With the spin-off of a new company at the beginning of January 2026, Schunk is consolidating its activities in humanoid robotics and positioning itself as a key player in this growing market. The new company aims to develop modular humanoid robot hands for industrial applications, systematically expanding the availability and use of humanoid systems.

Building on decades of experience in flexible gripping technology and working with industrial companies, start-ups and research institutions, Schunk has been opening new fields of application beyond the purely scientific environment with its five-finger gripping hand for more than 10 years. The newly founded technology spin-off, Schunk Humanoid Robotics GmbH, consolidates expertise in the field of humanoid robotics and enables faster transfer of innovations into market-ready products.

The spin-off is launching from a position of strength: it builds on Schunk’s many years of experience in automating handling processes, leverages existing infrastructure and test and development facilities at the company’s own robot application centres (CoLabs), and draws on an international research and development network. In addition, it benefits from a proven technology portfolio – supported by a global customer base and established access to the relevant markets for humanoid robotics.

The focus is on the next generation of a modular, anthropomorphic five-finger gripping hand with an integrated wrist and forearm. Designed as a scalable component for the industrial use of humanoid systems, a new prototype is already nearing readiness for use.

“Humanoid robotics holds enormous market potential,” says Timo Gessmann, CTO of Schunk. “With the spin-off, we’re creating the space for an agile, independent company with a start-up mindset, a strong technological foundation and close market alignment.”

More information www.schunk.com