LOGIN JOIN SEARCH
MECHANICAL & MOTION SYSTEMS
Schaeffler’s XZU Conical Thrust Cage
Needle Roller Bearing for Robotics
April 3, 2025
Why Schaeffler XZU angular contact needle roller bearings for
lightweight robots and cobots was a highlight at Hannover Messe
2025.
Rehana Begg
Related To:
Schaeffler Group US
Schaeffler was a runner-up in this year’s prestigious Hermes Awards at Hannover
Messe 2025. The nomination was for a newly developed XZU needle roller bearing.
Klaus Rosenfeld, CEO of Schaeffler AG, said that many years of experience went
into the bearing’s design. The motion technology company’s engineers noted that it
is well-suited for articulated-arm applications.
The bearing is characterized by a double-row X arrangement of needle rollers in a
larger number of load-carrying rolling elements and larger support spacing. This
increases the rigidity of XZU bearings by 30% compared to conventional crossed
roller bearings. In addition, housing the rolling elements in cage guides and having
them configured in two raceways means the XZU can deliver an additional 20%
reduction in friction, said Rosenfeld through a translator at a press conference.
READ MORE: Hannover Messe 2025: Attend a Masterclass in
Industrial Technology
Schaeffler reported that the advancements in design and construction enhance
efficiency, productivity and energy consumption per component. The rolling
bearing has applications in robotics, including humanoids, assembly automation
and machine tools.
Special Performance Improvements for Robotics
Applications
The XZU bearing can be easily retrofitted in existing lightweight robots and cobots.
Schaeffler noted XZU bearings offer higher load-carrying capacity and longer
operating life than typical crossed roller bearings.
The need for various types of rotary joints is on the rise due to the increased
demand for robots and cobots. Schaeffler pointed out in the nomination brief that
the XZU have needle roller cages that ensure smooth motion and prevent skewing.
This is a significant advancement because conventional crossed roller bearings
This is a significant advancement because conventional crossed roller bearings
have almost square rolling elements that tend to produce torque fluctuations and
are prone to leaking. The XZU bearings feature specially developed cages that are
not prone to leakage.
The XZU double-row angular contact needle bearing combines compact
design with high efficiency.
Schaeffler’s engineers said that the XZU bearings have the same mounting
dimensions as convention crossed roller bearings and can therefore be replaced
easily.
“Practical tests have shown that with a six-axis cobot, which was converted from a
crossed roller bearing to the XZU, the deviation of the trajectory curve at a speed of
800 mm/s was reduced by 40%, without adjusting the control parameters,”
according to Schaeffler.
This means motion accuracy has been improved, which boosts the efficiency of
machines, they said.
More Booth Highlights at Hannover Messe
The Schaeffler extended product range and expertise in Germany was the central
focus this year. Schaeffler is taking full advantage of the large international trade
fair by showcasing the expanded range of technologies in its portfolio following the
merger of Vitesco Technologies in October 2024.
Motion remains the core focus, reiterated Rosenfeld during his presentation. The
product portfolio has resulted in eight subdivisions or “product families” since the
merger, covering drive technology, energy generation and sustainable service
solutions.
“We aim to become a technology company that designs motion in its full diversity
with a focus on the future,” said Rosenfeld. “In doing so, we are supported not only
by our broad technology portfolio, particularly in the manufacturing sector, but
also by our newly aligned eight product families, which encompass all business
activities of our four divisions.”
He added that the company will harness cross-divisional synergy to enhance its
presence in “future-defining segments.” The growing field of humanoid robots is
earmarked as one of these segments.
About the Author
Rehana Begg | Editor-in-Chief, Machine Design
As Machine Design’s content lead, Rehana Begg is tasked
with elevating the voice of the design and multi-disciplinary
engineer in the face of digital transformation and
engineering innovation. Begg has more than 24 years of
editorial experience and has spent the past decade in the
trenches of industrial manufacturing, focusing on new
technologies, manufacturing innovation and business. Her
B2B career has taken her from corporate boardrooms to
plant floors and underground mining stopes, covering
everything from automation & IIoT, robotics, mechanical
design and additive manufacturing to plant operations,
maintenance, reliability and continuous improvement. Begg
holds an MBA, a Master of Journalism degree, and a BA
(Hons.) in Political Science. She is committed to lifelong
(Hons.) in Political Science. She is committed to lifelong
learning and feeds her passion for innovation in publishing,
transparent science and clear communication by attending
relevant conferences and seminars/workshops.
Follow Rehana Begg via the following social media handles:
X: @rehanabegg
LinkedIn: @rehanabegg and @MachineDesign
CONTINUE READING
Introduction to Bearings in Humanoid Robots: Enhancing
Humanoid Robots: What Accuracy with Custom
Roboticists Need to Know Crossed Roller Bearings
SPONSORED RECOMMENDATIONS
New from SEW- Driving
EURODRIVE: Efficiency: Less
WES Series … Energy Costs. …
April 16, 2025 April 16, 2025
Clean. Compact. Less SEW-EURODRIVE
heat. Introduces DR2C motor,
IE5 Ultra-Premium
Efficiency Motor
Revolution for State-of-the-art
bionic prostheses Drive Technology
in Industrial
March 31, 2025
in Industrial …
Unlike passive products - March 31, 2025
made of simple carbon
Electric drives are a key
springs - the bionic
technology for the
prostheses developed by
performance of
Revival Bionics are
machines, robots, and
propulsive, equipped
power tools. Download
with a motor and an
this guide for an
artificial Achilles
introduction to high-
tendon...
quality mechatronic
drive systems...
VOICE YOUR OPINION!
To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine
Design, create an account today!
JOIN TODAY!
I already have an account
Sign up for Machine Design eNewsletters
Machine Design Today Product Spotlight
For manufacturing and design Few trends in motion control
engineers covering basics of design technology, components and
engineering, product information, as applications. (Weekly)
well as educational learning,
community resources, and more. (Mon-
Thurs)
Future Tech
Machine Design takes a look at the
impact of emerging technology on
manufacturing design and operations,
spotlighting the cutting-edge
innovations that will impact our
NEW industry and future. (Monthly)
Four Tips for Effective Component Selection
Automate 2025 Heads Back to Detroit
U.S. Manufacturing Is Rebounding and Calling for
LOAD MORE CONTENT
Machine Tool Productivity Enhancements SIGN UP
Email Address
Country
MOST READ
100 Years of Innovation:
By submitting Festo’s
your information, you are agreeing Incredible Machine
to Endeavor Business Media's Terms of Service and Privacy
Policy.
Impels Seamless Connectivity
About Us
What’s the Difference Between Bearing, Shear and
Contact Us
Tear-Out Stress? Advertise
Do Not Sell or Share
Four Tips for Effective Component Selection
Privacy & Cookie Policy
Terms of Service
© 2025 Endeavor Business Media, LLC. All rights reserved.
SPONSORED
Guide to Drive Technology in Wastewater
Treatment Plants
Advancing Automation with Linear Motors and
Electric Cylinders
Spiral Freezers: Reliably Driven
