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SCHUNK and DLR Expand Cooperation in Humanoid Robotics
SCHUNK and the German Aerospace Center strengthen their collaboration to transfer research results into industrial applications for humanoid robotics.
schunk.com
At the German Robotics Conference 2026 in Cologne, SCHUNK and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) agreed to intensify their collaboration in the field of humanoid robotics. The objective is to accelerate technology transfer into industrial applications and further develop the fine motor skills of humanoid robotic hands.
Context of the cooperation
SCHUNK, a provider of gripping systems and clamping technology, and DLR—particularly its Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics—are combining expertise in industrial mechanics and robotics research. The cooperation builds on a partnership spanning approximately 20 years and addresses the challenge of efficiently translating research outcomes into robust, industry-ready solutions.
The agreement was reached during the German Robotics Conference (March 11–13, 2026), which serves as a platform for exchange between industry, academia, and policymakers.
Technical solution and responsibilities
The cooperation focuses on the further development of modular humanoid robotic hands. Technologies and research results from DLR will be integrated into SCHUNK’s product development.
Key technical objectives include:
- Development of fine motor gripping and manipulation capabilities
- Integration of human-like motion patterns
- Adaptation to industrial automation requirements
- Combination of mechanics, sensor technology, and AI-based control
SCHUNK is responsible for industrial implementation and scaling, while DLR contributes its research expertise in robotics and mechatronics.
Implementation and technology transfer
The collaboration aims to accelerate the transition of research results into market-ready systems. This is achieved through the integration of DLR technologies into new SCHUNK product platforms.
The focus is on developing robust systems suitable for industrial environments and reducing development cycles through close coordination between research and industry.
Applications and use cases
The developed humanoid robotic hands are intended for applications requiring high precision and flexibility, including:
Implementation and technology transfer
The collaboration aims to accelerate the transition of research results into market-ready systems. This is achieved through the integration of DLR technologies into new SCHUNK product platforms.
The focus is on developing robust systems suitable for industrial environments and reducing development cycles through close coordination between research and industry.
Applications and use cases
The developed humanoid robotic hands are intended for applications requiring high precision and flexibility, including:
- Assembly of complex components
- Handling of sensitive parts
- Automation of variable production processes
- Deployment in collaborative robotic systems
Enhanced fine motor skills enable automation in scenarios that have previously been difficult to address.
Impact on industry and innovation
The expanded collaboration between SCHUNK and DLR strengthens the link between research and industrial application. By combining mechanical expertise, robotics research, and AI technologies, the partnership supports the development of scalable solutions in industrial robotics.
During the conference, representatives from politics, industry, and academia also discussed the role of collaboration and technology openness in strengthening Germany’s innovation capacity in robotics and artificial intelligence. Among the participants was Federal Minister for Research, Technology and Space, Dorothee Bär.
Edited by Maria Brueva, Induportals editor – adapted by AI.
www.schunk.com
Impact on industry and innovation
The expanded collaboration between SCHUNK and DLR strengthens the link between research and industrial application. By combining mechanical expertise, robotics research, and AI technologies, the partnership supports the development of scalable solutions in industrial robotics.
During the conference, representatives from politics, industry, and academia also discussed the role of collaboration and technology openness in strengthening Germany’s innovation capacity in robotics and artificial intelligence. Among the participants was Federal Minister for Research, Technology and Space, Dorothee Bär.
Edited by Maria Brueva, Induportals editor – adapted by AI.
www.schunk.com
