Machinery and auto parts maker Schaeffler AG announced Tuesday that it has entered into a partnership agreement with Neura Robotics to jointly develop and supply key components for humanoid robots.
The Schaeffler company relies on robots from Neura Robotics PHOTO: X
Schaeffler will integrate humanoid robots into its production by 2035, according to a statement from the German group.
Europe’s auto industry is under pressure from US tariffs, lower demand for cars and intensifying competition from Chinese carmakers. In this context, Schaeffler announced in September that it expects up to 10% of the group’s sales in 2035 to come from sectors it is actively exploring, including defense, electric vertical takeoff and humanoid robots, writes Agerpres.
In addition, the company will sell the turbocharger business in China, which generated revenues of around 100 million euros last year.
Against the background of increasing interest in optimization and efficiency driven by artificial intelligence (AI), many companies have increased their investments in this sector.
“Although we do not give a figure for the value of the investments, we see an increase in the desire to explore opportunities in this sector. This type of investment has two ends: internal efficiency and additional business potential, for example humanoid robots made with the help of AI. In terms of business development, the fourth quarter is usually weaker than the other quarters, and in the automotive industry the operating environment remains difficult. But humanoid robots will become an extremely interesting business for Schaeffler.” said general manager Klaus Rosenfeld, for Reuters.
Regarding the sale of the China business, Rosenfeld said: “the transaction is meant to make the portfolio more efficient and we are also renouncing activities that are not strategic or do not have a high level of performance”.
Despite the difficulties currently facing the automotive sector, Schaeffler performed relatively well in the first half of 2025. Sales recorded an annual decline of 4.6% to 11.8 billion euros, and profit before taxes, taxes and special items fell by 49 million euros to 482 million euros.
