Schaeffler at CES 2026 (West Hall of LVCC, booth 7301) Schaeffler Addresses Global Energy Demand with Advanced Motion Solutions at CES 2026

2025-12-15 | Fort Mill, S.C.

• Schaeffler to showcase advanced motion, bearing and system solutions that boost efficiency and reliability across energy generation and data centers
• Sensor-equipped components enable predictive maintenance and AI-driven optimization
• Advanced system-level solutions help operators maximize uptime, improve reliability and extend the life of critical energy infrastructure

Schaeffler, The Motion Technology Company, is showcasing its advanced motion, bearing, and system solutions for energy generation at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, January 6-9 (booth 7301 in West Hall of LVCC). These engineered components and digital condition monitoring technologies address surging global energy demand by maximizing performance and uptime across conventional and renewable energy generation, as well as data centers that power the digital economy.

By enabling critical data for AI and predictive maintenance, Schaeffler is transforming energy generation through sensor-equipped components that leverage decades of engineering experience across bearings, actuators, materials, coatings and digital diagnostics. At CES 2026, the company will highlight these advanced system-level solutions that enable operators to achieve higher efficiency, reliability and longevity under increasingly demanding energy generation conditions.

"Schaeffler's presence at CES this year demonstrates how our motion technology expertise is addressing one of the most critical challenges of our time – meeting exponential energy demand while maximizing efficiency and reliability," said Jeff Hemphill, Chief Technology Officer, Schaeffler Americas. "From oil and gas drilling operations to wind turbines and data center cooling systems, our engineered solutions are helping operators optimize performance, extend asset life and minimize downtime across the entire energy generation spectrum."

Schaeffler Optimizes Data Center Energy Efficiency and Reliability

The growing energy demand of data centers is largely driven by the power needed for extensive cooling systems, due to the high density of computer equipment— including servers, networking gear and storage systems—which generate enormous amounts of heat as a byproduct of electrical consumption. With data centers critical for the digital economy as they support vital applications such as cloud computing, data analytics and AI, operators face intense pressure to maximize energy efficiency while ensuring 99.9%+ uptime.

Schaeffler helps data centers curb and reliably meet the growing electrical demand of cooling systems by boosting efficiency, uptime and maintainability across fans, pumps, compressors and motors with a broad array of products and system solutions.

Current-Insulating Bearings to Protect Critical HVAC Systems
Variable frequency drives (VFDs) used in data center HVAC systems can cause electrical erosion that leads to premature bearing failure and costly unplanned downtime. Schaeffler's current-insulating bearings – including hybrid ceramic or ceramic-coated versions featuring proprietary coatings – protect HVAC motors from electrical erosion caused by VFDs. These specialized bearings enhance reliability under continuous load, reduce maintenance needs and ensure uninterrupted operation of critical data center equipment.

Schaeffler Advances Renewable Energy Reliability and Performance
Wind and solar installations face unique operational challenges that threaten energy output and profitability. Wind turbines operate in harsh, variable environments where bearing failures can result in months of downtime and costly crane operations for repairs. Solar farms must maximize energy capture while minimizing maintenance costs across vast installations.

Schaeffler has many decades of experience providing solutions for renewable energy sources, delivering engineered components and system solutions designed to meet these demanding requirements and ensure reliable operation in harsh and variable environments.

Industry-Leading Transmission Bearings for Wind Turbines

With industry-leading features such as bainitic or case-carburized components, optimized geometries, and proprietary coatings, Schaeffler is demonstrating its extensive lineup of high-performance rolling bearings that are engineered for a variety of positions within wind turbine gearboxes:

• Deep groove ball bearings, which provide light-duty support where small envelopes and high radial capacity are required, are widely used in generator positions where extremely high speeds are necessary to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. Featuring optimized internal geometries and increased cage rigidity, Schaeffler’s proprietary Generation C designs permit even higher speeds and greater load capacities.
• Double-row tapered roller bearings serve as the main "workhorse" bearing for most wind turbine transmissions, where they are used as main locating bearings within high-speed, intermediate, and low-speed shafts. High axial and radial rigidity ensure outstanding load-carrying capacity; optimized internal geometry reduces friction and wear; proprietary Durotect B coating offers superior run-in properties while reducing corrosion, wear from sliding and friction, and the risk of white etching cracks (WECs).
• Cylindrical roller bearings function as floating bearings in transmissions, enabling the system to expand, move and deflect in order to compensate for demanding loads and harsh environmental conditions. Outstanding high-speed capability improves gearbox efficiency, while proprietary Durotect B coating offers superior run-in properties, reduces corrosion, wear from sliding and friction, and decreases the risk of WEC. Available with case-carburized and carbonitrided components for extreme applications with high shocks or uneven load distributions.
• Performance technologies: Schaeffler-exclusive X-life designs for higher dynamic load ratings and extended service life; proprietary materials and coatings for harsh operating environments, including high-purity and corrosion-resistant steels (Cronidur), black oxide (Durotect B), DLC-type coatings (Triondur), anti-corrosion coatings (Corrotect) as well as contamination resistance.

Solar Tracker Actuator: Maximizing Energy Capture

To maximize the efficiency of solar farms, one of Schaeffler's latest innovations for renewable energy applications is a custom-designed solar tracker actuator that adjusts the position of solar panels to follow the path of the sun throughout the day. The weather-resistant inline design houses single-unit motor, gearbox, pulse count functionality and limit switching, while the anodized aluminum housing eliminates multiple ingress points for moisture and contamination without requiring additional covers or seals, reducing UV stress on components.

Schaeffler Delivers Critical Solutions for Conventional Energy Generation

The exponential growth in electricity demand from data centers and AI infrastructure is forcing a significant response from traditional energy sectors, leading to a greater reliance on fossil fuels in the near term. This increased demand for natural gas-fired power plants and diesel-powered generator sets is placing extreme stress on oil and gas infrastructure, where equipment failures can halt production and cost operators millions in lost revenue. Schaeffler addresses these critical challenges with a comprehensive portfolio of engineered bearings for oil and gas drilling applications, delivering reliability and performance under unprecedented utilization rates and demanding conditions.

Sealed Sheave Bearings: Engineered for Relentless Reliability

Used in crown and traveling blocks as well as heave compensation systems on drilling rigs, Schaeffler's double-row tapered sheave bearings are engineered to deliver relentless reliability under the most unrelenting conditions – whether on land or at sea. Proprietary X-life quality ensures optimized surface quality for increased service life, while Schaeffler-exclusive Corrotect coating provides outstanding corrosion protection. API-compliant and interchangeable with non-sealed bearing assemblies, these solutions enable faster maintenance and reduced downtime.

High-Performance Frac Pump Solutions

Schaeffler's innovative cylindrical roller bearings for frac pumps simultaneously support higher loads and faster speeds while delivering maximum reliability and optimum service life under harsh operating conditions. Proprietary X-life quality enhances bearing internal geometry and surface finish to reduce friction and wear, while optimized roller and raceway profiles distribute stress and reduce edge loading to deliver industry-leading load ratings, increasing operational reliability and reducing downtime.

Preventing Unplanned Downtime with OPTIME Wireless Condition Monitoring

Schaeffler's OPTIME wireless condition monitoring covers large numbers of fans, pumps and gearboxes with intuitive, scalable sensors and app-based diagnostics. This predictive maintenance solution detects imbalances, misalignments and bearing issues early to avoid unplanned downtime, enabling operators to optimize maintenance schedules and reduce operational costs while ensuring continuous cooling system operation.

Smart Lubrication Technology for Automated Precision

Schaeffler will also show its OPTIME C1 smart lubricators that deliver the right amount of lubricant at the right time. These scalable, app-monitored systems allow operators to track lubrication status, adjust schedules remotely, and integrate data into predictive maintenance programs, reducing friction, extending bearing and system life, and supporting continuous, reliable operation of critical data center equipment.

Additional data center solutions include:

• Energy efficient bearings for HVAC equipment: deep groove ball bearings for fan motors and pump motors; cylindrical, tapered, and spherical roller bearings for compressors, gearboxes, and cooling tower fan shafts; split spherical roller bearings for hard-to-access locations to speed replacement and reduce downtime.
• Predictive maintenance solutions: SmartCheck for standalone, critical machines needing continuous vibration/temperature monitoring; ProLink multi-channel condition monitoring for advanced analysis where multi sensor inputs are required (e.g., large compressors or gearboxes)
• Automated lubrication: FAG CONCEPT single/multi point lubricators that deliver the right lubricant at the right time.

Shaping the Future of Energy Generation

As a leader in energy generation technology, Schaeffler continues to provide operators with integrated, scalable solutions that optimize efficiency, extend asset life, and ensure reliable operation across conventional and renewable energy sources, as well as critical data center power systems. By leveraging decades of expertise across motion technology, materials science, and digital diagnostics, the company helps energy operators meet rising global demand while supporting sustainable and resilient operations.

At CES 2026, Schaeffler will demonstrate how its technologies are enabling the next generation of energy infrastructure through advanced bearing solutions, sensor-equipped components, and predictive maintenance systems that give operators the tools to meet evolving energy demands.

To learn more about Schaeffler at CES:
https://www.schaeffler.us/us/news_media/dates-events/ces/