Schaeffler Opens China Factory Where Humanoids Build Robot Parts

TAICANG, China -- German automotive supplier Schaeffler has opened a factory in China where six humanoid robots work on an assembly line producing joint modules for other humanoids, as the company expands into manufacturing components for the robotics industry.

The 7,500-square-meter facility in Taicang, Jiangsu province, combines an assembly line, robot training center, digital-twin platform and production and testing facilities, Schaeffler said Oct. 20.

The company stated the opening marks the start of serial production of key humanoid components, including linear and rotary actuators. Details on capacity remain undisclosed.

Six humanoids work at five assembly stations. They sort and position parts, join components, inspect assemblies, and label and package them.

Schaeffler describes the setup as a closed-loop system in which humanoids help produce the hardware needed for the next generation of robots.

The site serves as both a production and test facility. The training center provides hands‑on instruction in visual inspection, material handling, container transfer and parts replenishment.

The training environments are modelled on conditions at Schaeffler's roughly 100 manufacturing plants worldwide. The company will test robot capabilities in one facility before moving them to other locations.

A digital twin mirrors the production line and uses sensor data to track assembly accuracy as well as cycle times, energy consumption and equipment condition. Engineers can validate process modifications in a virtual environment before implementing them on physical equipment.

Schaeffler says integrating data from training simulations and production environments will enhance robots' effectiveness. The company expanded its business by supplying humanoid developers.
It acquired two customers in Greater China in the third quarter of 2026, bringing global incoming orders for humanoid robotics to about €400 million ($465 million). That figure covers incoming orders only; it does not reflect recognized revenue or delivered units.
Schaeffler has partnered with humanoid developers such as Agility Robotics, Humanoid (UK) and Leju Robotics (China). Its agreements cover robot deployment, component development and the supply of actuators. Taicang is designed for component manufacture and in‑factory humanoid testing.
Schaeffler has not disclosed which robot models run its assembly lines, their productivity or uptime, or how much human supervision they require.