German car parts and machinery maker Schaeffler has partnered with Neura Robotics to co-develop humanoid robots and supply essential components for their production. The collaboration represents a key move in Schaeffler’s strategic pivot beyond the auto sector toward emerging fields such as defense, eVTOL aircraft, and humanoid robotics.
Schaeffler said it plans to integrate several thousand humanoids into its own manufacturing operations by 2035. The company expects these technologies to improve efficiency while opening new revenue streams in the fast-growing robotics market. CEO Klaus Rosenfeld told Reuters that the firm sees “increasing desire to explore opportunities in AI-driven humanoid robots” and that such investments offer both internal productivity gains and new business potential.
The initiative comes as Europe’s automotive sector struggles with tariffs, slowing demand, and Chinese competition. Schaeffler is also divesting non-core operations, including its €100 million turbocharger business in China, to streamline its portfolio and focus on high-value innovation.
“Humanoids will become a very interesting activity for Schaeffler,” Rosenfeld said, emphasizing that while near-term auto markets remain challenging, AI and robotics investments will drive future growth.
