CES 2026: Schaeffler Demonstrates Autonomous Forklift Built From Integrated Motion Technologies
Autonomous forklifts are complex systems, not single technologies—and Schaeffler plans to make that clear at CES 2026. The company will showcase an autonomous forklift demonstrator built entirely from its own components, illustrating how motion control, power systems, actuation, safety, and condition monitoring work together in an industrial vehicle.
The demonstrator is designed to give manufacturers a practical look at how integrated component architectures can support autonomous material handling, rather than serving as a finished product.
Steering and Traction Drive
The forklift uses an integrated steering and traction drive module that combines both functions into a single compact unit. The system is designed for autonomous vehicles of varying sizes and delivers high torque and operating speeds. Power density is achieved through permanent magnet synchronous motors, efficient gear trains, and active cooling. Integrated safety features include parking and emergency-stop brakes, along with a redundant, high-resolution inductive encoder for precise steering position feedback.
Battery Technology Solutions
Schaeffler’s battery technology supports continuous industrial operation through advanced battery management systems and thermal control. The system uses Schaeffler-developed algorithms to monitor per-cell state of charge, state of health, and dynamic current limits. Lightweight battery housings and next-generation cooling systems are designed to improve reliability and uptime in demanding industrial environments.
Mast Guide Bearings
The demonstrator also incorporates mast guide bearings engineered for the high dynamic and static loads found in industrial truck masts. These bearings are designed to support smooth, precise lifting motion under heavy loads while enabling more compact designs. High load capacity and power density contribute to improved reliability and potential downsizing of mast assemblies.
Electromechanical Actuation as an Alternative to Hydraulics
A key theme of the CES demonstration is the shift from hydraulic systems to electromechanical actuation in industrial automation. Hydraulic systems continue to present challenges related to oil leakage, environmental risk, maintenance complexity, and limited controllability.
Schaeffler's electromechanical actuator portfolio—expanded through its acquisition of Ewellix—is positioned as an alternative for applications traditionally served by hydraulics. These actuators offer precise and repeatable motion control, programmability, reduced maintenance requirements, and improved energy efficiency.
Ewellix EMA-100 Electromechanical Actuator
The EMA-100 is designed to replace hydraulic cylinders in industrial equipment. It provides high-precision position control in an oil-free design intended to reduce downtime and maintenance. The actuator offers IP65 environmental protection and a modular architecture, with options for different ball screw and roller screw configurations, gear ratios, motors, power electronics, and braking systems to support a range of industrial applications.
Motion Technologies Beyond Material Handling
In addition to the autonomous forklift demonstrator, Schaeffler will highlight precision motion technologies used across a range of industrial automation applications. These include systems used in robotics, machine tools, packaging equipment, and semiconductor manufacturing, where accuracy, reliability, and efficiency are critical.
Digital Condition Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance
Schaeffler will also showcase its OPTIME ecosystem, which combines bearing expertise, vibration analysis, and lubrication technologies to support predictive maintenance and machine reliability.
OPTIME Condition Monitoring
A wireless, plant-wide monitoring system that tracks machine health by measuring parameters such as vibration and temperature. Data is analyzed using cloud-based algorithms to provide early warnings of potential failures and support condition-based maintenance strategies.
OPTIME C1 Smart Lubricator
Designed to work with the OPTIME monitoring system, the C1 smart lubricator delivers controlled lubrication while alerting operators to issues such as blocked grease lines, insufficient lubrication, or temperature conditions that could affect lubricant performance.
SmartCheck
A single-channel condition monitoring system with an intelligent learning mode and a built-in web server for localized machine condition assessment.
ProLink
A multichannel condition monitoring system intended for complex equipment, capable of measuring vibration, temperature, and flow speed, with cloud connectivity for remote access.
To learn more about Schaeffler at CES 2026, visit: Schaeffler | CES
About the Author
Laura Davis
Editor-in-Chief, New Equipment Digest
Laura Davis is the editor in chief of New Equipment Digest (NED), a brand part of the Manufacturing Group at EndeavorB2B. NED covers all products, equipment, solutions, and technology related to the broad scope of manufacturing, from mops and buckets to robots and automation. Laura has been a manufacturing product writer for eight years, knowledgeable about the ins and outs of the industry, along with what readers are looking for when wanting to learn about the latest products on the market.