders, hips, and knees, making actuator performance and manufacturability critical factors for large-scale deployment.

Conventional actuator designs often limit back-drive capability, restricting smooth reverse motion and reducing dynamic interaction with the environment. Schaeffler addresses this limitation with a planetary gear actuator engineered to balance high positional accuracy with controlled back-driving behavior.

Design and functional characteristics of the actuator
The planetary gear actuator integrates a two-stage planetary gearbox, an electric motor, as well as an encoder and controller into a compact, space-optimized unit. Designed and manufactured entirely in-house, the system reflects Schaeffler’s vertically integrated production approach, which aims to ensure consistent quality and reproducibility at volume.

Technically, the actuator covers a torque range from 60 to 250 Nm and is characterized by high thermal stability. Its mechanical design enables smooth and predictable back-driving while maintaining precise torque transmission. According to Schaeffler, this combination allows the actuator to withstand external forces without unintended reverse rotation, supporting stable and energy-efficient motion sequences. These properties are particularly relevant for continuous-duty operation in humanoid robots, where joints are subject to frequent load changes and dynamic interactions.

Transfer of industrial manufacturing expertise
Schaeffler deploys humanoid robots across its own value chain, providing direct insight into application requirements and operational constraints. This experience informs the transfer of scalable solutions from the automotive and industrial sectors into humanoid robotics. Within its portfolio of eight product families for humanoid applications, integrated linear and rotary actuators represent roughly half of all components required in a humanoid robot, underscoring the central role of motion systems.

Andreas Schick, Chief Operating Officer of Schaeffler AG and responsible for humanoid activities at board level, positions the planetary gear actuator as a production-ready component designed for high-volume manufacturing. He highlights the company’s ability to deliver consistent quality within short production cycles, reflecting decades of experience in precision manufacturing.

Application context and exhibition details
The planetary gear actuator is presented as a core element for improving motion accuracy, load handling, and operational efficiency in humanoid robots intended for industrial use. By combining compact integration, defined torque performance, and controlled back-drive behavior, the system is positioned to support scalable humanoid robot architectures.

Schaeffler will exhibit the actuator alongside other humanoid robotics components and future technologies at the Consumer Electronics Show from January 6 to 9, 2026, in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, Booth 7301.

www.schaeffler.com