SCHUNK SE & Co. KG enters into a new development cooperation with Robert Bosch Robotics GmbH. The common goal is to develop an industrial-grade robotic hand that can be integrated into various humanoid robotic systems. Requirements from different industries are incorporated into the project, creating the foundation for new applications in production and logistics.
Increasing productivity pressure, shorter product life cycles, and the growing shortage of skilled workers are increasing the demand for automation solutions that can quickly adapt to new tasks. Humanoid robotics is considered a promising approach in variable application environments. Robotic hands play a key role as flexible end effectors: Many tasks in production and logistics require handling a wide variety of objects, shapes, and materials – requirements that can often only be met with limitations by traditional grippers. Against this background, SCHUNK SE & Co. KG and Robert Bosch Robotics GmbH are complementing their competencies in a contractual development cooperation. The focus is on the joint development of a prototype for a robotic hand and the underlying technologies. The experience of both companies will be brought together, and the solution will be tested in concrete industrial applications.
Complementary strengths for a hand platform
As a global technology company, Bosch brings expertise in mechanics and precision mechanics, electronics, as well as AI and software development to the cooperation. This is complemented by scaling and industrialization experience and broad industry knowledge to integrate specific requirements early into the development. SCHUNK contributes its expertise in flexible gripping and automation technology, along with around 20 years of experience in developing humanoid hands. The common goal is to develop an industrial hand that can be flexibly used for all types of humanoid robots.
“With Bosch, we gain a strong global development partner that combines technological know-how with industrial experience and has a broad portfolio for robotic hand development,” says Timo Gessmann, CTO of SCHUNK.
“Through the cooperation with SCHUNK, we bring together the strengths of two traditional industrial companies from Germany for a future technology. Robotic hands are a central component to advance humanoid robotics in production, enabling more flexible and precise work than with conventional gripping systems. The hand from our joint development cooperation has the potential to be used in a variety of industrial applications in production, assembly, logistics, and internal service processes,” adds Mathias Pillin, CTO of Robert Bosch GmbH.
Partnership showcase makes potentials tangible
At Bosch ConnectedWorld 2026 (June 10-11, 2026, Berlin), it was already exemplarily shown how an innovative robotics application can be realized in a short time through partnership. A demonstrator illustrated central capabilities of humanoid systems: perceiving the environment, grasping and handling objects, and executing a complete process. By combining a humanoid robot with an anthropomorphic robotic hand from SCHUNK, it becomes visible how powerful robotic systems, intelligent gripping solutions, and modern software can be brought together into a seamless industrial application. The example shows how crucial strong partnerships are to transition humanoid robotics from development into robust industrial applications.
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