The German company Synapticon and the Italian robotics firm Generative Bionics plan to collaborate on the development and integration of propulsion systems for humanoid robots. The partnership focuses on establishing a European supply chain for key components of what is known as “Physical AI”—that is, AI-powered physical robot systems.

Humanoid robots are increasingly being developed for industrial and service-related applications. As a result, attention is shifting not only to the capabilities of these systems but also to issues such as supply chains, certification, and technological control. According to the companies, critical technologies are to be developed, manufactured, and integrated within Europe in the future.

The Drive Level as a Key Technology

The collaboration focuses on the drive system of humanoid robots. It encompasses motors, servo drives, encoders, safety functions, and motion control software. Only the interaction of these components enables precise movements and the safe use of robots in close proximity to people.

Daniele Pucci, CEO of Generative Bionics, and Simon Fischinger, CEO of Synapticon, at the signing of the contract. © Synapticon

Daniele Pucci, CEO of Generative Bionics, describes the significance of this technology: “Europe faces a clear challenge regarding its technological sovereignty in the fields of Physical AI and humanoid robotics. This is not about closed or isolated supply chains. The key technologies for humanoid robots must be resilient to geopolitical fluctuations and supply chain disruptions. At the same time, they must meet safety and certification requirements. The drive system is of fundamental importance here. It is where movement, safety, reliability, and certification requirements all converge.”

Three Areas of Cooperation

The collaboration is based on three key areas. First, the goal is to establish a secure supply chain within the European Union for the drive systems of Generative Bionics’ humanoid platform. Final assembly, calibration, and safety testing are primarily planned to take place in Germany. In addition, the companies are planning to use alternative European suppliers, maintain safety stock within the EU, and implement measures to ensure the traceability of critical components.

In addition, the partners plan to jointly develop custom drive units. These will combine motors, servo controllers, encoders, firmware, and functional safety features. The systems will be adapted to meet the mechanical, thermal, and control requirements of Generative Bionics’ robot platform.

Another focus is the development of a safety architecture for humanoid robots. The plan is to include functions for safe motion control, person recognition, and the monitoring of AI-controlled robot systems. The foundation for this is Synapticon’s “Positron” safety platform. The development is intended to align with emerging international standards.

Focus on Resilience and Traceability

According to the companies, measures to safeguard the supply chain are already being integrated into their collaboration. These include pre-qualified European alternatives for critical components as well as safety stocks stored within the EU.

In addition, confidential documentation regarding the origin, manufacturing location, and qualification status of key components must be maintained. This is intended to ensure traceability within the supply chain.

Collaboration in High-Volume Production

Under the terms of the partnership, Synapticon will be designated a strategic European supplier for specific areas of drive technology. As a strategic customer, Generative Bionics will receive preferential access to production capacity secured within the EU.

In addition, both companies are already working on a new series of actuators from Synapticon, which is designed for large-scale production modeled after the automotive industry. Generative Bionics will provide structured feedback throughout the development process and support the industrialization of the series.