SCHUNK has established a new technology spin-off, SCHUNK Humanoid Robotics GmbH, effective January 2026, strengthening its focus on humanoid robotics and reinforcing its position in this rapidly growing market.
The newly formed company will concentrate on developing modular humanoid robot hands for industrial applications, with the objective of expanding the practical deployment of humanoid systems across manufacturing and related sectors.
Building on decades of expertise in flexible gripping technology, SCHUNK has been actively driving the industrialisation of humanoid robotics. For more than ten years, its 5-finger gripping hand has helped extend humanoid applications beyond research environments, supported by collaborations with industrial companies, start-ups, and research institutions.
By consolidating its humanoid robotics activities within the new spin-off, SCHUNK aims to accelerate innovation cycles and enable the faster transfer of advanced robotic hand technologies into market-ready solutions.
Foundation built on expertise, technology and market proximity
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 as well as test and development facilities at the company’s own robot application centers (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 5-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. With the spin-off, we are creating the space for an agile, independent company with a start-up mindset, a strong technological foundation, and close market alignment. This enables us to further strengthen our position as a leading end-of-arm partner in robotics and to establish a global standard for humanoid hands,” says Timo Gessmann, CTO of SCHUNK.
The spin-off is seeking talent with an entrepreneurial mindset across the entire value chain – from mechatronics and embedded development to AI and simulation, all the way to system integration and product management. Want to learn more or apply? We look forward to hearing from you.
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