New NTU–Schaeffler lab accelerates development of humanoid robots for industry transformation
Singapore has taken a major leap in robotics innovation with the launch of a new corporate lab at Nanyang Technological University, aimed at advancing AI-powered humanoid robots for industrial use.
Driving the Future of AI Robotics
A 900 square meter corporate laboratory dedicated to advancing humanoid robotics officially opened at NTU on November 27. The facility, named the Schaeffler NTU Corporate Lab: Intelligent Mechatronics Hub, marks the third phase of collaboration between NTU and Germany’s motion technology company Schaeffler since 2017. Supported by Singapore’s National Research Foundation under the Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025 plan, the project is part of a joint funding pool totaling 70 million dollars allocated to the collaboration from 2017 to 2029.
Advancing Humanoid Design and Energy Efficiency
At the launch, Schaeffler chief technology officer Uwe Wagner highlighted that the new lab will focus on developing smaller, lighter, and more energy efficient actuators, which function as the robot’s joints and muscles. Actuators currently account for more than half of the total cost of humanoid robots. Improving actuator efficiency by 10 to 20% could extend operating time by up to 20%, making humanoid robots more viable for industrial deployment.
Industry Applications from Manufacturing to Healthcare
The lab’s research extends across manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare, targeting tasks that require repetitive motion, precision and autonomy. Singapore’s rising robot density, currently at 770 robots per 10,000 employees, according to Manpower Minister Tan See Leng, reflects the growing demand for automation to improve productivity. The collaboration aligns with national goals to boost differentiated robotics capabilities and support advanced manufacturing firms looking to streamline operations.
Building on Earlier Robotics Breakthroughs
The partnership builds on earlier milestones, including the development of LINH, a humanoid robot capable of understanding verbal commands in multiple languages, manipulating objects with two arms and recognizing items in real time. Previous joint work also generated technologies such as real time touch and force visualization and a universal soft gripper for manufacturing. The new lab aims to enhance these abilities and translate them into deployable humanoid systems.
Growing the Next Generation of Robotics Talent
Beyond research output, the collaboration is a key talent pipeline. More than 100 students and researchers have already gained hands on experience working alongside Schaeffler engineers. The new phase will continue training PhD, master’s, and undergraduate students in robotics, mechatronics and AI applications, positioning Singapore as a launchpad for high tech talent.
Strengthening Global Research Networks
The corporate lab is part of Schaeffler’s global research ecosystem and will collaborate with international institutions and technology centers. NTU vice president for industry, Professor Lam Khin Yong, said the enhanced partnership supports the creation of robots that work safely and seamlessly alongside humans. He expressed confidence that the innovations will elevate Singapore’s manufacturing sector and shape future autonomous and assistive robotics solutions.
The NTU–Schaeffler lab signals a significant step in Southeast Asia’s competitiveness in robotics, with benefits that extend across industries in both Singapore and neighboring regions such as Indonesia. As humanoid robots become more capable and cost effective, they are poised to transform manufacturing, logistics and healthcare, creating new opportunities and reshaping workforce dynamics across the region.
Sources: Straits Times (2025) , Tech In Asia (2025)
Keywords: Humanoid Robotics, NTU Schaeffler Lab, AI Innovation Singapore, Manufacturing Automation, Robot Actuators
