Matthias Sckuhr, CTO of KSB Group, emphasized that the next phase of humanoid robot development hinges not only on artificial intelligence but also on engineering challenges. The year 2026 is anticipated to mark the beginning of mass production for humanoid robots, yet KSB points out that the physical systems—such as joints, dexterous hands, and mobile chassis—must demonstrate long-term reliability, efficiency, and safety in real industrial environments to determine commercialization success.
KSB, a global technology group with a 177-year history, breaks down the reliability issues of humanoid robots to their fundamental components. The performance and lifespan of seals, lubricants, and vibration control parts directly impact the overall reliability and performance limits of the robots. Continuous operation in factories for hours can lead to wear and tear on seals, lubricant failure, and loosening of fasteners due to vibrations, which may not surface during short laboratory tests but become apparent after thousands of hours in real production lines.
KSB has established its first co-creation center in Shanghai's Zhangjiang Robot Valley, focusing on three core industry challenges: the reliability bottlenecks of high-dynamic, high-load joints; the lack of standardized testing protocols for transitioning laboratory results to industrial applications; and the need for improved collaborative innovation mechanisms across the supply chain. By collaborating with manufacturers, component suppliers, and research institutions, KSB aims to support industry standard development in sealing, lubrication, shock absorption, and noise reduction.
Editor's Note
As the robotics industry moves towards the mass production of humanoid robots, the focus is shifting from mere capabilities to the engineering reliability of these systems. KSB's emphasis on foundational components highlights the critical role of stability and safety in ensuring long-term operational success. This shift could reshape procurement strategies and industry standards, influencing how manufacturers approach robot design and deployment.
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