Schaeffler Partners with Leju Robotics on Factory Humanoids
German automotive supplier Schaeffler has partnered with China's Leju Robotics to deploy humanoid robots in its factories. The deal will see Leju's humanoids used for inspection and logistics, while Schaeffler will supply high-performance actuators, creating a closed-loop industrial ecosystem.
This partnership makes Leju Robotics Schaeffler's first embodied intelligence partner in China, targeting applications like small parts loading, factory inspections, and production line logistics. The collaboration will focus on creating demonstration projects that integrate humanoids into high-end manufacturing, alongside joint R&D and industrial data collection to iterate on AI models. Shenzhen-based Leju Robotics, founded in 2016, has backing from major players like Tencent and recently raised over $200 million ahead of a planned IPO. Their full-size KUAVO humanoid stands 170 cm tall, walks at 4.6 km/h, and runs on Huawei's HarmonyOS, leveraging the Pangu AI model for tasks like voice commands and planning. For Schaeffler, this is part of a broader strategy to become a key technology supplier and early adopter in the burgeoning humanoid market. The company also has partnerships with UK-based Humanoid and Germany's Neura Robotics, and made a minority investment in US-based Agility Robotics. Schaeffler's COO has stated a goal to integrate thousands of humanoids into its global production operations by 2035. The core of the partnership leverages Schaeffler's expertise in motion technology. Humanoid robots require 25-30 high-precision actuators in their joints, and Schaeffler is a key producer of these components, including planetary gear and strain wave gear actuators, which are critical for precise and efficient movement. This collaboration is indicative of a wider trend where automotive and industrial giants are increasingly piloting humanoids to automate tasks in environments originally designed for humans. Companies like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Xiaomi are also exploring the use of humanoids from players like Figure AI, Apptronik, and Agility Robotics in their production and logistics operations.
