SKF
About
About SKF
SKF’s motion portfolio supports rotating and linear machinery through bearings, seals, lubrication systems and condition-monitoring technology. Bearings carry radial and axial loads while reducing friction between moving components; seals retain lubricant and exclude contamination; and automated lubrication systems deliver controlled quantities to points that would otherwise require repeated manual service. These layers are used in motors, gearboxes, conveyors, machine tools and robot-adjacent industrial equipment.
For robotics, SKF is extending its role from supporting components into precision joint transmission. Its 2026 Chinese joint venture with Leaderdrive is intended to develop and manufacture high-accuracy transmission components for humanoid robot joints, combining SKF’s bearing and industrialisation capability with Leaderdrive’s reducer technology. The target is continuous joint operation with controlled backlash, load capacity and service life as humanoid manufacturers move from demonstration units toward repeated industrial duty.
Articles
Supply
Supply chain relationships
- Shandong Jindi
Inbound - Mechanical - Shandong Jindi supplies bearing cages for SKF's bearing production
Source - Ovako
Inbound - materials and robotics supply chain - Ovako supplied recycled steel from Hofors for SKF's low-emission spherical roller bearing made in Gothenburg
Source - NASA
Outbound - actuation and motion control - NASA's Perseverance rover incorporates SKF Kaydon RealiSlim bearings in its robotic arm and sample-handling mechanisms
Source - Robot-Technology
Outbound - Mechanical Components - Robot-Technology integrates SKF Kaydon Reali-Slim thin-section bearings in the Robocut robotic laser cutter
Source
Timeline
Events
- 2026-07-02 - Partnership - SKF and Leaderdrive form China JV for humanoid robot joint components
SKF will hold 60% of the venture, with Leaderdrive contributing humanoid-robotics and automation component know-how. The venture is expected to become operational by the end of 2026. The companies said the components will support continuous operation of humanoids in industrial applications.
Source
Relations
Relationships
- Leaderdrive
Humanoid Joint Component Jv Partner - SKF and Leaderdrive formed a China-based venture for humanoid robot joint transmission components.
