Schaeffler to show autonomous forklift, actuators at CES 2026

Schaeffler, the motion technology company, is showcasing its industrial automation solutions at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, Jan. 6-9, at booth 7301 in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. The company said its integrated mechanical, electromechanical and mechatronic technologies are intended to help address labor shortages and rising logistics demands by supporting autonomous material handling and providing electromechanical alternatives to traditional hydraulic systems.

Using an autonomous forklift demonstrator, Schaeffler will show how its capabilities in linear actuation, steering and traction drives, intelligent sensors, precision bearings and battery technologies support autonomous material handling. Schaeffler says these component solutions allow this type of vehicle to maneuver autonomously in confined spaces where larger forklifts and manual pallet jacks may be less effective.

Addressing key industry challenges with autonomous material handling

Traditional material handling often relies on human operators and larger equipment that can be difficult to use in tight spaces, which can create bottlenecks in manufacturing and distribution environments.

The autonomous forklift demonstrator is intended to address these challenges using Schaeffler’s integrated mechatronic components to support independent, dynamic and efficient operation. Its compact design supports maneuvering in tight spaces where larger forklifts may not fit or where manual pallet jack operation is typically required, which can broaden automation options in space-constrained facilities.

Schaeffler supports autonomous material handling with the following technologies:

• Steering and traction drive: Combines steering and traction in a compact module designed for small and large autonomous vehicles. The module uses permanent magnet synchronous motors with gear trains and active cooling to support operating torque and speed requirements. Safety features include parking and e-stop brakes and a redundant high-resolution inductive encoder to sense steering output position.
• Battery technology solutions: Battery management systems use in-house algorithms for per-cell state of charge, state of health and dynamic current limits. The systems also include lightweight battery housings made with proprietary stamping methods and cooling systems designed to support continuous operation in industrial environments.
• Mast guide bearings: Designed for the dynamic and static loads of industrial truck masts to support smooth movement of heavy loads. The design supports high load capacity and can enable downsizing in some applications.

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 alternatives to hydraulics that address some hydraulic system limitations. These solutions can provide precision and repeatability, programmability for adaptation, reduced maintenance requirements and improved energy efficiency.

• Ewellix EMA-100 electromechanical actuator: Designed to replace hydraulic cylinders, the EMA-100 provides repeatable position control and programmability through an oil-free design intended to reduce routine maintenance. It is rated IP65 and offers a modular configuration with ball screw or roller screw options, gear ratios, motors, power electronics and braking systems to meet different 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 bearing technology, vibration analysis and lubrication in a suite of connected tools intended to support machine reliability and operational efficiency in manufacturing facilities.

• OPTIME Condition Monitoring: An end-to-end wireless system for continuous monitoring of machine condition across manufacturing plants. It tracks parameters such as vibration and temperature and uses cloud-based analysis to provide alerts and maintenance insights.
• OPTIME C1 Smart Lubricator: Works with OPTIME Condition Monitoring to automate lubrication and flag issues such as under-lubricated points, blocked grease lines and temperatures that may affect lubricant performance.
• SmartCheck: Single-channel condition monitoring with a learning mode and a built-in web server for real-time condition assessment.
• ProLink: Multi-channel monitoring system for manufacturing environments that measures vibration, temperature and flow speed with cloud connectivity for mobile access.

Shaping the future of industrial automation

Schaeffler provides integrated and scalable industrial automation solutions that support AI-enabled production environments. By combining mechanical systems with sensing and electromechanical actuation, the company aims to help manufacturers address labor shortages, reduce maintenance costs and support automation across a range of industrial applications.

At CES 2026, Schaeffler plans to demonstrate its industrial automation technologies with an autonomous forklift demonstrator featuring motion solutions, sensor-equipped components and integrated systems intended to support evolving production needs and improve efficiency and reliability.

For more information, visit schaeffler.us.