On 20 October 2026, Schaeffler opened a factory in Taicang, China, where six humanoid robots help manufacture joints for other humanoids. The site combines series production, robot training and artificial intelligence.
German industrial supplier Schaeffler is taking a further step in producing components for humanoid robots. Its new facility, called the Lighthouse Factory, brings together a robotic assembly line and infrastructure for training machines under real industrial conditions. The group’s stated goal is to produce robotic components while developing the capabilities of the humanoids used in its plants.
How six humanoid robots work across five assembly stations
At the Taicang plant, six humanoid robots work across five production stations. They prepare and sort parts and assemble joint modules that will go into other humanoid robots.
Their tasks also include inspecting, labelling and packaging the finished modules. This work shows humanoids being put to practical use on a production line for mechanical components.
According to Schaeffler, the new facility marks the start of series production of linear and rotary actuators for the next generation of humanoid robots.
These actuators drive the movement of the joints. Linear models produce straight-line motion, while rotary models provide the rotational movement needed in particular for robots’ arms and legs.
Inside the 7,500 m² Lighthouse Factory: production and robot training
The Lighthouse Factory covers around 7,500 m², according to Schaeffler. It houses several complementary facilities:
- A smart assembly line for humanoid robot components.
- A training and data collection centre for robots.
- A digital twin platform for replicating industrial environments.
- A computing centre for processing data and supporting artificial intelligence applications.
This setup links the learning of robotic tasks to their execution in a production environment. Robots can be trained and tested on operations that match manufacturers’ needs.
Schaeffler also plans to draw on environments from its industrial network, which includes around 100 plants that serve as references for training scenarios.
Humanoid robots in real industrial conditions
What sets the project apart is the combination of component manufacturing and humanoid robot training. The machines are not just shown off in a laboratory: they work on an industrial line making parts for other robots.
Series production covers joint components, not the complete assembly of humanoid robots.
The centre also hosts testing and training of physical artificial intelligence systems. This approach involves developing models that can control actions in the real world, based on data collected during operations.
Schaeffler intends to use these facilities to improve how robotic capabilities are applied to industrial processes and to offer customers and partners environments for validation.
Schaeffler’s humanoid robotics business and order book
The Taicang opening comes as Schaeffler expands its commercial activity in humanoid robotics. The group says it won two new customers in the Greater China region in the third quarter of 2026.
According to the company, its global order book in humanoid robotics stands at around €400 million following these new contracts. This figure refers to orders booked in this business, not to revenue generated by the new factory.
The group supplies mechanical components and drive systems for robot joints, among other products. It aims to grow its role as an industrial supplier to humanoid manufacturers.
With the Lighthouse Factory in Taicang, Schaeffler now has a site that combines series production of joint modules, the training of humanoid robots and testing them on production tasks.