Schaeffler partners with Neura Robotics to develop and supply humanoids

By Amir Orusov

(Reuters) -German machine and car parts maker Schaeffler on Tuesday entered into partnership with Neura Robotics to jointly develop and supply key components for humanoids.

Schaeffler will integrate a mid-four-digit number of humanoids into its production by 2035, the company said in a statement.

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT

Europe’s auto industry has been under pressure due to U.S. import tariffs, weaker car demand, and intensifying competition from Chinese firms, prompting cost cuts, supply chain shifts and a search for new growth avenues.

Echoing the trend, Schaeffler said in September, it expected up to 10% of group sales in 2035 to come from sectors it has been actively exploring, including defence, electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, and humanoid robotics.

Additionally, the company said it would sell its turbocharger business in China, which generated revenue of about 100 millions euros in 2024.

INVESTMENT IN AI

With growing interest in AI-driven efficiency and optimization, many companies have been highlighting increased investments and enthusiasm in the sector.

“While we don’t give a number in terms of an investment, we see an increasing desire to explore the opportunities in this field. This type of investment has two ends: internal efficiency and extra additional business potential i.e. in AI driven humanoid robots,” CEO Klaus Rosenfeld told Reuters.

KEY QUOTES

“In terms of business dynamics the fourth quarter is typically a bit weaker than the other quarters. In terms of market development, the environment on the automotive side remains challenging,” Rosenfeld said.

“Humanoids will become a very interesting activity for Schaeffler,” he added.

Commenting on the sale of the business in China, Rosenfeld said “the transaction is aimed at streamlining the portfolio and also divesting activities that are not strategic or not performing to the level we want them to perform”.

(Reporting by Amir Orusov; Editing by Matt Scuffham)