Humanoid partners with Bosch, Schaeffler to scale robot production - The Robot Report
Last week, Humanoid said it has signed a binding, phased agreement with Schaeffler Technologies AG to integrate its robots into live manufacturing operations. The first systems will go live in Germany before the end of 2026.
Key takeaways
In 2026 the humanoid‑robot sector is moving from laboratory prototypes to large‑scale commercial deployment across industry, consumer markets and research. China is accelerating the rollout of humanoid robots as part of its 2026 “future industries” blueprint, with more than 140 domestic manufacturers and over 330 models already released; the government has also established robot‑learning centers such as the Beijing‑based Humanoid Robot Data Training Center to teach robots workplace tasks. Shanghai‑based Agibot now commands an estimated 39 % of the global market, has shipped over 10,000 units this year and offers robots‑as‑a‑service in 17 countries, signalling a shift from pure technology exploration to early‑stage deployment in manufacturing, logistics, security and education. In Europe, the startup Humanoid has signed a phased partnership with Schaeffler (and Bosch) to integrate its HMND platform into live production lines in Germany, with the first systems slated for operation by the end of 2026 and a seven‑digit supply of joint actuators secured through 2031. Boston Dynamics demonstrated a fully electric Atlas that can pick up and place heavy objects such as washing machines, emphasizing advances in whole‑body control and rapid sim‑to‑real training aimed at reducing behavior‑development cycles to a day. Market analysts now project the average selling price of humanoid robots to fall from roughly $115 k in 2024 to about $37 k by 2030, driving pay‑back periods down to six months for high‑utilisation industrial use and forecasting shipments of 1.8 million units by 2036, especially in automotive manufacturing. Canadian firm Sanctuary AI warns that home adoption remains several years away, estimating a three‑to‑seven‑year horizon before performance and cost meet consumer expectations. Meanwhile, the open‑source Asimov project offers a DIY kit at a target price of $15 k, providing a lower‑cost entry point for hobbyists and researchers and demonstrating the growing accessibility of humanoid robotics beyond large corporate programs.
Last week, Humanoid said it has signed a binding, phased agreement with Schaeffler Technologies AG to integrate its robots into live manufacturing operations. The first systems will go live in Germany before the end of 2026.
Humanoid claimed that it is one of the largest humanoid robot rollouts disclosed to date, positioning it as one of the youngest companies to secure such a contract at this scale. The company will also use Schaeffler as a preferred supplier, covering more than 50% of its demand for joint actuators through 2031. This partnership is expected to translate into a seven-digit number of actuators. Schaeffler and Humanoid first announced their strategic partnership in January 2026 after successful proofs of concept. The initial robot deployments will run from December 2026 through June 2027 at two Schaeffler sites in Germany. In Herzogenaurach, the focus will remain on advancing box handling.
The operations in Schweinfurt will begin with a three-month capability demonstration and integration testing period. After that will come a three-month on-site phase to validate stable, continuous operation approaching full production scale.
Under its robot-as-a-service (RaaS) model, Humanoid will provide systems and services, including connection to fleet management software, maintenance, 24/7 technical support, updates, and ongoing performance management. Founded in 2024 as SKL Robotics Ltd., Humanoid has designed the HMND platform for industrial environments. The wheeled mobile manipulator has a humanoid torso, head, and two arms and can adapt to a range of tasks in human-centric spaces, said the company.
Editor’s note: The 2026 Robotics Summit & Expo this month in Boston will include a keynote and sessions on humanoid robots. Al Makke, head of humanoid robotics for North America at Schaeffler, will participate in a keynote on “The State of Humanoids.” Register now to attend.
Bosch POC demonstrates diverse box handling
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