Schaeffler has entered a strategic technology partnership with NVIDIA aimed at transforming its global production ecosystem. The collaboration focuses on the use of digital twins and AI-powered simulations through the NVIDIA Omniverse platform to enhance efficiency, standardization, and innovation across Schaeffler’s global plant network.
Why This Partnership Matters
Digital Twins at Scale:
Schaeffler plans to integrate approximately half of its more than 100 manufacturing plants into the Omniverse platform by 2030. This move will enable virtual modeling of factory processes and real-time 3D simulation of equipment behavior, allowing the company to visualize, optimize, and adapt operations across its production ecosystem with greater speed and accuracy.
AI-Powered Manufacturing Simulations:
Using NVIDIA’s advanced AI capabilities, Schaeffler’s engineering teams will be able to simulate critical production parameters, including material properties, robotic assembly sequences, and process flows.
The aim is to achieve higher throughput, faster development cycles, and reduced costs—all while ensuring seamless interoperability between digital and physical assets.
Standardization and Digital Infrastructure:
The partnership supports Schaeffler’s broader goal of creating a unified digital infrastructure across its global operations. By using consistent data models and simulation tools, the company can reduce system complexity, enhance reliability, and promote cross-site collaboration in a scalable way.
Leadership Comments
Andreas Schick, Chief Operating Officer, Schaeffler AG:
“To shape the production of the future, you need strong partners like NVIDIA. The Omniverse and digital twins will make our value chains more efficient and agile. We are laying the foundation for the factories of tomorrow.”
Rev Lebaredian, Vice President, Omniverse and Simulation Technology, NVIDIA:
“Global manufacturers seeking to modernize need a simulation-first, AI-driven approach to design, planning, and operations. Our collaboration with Schaeffler aims to create a reference for the entire industry—accelerating innovation while reducing risk and cost.”
Roberto Henkel, Senior Vice President Operations Digitalization & IT, Schaeffler:
“The collaboration with NVIDIA allows us to create realistic, high-performance digital twins that can directly influence and optimize production in real time. With decades of industrial expertise, Schaeffler is contributing to shaping the development of the industrial metaverse.”
Next Steps
The initiative will begin with the deployment of simulation-based applications across select Schaeffler facilities, focusing on predictive modeling, AI-guided robotic tasks, and full production line simulations. By 2030, Schaeffler aims to digitally connect over 50 facilities using the NVIDIA Omniverse platform.
This approach will enhance flexibility in plant design, reduce operational downtime, and promote sustainable, AI-enabled innovation throughout the value chain.
About the Event
The partnership was officially signed during a joint event in Paris, where senior executives from both companies gathered to discuss the roadmap and implications of their collaboration. Key representatives included Andreas Schick, Roberto Henkel, and Sebastian Jonas from Schaeffler, and Rev Lebaredian, Madison Huang, and Philippe van den Berge from NVIDIA.
Summary
The alliance marks a bold step toward the digital transformation of manufacturing. Through AI, simulation, and digital twin technology, the companies are building the foundation of an “Industrial Metaverse” that promises faster innovation, enhanced agility, and sustainable global operations.
