Motion Technology for AI-Driven Industries

At CES 2026 in Las Vegas, Schaeffler will showcase its comprehensive motion technology portfolio, demonstrating how advanced mechanical systems combined with digital intelligence generate high-quality data for AI applications such as predictive maintenance, digital twins, and autonomous operations.

Motion technology as a data foundation
Across industries, the shift toward AI-enabled operations depends on reliable, high-resolution data from physical systems. Schaeffler positions its motion components—bearings, actuators, sensors, and mechatronic systems—as critical data sources that support performance optimization, reduced downtime, and sustainability improvements in complex industrial environments.

By integrating sensing, control, and connectivity into motion hardware, the company aims to bridge mechanical excellence with digital intelligence, enabling more responsive and autonomous systems.

Planetary gear actuator for humanoid robotics
A key debut at CES 2026 is Schaeffler’s planetary gear actuator developed specifically for humanoid robots. Designed for smooth back-driving and high positioning precision, the actuator supports safe and efficient human–robot interaction in industrial and commercial applications.

The compact unit integrates a two-stage planetary gearbox, electric motor, encoder, and controller into a space-optimized design. Fully developed and manufactured by Schaeffler, the actuator is intended to reduce system complexity while improving efficiency and controllability—factors that are central to scaling humanoid robotics beyond pilot deployments.

Motion solutions for energy generation and data centers
Schaeffler will also present high-performance bearing and motion solutions for energy generation systems and data centers. These components are engineered to improve efficiency and reliability in wind turbines, solar tracking systems, and other renewable assets, where uptime and mechanical resilience are critical.

In data center environments, Schaeffler’s solutions address challenges such as electrical erosion in HVAC motors, helping protect critical infrastructure as global demand for computing capacity and energy-intensive digital services continues to grow.

Autonomous material handling in industrial automation
In manufacturing and logistics, Schaeffler is advancing intelligent automation through autonomous material handling solutions. At CES, the company will demonstrate a compact forklift concept designed to operate in confined spaces unsuitable for conventional equipment.

By replacing hydraulic systems with electromechanical actuators and integrating steering, traction, battery management, and predictive maintenance functions, the solution illustrates how motion technology can support higher productivity, mitigate labor shortages, and enable AI-driven manufacturing environments.

Enabling software-defined vehicles
Schaeffler’s CES presence also addresses the automotive transition toward software-defined vehicles (SDVs). The company will highlight technologies that simplify vehicle architectures and enable real-time control, including master and zone controller concepts, magnet-free sensors and actuators, and compact power electronics modules such as the SuperBox 4-in-1.

These solutions are designed to reduce dependency on rare-earth materials while supporting electrification, automation, and software-centric vehicle platforms.

CES 2026 showcase
Schaeffler will present live demonstrations and technical discussions at booth 7301 in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center from January 6–9, 2026. The exhibit emphasizes how motion technology, when combined with digital intelligence, underpins AI-enabled systems across robotics, energy, industry, and mobility.

Within the broader CES context, Schaeffler’s showcase reflects the growing convergence of mechanical engineering, electronics, and software as industries move toward more autonomous, data-driven, and sustainable operations.