Schaeffler invests in AI-based software development, acquires stake in up2parts GmbH

Schaeffler, for whom digital solutions will be key to achieving sustainable and intelligent manufacturing in the future, has acquired a stake in German software startup up2parts GmbH.

The aim is to develop AI-based automation solutions for modern machines and the holistic value chain in manufacturing and to deploy these solutions in an agile manufacturing environment. Schaeffler’s Head of Advanced Production Technology, Thomas Krämer (49), is joining CEO Marco Bauer in leading the company.

“The complete digitalisation of manufacturing is Schaeffler’s top priority,” said Andreas Schick, Chief Operating Officer responsible for Production, Supply Chain Management, and Purchasing at Schaeffler AG. “It will make our global manufacturing network more agile, efficient, and fast and is thus critical to the success of Schaeffler. Acquiring a stake in up2parts is the next logical step in transforming, in cooperation with a strong partner, our 83 manufacturing plants into semi-autonomous and sustainable factories.”

Schaeffler already cooperates with up2parts and DMG MORI, up2parts’ other stakeholder, at Schaeffler’s state-of-the-art tool technology centre in Hochstadt. Together, they established an integrated system for digitalisation of toolmaking with AI-based route sheet creation.

Thomas Kramer, Head of Advanced Production Technology at Schaeffler and Co-CEO of up2parts, commented: “Schaeffler and up2parts have a strong, close partnership, which we now want to strengthen even further. The joint development of an innovative system for the digitalisation of toolmaking will be groundbreaking: using artificial intelligence, Schaeffler will, for example, be able to plan route sheets even more efficiently in the future. We will also develop a cloud-based AUTOCAM solution for the automatic creation of machining programs for machine tools.”

In addition to Schaeffler, Sandvik is also investing in up2parts. Sandvik is a global, high-tech engineering group providing solutions that enhance productivity and sustainability for the manufacturing, mining and infrastructure industries. "Schaeffler and Sandvik not only strengthen our financial base, but also contribute valuable expertise and market knowledge. Their expertise will help us to make our vision of a digital and efficient manufacturing landscape a reality," stated Marco Bauer, Co-Managing Director of up2parts.