Schaeffler Relys on Wandelbots Platform for AI-Based Robotics
Schaeffler's production network comprises several thousand robotic systems. The new platform is expected to reduce automation costs by up to 40 percent and make robotics expertise available worldwide.
Schaeffler and Wandelbots have entered into a technology partnership for AI-powered robotics applications. Based on Wandelbots’ Nova software platform, the two companies plan to develop a Physical AI platform that can be deployed in Schaeffler’s global production network in the future. The goal is to develop robot applications independently of the manufacturer and the hardware used, test them virtually, and then deploy them across various production sites. According to Schaeffler, the company has several thousand robot systems. This new approach is expected to reduce costs by up to 40 percent over the entire lifecycle of new and existing automation solutions.
Technically, Nova separates the application logic from the robot hardware used. The platform connects AI models, digital twins, machines, and production data. Nvidia Omniverse and Nvidia Isaac Sim are used for simulation and virtual validation. In addition to traditional industrial robots, the platform is designed to integrate mobile and humanoid systems as well. Schaeffler also plans to build a library of reusable robotics skills. Once developed, these capabilities can be centrally managed, simulated, and transferred to other systems.
According to the companies, initial joint projects already indicate shorter development times. In the case of a robot-assisted packaging cell, simulation with Nova shortened development by about two weeks per application.
