Schaeffler Leverages Robots and Defence as Growth Drivers

Reducing dependence on automotive sector Robots and Defence: Schaeffler's New Growth Areas

2026-02-26 Source: dpa 2 min Reading Time

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For many years, Schaeffler has primarily been an automotive supplier. Now, the company aims to mitigate its reliance on the struggling automotive industry by focusing on robots and components for the defence sector.

The supplier, mainly active in the automotive industry, plans to generate significant portions of its revenue outside traditional areas of operation. CEO Klaus Rosenfeld mentioned in an interview with the German Press Agency that the production of parts for humanoid robots and products for the defence industry are among the new fields of activity.

Ten percent from new business areas

"We aim to achieve ten percent of our revenue from new activities by 2035," said Rosenfeld. "If we reach around €30 billion in revenue by 2035, we must generate €3 billion from new growth areas," he emphasized. This includes humanoid robots, the defence industry, and aerospace. "We will achieve those €3 billion."

The topic of humanoid robots is currently in high demand. "We are overwhelmed with interest right now." There are over 28 orders for prototypes. Schaeffler does not need to reinvent itself for this; it can leverage its expertise in precision mechanics and power electronics.

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Rethinking supply chains for defence

The same applies to the defence sector: for the drone manufacturer Helsing, for example, small, high-performance electric motors are being supplied. "We can already provide those," said Rosenfeld. However, supply chains need to be reconsidered. They should be free from products from China and, as much as possible, from the USA. For instance, an internal source for the magnets used in the motors must be found.

Nevertheless, the automotive sector will remain a primary focus for Schaeffler in the long term. Components for combustion engines will still be needed for a long time, particularly for the lucrative repair business. In the area of e-mobility, Schaeffler continues to advance.

Schaeffler has risen to become one of the ten largest suppliers worldwide following its merger with electric drive specialist Vitesco. The company employs around 110,000 people globally and generates approximately €24 billion in annual revenue. A significant portion of the shares of the publicly traded company remains owned by the Schaeffler family, headed by matriarch Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler-Thumann and her son Georg F.W. Schaeffler.

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