At the German Robotics Conference 2026 in Cologne, Schunk and the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) agreed to further expand their co-operation in the field of humanoid robotics. The co-operation aims to accelerate the transfer of technology to industry and advance the fine motor capabilities of humanoid robot hands for new automation applications.

Schunk and the DLR harbour the joint aim of translating research results more quickly into robust, industry-ready solutions. DLR’s Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics offers extensive experience in developing robotic solutions and has already been working with Schunk for around 20 years. With the expanded co-operation, both sides build on this success and combine their technological expertise.

DLR technology is set to be implemented in Schunk’s new modular humanoid robot hands and further developed for industrial applications. The move will enable the targeted enhancement of human-like dexterity, especially fine motor manipulation skills, for demanding automation tasks.

“We’re focusing on strong partnerships to unlock opportunities in robotics and consistently translate them into real-world applications, with speed and focus,” says Timo Gessmann, CTO of Schunk. “Bringing together our decades of mechanical expertise with cutting-edge robotics research and new AI technologies unlocks enormous innovation potential.”

The German Robotics Conference, organised by the Robotics Institute Germany (RIG) brings together leading representatives from politics, academia, industry and start-ups to strengthen the link between research, innovation and technology transfer. On site, Dorothee Bär, Federal Minister for Research, Technology and Space, got an impression of the current state of robotics and, among other things, exchanged views with Schunk on the role that collaboration and openness to technology play in strengthening Germany’s innovation capacity in robotics and AI.

More information www.schunk.com