NTU to Host New AI Robotics Lab with Germany Motion Tech Firm
- ByStartupStory | November 30, 2025
Schaeffler-NTU Corporate Lab: Intelligent Mechatronics Hub Advances Humanoid Robotics
Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, in collaboration with German motion technology giant Schaeffler, has launched a new state-of-the-art research lab dedicated to advancing AI-enabled humanoid robotics. The 900-square-meter facility, located on NTU’s campus, was officially inaugurated on November 27, 2025, marking the third phase of a decade-long partnership aimed at transforming robotics technology and its industrial applications.
Supported by a $70 million joint funding agreement from Singapore’s National Research Foundation under its Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) 2025 plan, the new Schaeffler-NTU Corporate Lab: Intelligent Mechatronics Hub is a significant milestone for both organizations. It underscores Singapore’s commitment to becoming a regional hub for intelligent automation and humanoid robotics innovation, contributing to the country’s advanced manufacturing and robotics ecosystem.
Focus on Advanced Humanoid Robotics Technologies
The lab specializes in developing core technologies for humanoid robots, particularly actuators that simulate human joints and muscles. Since actuators currently account for over half the cost of humanoid robots, research efforts aim to make them smaller, lighter, more energy-efficient, and affordable. Enhancing actuator efficiency by 10-20% could extend robot operating times by as much as 20%, making them more commercially viable for manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare sectors.
The lab builds on prior breakthroughs from NTU and Schaeffler’s partnership that began in 2017, such as the humanoid robot LINH. LINH demonstrates advanced functionalities including multi-language verbal command understanding, dual-arm object manipulation, and real-time object recognition. The new facility will expand these capabilities and accelerate the translation of research prototypes into deployable humanoid systems.
Industrial and Healthcare Applications
The partnership explicitly targets applications of humanoid robots in manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare. These sectors present massive opportunities for robotics to augment human workers’ productivity, take on repetitive or hazardous tasks, and improve operational safety. Through real-time touch and force sensing technology, robots developed at the lab can interact delicately and precisely with objects, enhancing automation in assembly lines and medical care.
NTU will leverage the lab for talent development by providing Doctoral, Master’s, and undergraduate students invaluable hands-on experience with cutting-edge robotics alongside Schaeffler’s engineers. Approximately 100 students and researchers have participated in the collaboration so far, with the new lab promising expanded educational opportunities and industry exposure.
Strengthening Global AI and Robotics Research
As part of Schaeffler’s global research network, the lab will collaborate extensively with institutions and technology centers worldwide. This strengthens Singapore’s strategic position in AI and robotics, enhancing its global competitiveness. NTU Vice President for Industry, Professor Lam Khin Yong, emphasized that the partnership reinforces NTU’s reputation as a leading research university with multi-party collaborations. The lab will serve as a platform to tackle fundamental challenges in robotics and mechatronics, nurturing solutions with real-world industrial impact.
Government Support and Economic Impact
The launch event was graced by Dr. Tan See Leng, the Singapore Minister for Manpower and Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology, who underscored the increasing need for robotics to boost workforce productivity. The collaboration aligns with Singapore’s industrial strategy of differentiated robotics capabilities, enhancing automation, precision, and efficiency in its manufacturing landscape.
The lab’s work will support Singapore’s broader push to integrate AI and robotics in key economic sectors, contributing to a high-tech future growth model. Deepening partnerships between academia, industry, and government transform Singapore into a vibrant innovation hub facilitating knowledge exchange and commercialization of novel technologies.
Future Directions and Vision
Looking ahead, the Schaeffler-NTU lab aims to refine actuator technologies further and explore other fundamental components to achieve more autonomous, versatile humanoid robots. Research plans include improvements in energy consumption, miniaturization, and safe human-robot collaboration capabilities.
The collaboration serves as a blueprint for global efforts to develop humanoid robots that can work seamlessly alongside humans, increasing safety and efficiency without replacing human jobs drastically. The innovations emerging from Singapore are expected to have far-reaching impact beyond the region, influencing global standards and capabilities in robotics.
Conclusion
NTU and Schaeffler’s new Intelligent Mechatronics Hub represents a significant leap forward in AI-enabled humanoid robotics research and commercialization. By combining Schaeffler’s deep industry experience with NTU’s world-class research and talent, the lab is poised to accelerate breakthroughs that benefit manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare industries. Supported by strategic government funding and global networks, this partnership positions Singapore as a pioneering center for robotics innovation while preparing the next generation of engineers and scientists for the future of intelligent automation.
The launch reinforces the critical role of humanoid robotics in augmenting productivity and transforming economies, showcasing how targeted collaborations can create value across technical and societal dimensions in the AI era.
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