• Schaeffler to showcase autonomous material handling solutions and electromechanical actuators that address labor shortages and logistics demands • Autonomous forklift demonstrator brings to life advanced motion technologies, intelligent sensors, and integrated mechatronic systems • Comprehensive portfolio of precision bearings, digital monitoring, and automated solutions optimize efficiency and reduce maintenance costs

Fort Mill, S.C.| Dec. 15 , 2025 | Schaeffler, The Motion Technology Company, is showcasing its advanced industrial automation solutions at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, January 6-9 (booth 7301 in West Hall of LVCC). These integrated mechanical, electromechanical, and mechatronic technologies address critical industry challenges including persistent labor shortages and exponentially growing logistics demands by enabling autonomous material handling and replacing traditional hydraulic systems with efficient electromechanical alternatives.

By means of an autonomous forklift demonstrator, Schaeffler will showcase how its comprehensive capabilities in linear actuation, steering and traction drives, intelligent sensors, precision bearings, and battery technologies enable autonomous material handling. Enabled by Schaeffler's broad array of component solutions, this type of vehicle is able to maneuver autonomously in confined spaces where traditional large forklifts and manual pallet jacks cannot operate effectively, addressing some of the most pressing operational challenges facing modern manufacturing and distribution facilities.

"Schaeffler's presence at CES this year demonstrates how our motion technology expertise is addressing some of the most pressing challenges in modern manufacturing - from critical labor shortages to the explosive growth in logistics demands that are reshaping how facilities operate," said Jeff Hemphill, Chief Technology Officer, Schaeffler Americas. "Our autonomous forklift demonstrator exhibit showcases the integration of our mechanical precision with intelligent sensing and electromechanical actuation, enabling manufacturers to achieve higher productivity while reducing maintenance costs and dependence on increasingly scarce skilled labor."

Addressing Key Industry Challenges with Autonomous Material Handling
Traditional material handling relies heavily on human operators and large equipment that cannot navigate tight spaces efficiently, creating bottlenecks in modern manufacturing and distribution environments.

The autonomous forklift demonstrator addresses these challenges through Schaeffler's integrated mechatronic components that enable equipment to operate independently, dynamically, and efficiently. The compact design allows maneuvering in tight spaces that would be impossible for conventional large forklifts or require manual pallet jack operation, significantly expanding automation possibilities in space-constrained facilities.

Schaeffler enables autonomous material handling through key technologies such as:
• Steering and Traction Drive: Combines highly integrated steering and traction functions in one compact module with high operating torques and speeds suitable for both small and large autonomous vehicles. High power density achieved through permanent magnet synchronous motors paired with efficient gear trains and active cooling. Integrated safety systems include parking/e-stop brakes and a redundant, high-resolution inductive encoder for sensing steering output position.
• Battery Technology Solutions: Advanced battery management systems featuring in-house developed algorithms for per-cell state of charge, state of health, and dynamic current limits, combined with lightweight battery housings using proprietary advanced stamping technology and next-generation cooling systems that ensure reliable, continuous operation in demanding industrial environments.
• Mast Guide Bearings: Engineered for high dynamic and static loads of industrial truck masts, enabling smooth, precise movement of heavy loads under challenging conditions. Outstanding power density enables downsizing opportunities while exceptional load-carrying capacity improves operational reliability.

Electromechanical Actuators: The Sustainable Alternative to Hydraulics
The industrial automation industry is experiencing a fundamental shift away from traditional hydraulic systems toward electromechanical alternatives, driven by environmental concerns, maintenance costs, and operational efficiency demands. Hydraulic systems present ongoing challenges including oil leakage, environmental contamination, complex maintenance requirements, and limited programmability. Environmental regulations are placing additional pressure on manufacturers to eliminate hydraulic systems due to compliance risks and cleanup costs.

Schaeffler's electromechanical actuator solutions, strengthened by the acquisition of Ewellix, provide manufacturers with advanced alternatives that deliver superior performance while eliminating hydraulic system drawbacks. These solutions offer superior precision and repeatability, programmability for easy adaptation, reduced maintenance requirements, and significant energy efficiency improvements.

• Ewellix EMA-100 Electromechanical Actuator: Designed to replace hydraulic cylinders, the EMA-100 delivers high, repeatable position control and programmability through an oil-free design that enables maintenance-free operation. The actuator reduces downtime and maintenance costs while offering IP65 environmental protection and exceptional modularity, including various ball screw and roller screw options, gear ratios, motors, power electronics, and braking systems to accommodate diverse application requirements.

Advanced Motion Technologies for Industrial Applications
Beyond autonomous material handling, Schaeffler will show precision motion solutions across diverse industrial automation applications. At CES 2026, the company will highlight how these technologies are transforming manufacturing efficiency and reliability across industries ranging from robotics and machine tools to packaging and semiconductor production.

Digital Intelligence and Predictive Maintenance
Schaeffler's OPTIME Ecosystem combines decades of expertise in bearing technology, vibration analysis, and lubrication through an award-winning suite of smart, interconnected solutions designed to enhance machine reliability and operational efficiency in manufacturing facilities.

• OPTIME Condition Monitoring: This end-to-end wireless system provides continuous, automated monitoring of machine health across entire manufacturing plants. Using sophisticated sensors, OPTIME monitors critical parameters such as vibration and temperature, analyzed through cloud-based algorithms to deliver actionable insights and early warnings of potential issues, helping prevent unexpected breakdowns and optimize maintenance schedules.
• OPTIME C1 Smart Lubricator: Working intelligently with the OPTIME condition monitoring system, the C1 ensures precise lubrication of machinery components while alerting users to issues such as insufficiently supplied lubrication points, blocked grease lines, and temperature conditions that could compromise lubricant performance.
• SmartCheck: Advanced single-channel condition monitoring with intelligent learning mode and built-in web server capability for real-time condition assessment.
• ProLink: Multi-channel monitoring system optimized for complex manufacturing environments, measuring vibration, temperature, and flow speed with cloud connectivity for mobile device access.

Shaping the Future of Industrial Automation
As a leader in industrial automation technology, Schaeffler continues to provide manufacturers with integrated, scalable solutions that enable the transition to highly efficient, AI-enabled production environments. By combining mechanical precision with intelligent sensing and electromechanical actuation, the company helps manufacturers address labor shortages, reduce maintenance costs, and achieve sustainable automation across diverse industrial applications.
At CES 2026, Schaeffler will demonstrate how its technologies are enabling the next generation of industrial automation through the autonomous forklift demonstrator showcasing advanced motion solutions, sensor-equipped components, and integrated systems that give manufacturers the tools to meet evolving production demands while optimizing efficiency and reliability.

To learn more about Schaeffler at CES 2026, visit: https://www.schaeffler.us/us/news_media/dates-events/ces/

Schaeffler Group - We pioneer motion
The Schaeffler Group has been driving forward groundbreaking inventions and developments in the field of motion technology for over 75 years. With innovative technologies, products, and services for electric mobility, CO?-efficient drives, chassis solutions and renewable energies, the company is a reliable partner for making motion more efficient, intelligent, and sustainable - over the entire life cycle. Schaeffler describes its comprehensive range of products and services by means of eight product families: From bearing solutions and all types of linear guidance systems through to repair and monitoring services. Schaeffler is with around 110,000 employees and more than 250 locations in 55 countries, one of the world's largest family-owned companies and one of Germany's most innovative companies.