UK AI and robotics startup Humanoid has signed a phased deployment and supply agreement with Schaeffler to integrate humanoid robots directly into live manufacturing operations.
The initial deployment phase, running from December 2026 through June 2027, will take place across two Schaeffler sites in Germany. Schaeffler is a motion technology manufacturer for the automotive, aerospace and industrial sectors.
In Herzogenaurach, the focus will remain on advancing box handling use cases within a live production environment.
At the same time, operations in Schweinfurt will begin with a three-month capability demonstration and integration testing period, followed by a three-month on-site phase dedicated to validating stable, continuous operation approaching full production scale.
The agreement is structured around a Robot-as-a-Service (RaaS) model. Under this model, Humanoid provides the robotic systems and the related services required for end-to-end deployment and operation. This includes connection to the fleet management software, maintenance, 24/7 technical support, updates and ongoing performance management.
The startup, founded in 2024, is targeting the deployment of thousands of its human-like robots across Schaeffler’s global facilities by 2032.
“Together with Schaeffler, one of our key industrial partners, we are taking an important step toward making humanoid robotics part of global manufacturing operations,” said Artem Sokolov, founder and CEO at Humanoid.
“We have already seen strong results from our proof of concept together, and now we are taking the next step to staged deployment. Moving into real-world operations is where the true value of humanoid robots is proven.”
