Humanoids are robotic systems modeled after the human form and designed to perform complex tasks. Initial applications are focused primarily on industry and logistics, where they can assist with repetitive, physically demanding, or hard-to-staff tasks. Experts predict that the production numbers of humanoid robots will rise into the millions in the coming years. This brings a new industry into focus—one that is on the verge of transitioning from technological development to large-scale production.
The Transition from Development to Mass Production
Humanoid robotics is currently reaching a decisive turning point. Many manufacturers are moving beyond the pure development and prototyping phase and are poised to transition to industrial mass production. However, as production ramps up, so do the demands on manufacturing: In the future, components must be produced cost-effectively, reproducibly, and to a consistently high standard of quality in order to meet the expected production volumes. Manufacturers and suppliers are therefore challenged to establish the appropriate production structures early on and prepare their manufacturing capacities for upcoming market developments.
Production Expertise for the Rollout of Humanoid Robotics
GROB has decades of experience in the development and implementation of highly automated production systems for high-volume production. With technologies for the manufacture of electric drives and battery systems, as well as solutions for the machining of precision structural and functional components, GROB covers key areas of the humanoid robot value chain. In addition, the company offers automation and assembly solutions for the assembly of complex subassemblies, as well as the intelligent integration of robotic systems into modern production lines.
A key factor for success in new markets is the scalability of production. To achieve this, GROB relies on modular production concepts that can be gradually adapted to increasing production volumes. Production capacities can thus be flexibly expanded without having to fundamentally alter existing structures. As an innovation leader, GROB has already successfully implemented its first series production projects in the field of humanoid robotics and supported well-known manufacturers during their production ramp-up.
Actuators as Key Components of Humanoid Robots
Actuators play a particularly important role in humanoid robotics. They generate all movements and are also among the most technically challenging and cost-intensive components of a robot. Humanoid robots—excluding the hands—often have more than 30 electric drives. Depending on the complexity of the hands, numerous additional miniature motors may be required. The requirements for efficiency, precision, dynamics, and safety are exceptionally high, as actuators play a decisive role in determining the mobility, stability, and performance of the entire system.
GROB offers a wide range of manufacturing technologies for the production of these drive systems. Whether for frameless torque motors, brushless DC motors (BLDC), or permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM): With a variety of winding and manufacturing processes, suitable solutions are available for the production of stators, rotors, and the assembly of complete electric motors.
GROB as an “Enabler” of a Future Industry
With the expected rise of humanoid robotics, demand is growing for high-performance, scalable, and cost-effective production solutions. This is exactly where GROB comes in. Thanks to years of experience in assembly technology, machining, automation, and digitalization, GROB supports manufacturers and suppliers in successfully making the transition from development to industrial series production. In doing so, the company is making an important contribution to the development of an industry that is likely to be among the most significant growth markets in the global manufacturing sector in the coming years.
