Schaeffler Automotive Symposium 2026 Schaeffler Enables Comprehensive Vehicle Control with Next-Generation E/E and Software Architectures

2026-09-10 | Fort Mill S.C.

• Integrated power electronics, centralized computing and intelligent vehicle control solutions enable more efficient, connected and software defined mobility
• Next-generation E/E and software architectures reduce complexity, improve scalability and accelerate OEM development cycles

Schaeffler, the Motion Technology Company, is enhancing the future of vehicle control through integrated electrical/electronic (E/E) and software architectures that simplify vehicle development while enabling safer, more intelligent and efficient mobility.

The company will showcase its latest software-defined vehicle (SDV) technologies during the Schaeffler Automotive Symposium in Detroit this September, under the theme, “Beyond Driving. Together We Innovate.” The event brings together automotive customers, industry experts and technology leaders to explore the innovations shaping the next generation of mobility.

Enabling the Next Generation of Vehicle Intelligence

As vehicles become increasingly software-defined, automakers require integrated systems that intelligently coordinate vehicle functions across a centralized architecture. Schaeffler’s production-ready portfolio of technologies works together to manage energy, process vehicle data, and coordinate critical vehicle functions. Through the integration of intelligent power electronics, battery management, zonal control and centralized computing, Schaeffler enables a scalable vehicle architecture capable of supporting over-the-air updates, advanced driver assistance systems, electrified propulsion and future software-enabled features.

“Our goal is to give customers a technology platform – not just individual products – that enables them to build the next generation of intelligent vehicles,” said Jerry Dixon, head of Controls and Mechatronics & Modules, Schaeffler. “By integrating software, electronics and hardware, Schaeffler is helping accelerate the industry’s transition to centralized vehicle architectures and delivering future-ready solutions across a wide range of vehicle platforms.”

Integrated Power Electronics Platform

Exemplifying Schaeffler’s innovation in power electronics is the SuperBox, an integrated solution that combines multiple critical functions—including the inverter, onboard charger, high-voltage DC booster and auxiliary power module (12V & 48V) into a single compact system. More than a mechanical integration, the SuperBox features a three-tap transformer and leverages the motor windings for charging, reducing the number of components required compared with conventional architectures. By consolidating these technologies, the SuperBox reduces system complexity, minimizes weight, optimizes packaging space, enhances vehicle interconnectivity, and enables software-defined functionality throughout the vehicle’s lifecycle

Schaeffler’s next-generation inverter technology converts direct current (DC) from the battery into alternating current (AC) required by the electric motor. The inverter precisely manages motor speed, torque and regenerative braking to maximize energy efficiency, vehicle performance and battery utilization.

Intelligent Battery Management

Schaeffler’s Battery Management System (BMS) serves as the intelligence behind an EV’s battery pack, continuously monitoring and controlling critical parameters to ensure safety, efficiency and long-term reliability. By measuring cell voltage, temperature and state of charge, the BMS optimizes battery performance, maximizes driving range, improves charging efficiency and protects the battery throughout its lifecycle. Integrated with the vehicle’s power electronics and centralized computing architecture, the BMS enables real-time energy management and supports software updates that continuously enhance battery performance.

Simplifying Vehicle Architecture with Zonal Controllers

As vehicle electrical systems become increasingly complex, zonal controllers are replacing traditional distributed electronic control units with a more streamlined architecture. Schaeffler’s zonal controllers consolidate multiple vehicle functions within defined vehicle zones, reducing wiring complexity, lowering weight and simplifying manufacturing. The result is a more efficient, scalable electrical architecture that improves communication across vehicle systems while providing the flexibility required for future software updates and new vehicle features.

High Performance Compute Platform Powers Centralized Vehicle Intelligence

At the core of the software-defined vehicle is Schaeffler’s High Performance Compute (HPC) platform. Acting as the vehicle’s central computing system, the HPC processes data from cameras, radar, lidar and other sensors while coordinating advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), core functions, networking & connectivity, and energy management. Its centralized architecture enables greater software and data centralization, simplifying over-the-air updates, allowing manufacturers to continuously add new and AI-based capabilities throughout the vehicle’s life without requiring hardware upgrades, helping reduce overall vehicle E/E costs.

A Complete Software-Defined Vehicle Ecosystem

These technologies create an integrated vehicle control platform that combines software, electronics and mechatronics expertise to enable intelligent motion, connected functionality and efficient energy management. By taking a systems-level approach, Schaeffler is helping automakers accelerate the transition to software-defined vehicles that are easier to manufacture and more intelligent to operate while delivering greater value across future vehicle platforms.

At the 2026 Schaeffler Automotive Symposium, customers will see firsthand how Schaeffler is bringing integrated vehicle control to life through scalable technologies that help shape the future of motion.