Schaeffler has announced a new partnership with NVIDIA aimed at improving how the company designs and manages its production processes. The collaboration focuses on using the NVIDIA Omniverse platform to simulate factories and machines as digital twins, allowing Schaeffler to test and refine its operations in a virtual environment before making physical changes.
By 2030, Schaeffler plans to connect half of its global manufacturing sites to the Omniverse system. The goal is to improve production efficiency, increase flexibility, and reduce waste across its network of more than 100 plants.
Using Omniverse, Schaeffler will build digital models of its equipment and facilities. These models will allow teams to simulate and optimize workflows, material behavior, and manufacturing steps in real time. The system also supports future technologies, including AI-driven tools and humanoid robots, which can be tested virtually before real-world use.
“Digitalization is a key part of how we plan to modernize production,” said Andreas Schick, Chief Operating Officer at Schaeffler AG. “With NVIDIA, we’re creating a system that helps us test and improve how our factories work—making them more efficient and responsive.”
Real-time simulations can help identify problems early and allow for faster adjustments throughout a product’s life cycle. AI features will support automation of complex tasks, such as precision assembly steps, and help standardize best practices across all locations.
“Simulation-first methods are becoming central to how industries plan and improve their operations,” said Rev Lebaredian, Vice President of Omniverse and Simulation Technology at NVIDIA. “This partnership lets Schaeffler model and test ideas virtually before they’re implemented—saving time, reducing costs, and lowering risk.”
Roberto Henkel, Schaeffler’s Senior Vice President for Operations Digitalization & IT, added that the company brings decades of manufacturing knowledge to the project. “This collaboration will help shape how digital systems are used in real factory environments. Our experience will support further development of the Omniverse platform for industrial use.”
