‘Humanoids Making Humanoids’ as Schaeffler Opens Lighthouse Factory in China
aiinsider ·
Schaeffler has inaugurated a new 'lighthouse factory' in Taicang, China, designed to manufacture components for humanoid robots using other humanoid robots. This 7,500-square-meter facility establishes a closed-loop manufacturing system where six humanoids assemble parts such as linear and rotary actuators across five stations. The site integrates component production with advanced training centers, data collection, and digital twin technology to simulate industrial conditions found in Schaeffler’s global network. By testing physical AI systems under real-world constraints, the company aims to shorten development times and enhance production reliability. Schaeffler reports that demand for its humanoid robotics business is rising, with recent additions of two Greater China customers bringing global incoming orders to approximately 400 million euros. COO Jochen Schröder stated that this initiative marks a transition from theoretical concepts to practical industrial application for humanoid robotics. Regional CEO Yilin Zhang emphasized that the factory supports the rapid growth of China’s humanoid robotics ecosystem through local R&D and manufacturing capabilities.
aiinsider