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Schaeffler Partners with Neura Robotics to Develop Humanoids, Eyes New Growth Beyond Auto Industry

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German engineering firm Schaeffler announced on Tuesday that it has entered into a strategic partnership with Neura Robotics to jointly develop and supply key components for humanoid robots, marking a major step in its diversification beyond traditional automotive manufacturing.

The company said it plans to integrate a “mid-four-digit number” of humanoids into its production lines by 2035, leveraging AI and robotics to enhance industrial efficiency. The partnership aligns with Schaeffler’s long-term vision to generate up to 10% of its total sales from emerging sectors such as defense, electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, and humanoid robotics by 2035.

The move comes as Europe’s automotive industry faces mounting challenges, including U.S. import tariffs, slowing demand, and intensifying competition from Chinese manufacturers. In response, Schaeffler is rebalancing its portfolio to focus on high-growth technology areas. The company also confirmed plans to sell its turbocharger business in China, which generated around €100 million in revenue in 2024.

CEO Klaus Rosenfeld said the firm sees significant potential in humanoid robotics, both for internal process optimization and as a new business avenue. “Humanoids will become a very interesting activity for Schaeffler,” Rosenfeld noted, adding that while the automotive environment remains difficult, investment in AI-driven technologies offers long-term opportunity.

Dubai Eyes 2026 Launch for Joby Air Taxis to Beat Traffic

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Dubai may soon redefine urban commuting by turning to the skies. Joby Aviation completed its first successful test flight of a fully electric air taxi in the emirate this week, as the city moves forward with plans to launch commercial airborne transport by 2026.

The California-based company’s eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft, which produces zero emissions and operates with minimal noise, is intended to help ease congestion in one of the world’s most traffic-heavy cities. According to Joby’s UAE General Manager Anthony Khoury, a journey from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Palm Jumeirah would take just 12 minutes by air taxi, compared to about 45 minutes by car.

The test flight was conducted in an isolated desert area southeast of downtown Dubai. It involved a vertical takeoff, a several-mile flight, and a vertical landing, simulating a typical short-distance urban trip. The event was attended by senior officials, transport executives, and company representatives.

Though Joby’s long-term vision is to make aerial rides affordable for all, Khoury acknowledged that early pricing will cater to wealthier travelers, as is often the case with new technologies.

The Joby Aerial Taxi can fly up to 160 kilometers (100 miles) at speeds reaching 320 km/h (200 mph), making it a strong candidate for short-haul urban and intercity travel. Its quiet electric propulsion makes it suitable for residential areas — a key consideration for urban operations.

In early 2024, Joby signed an exclusive agreement with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), granting it the sole rights to operate air taxis in the emirate for six years. The company aims to launch with four vertiports located at DXB airport, Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, and Dubai Marina.

Despite the successful test, significant challenges remain — including regulatory approval, development of vertiport infrastructure, and supply chain risks. In April, Morgan Stanley downgraded Joby’s stock price target from $10 to $7, citing execution risks and broader aerospace industry concerns. As of now, Joby’s stock is trading at $10.55.

“This is a rare leap in aviation,” said Didier Papadopoulos, Joby’s President of OEM. “You don’t often see transformations like this — we’re at the start of something remarkable.”

Honeywell and NXP Semiconductors Expand Partnership to Advance Aviation and Autonomous Flying Technology

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Honeywell and NXP Semiconductors have announced an expansion of their partnership to develop artificial intelligence-driven technology aimed at revolutionizing aviation and autonomous flying. The collaboration will combine Honeywell’s Anthem avionics system, a cloud-connected cockpit, with NXP’s advanced computing architecture to enhance flight planning and management.

The focus of the partnership will be on adapting NXP’s autonomy technology, initially designed for the automotive industry, to work with Honeywell’s Anthem system. This will be aimed at advancing autonomous flying technology, which has become a central focus in the aviation industry, particularly with the rise of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft designed for urban travel.

Although the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, it builds on the two companies’ previous collaboration last year, which centered around Honeywell’s building management systems. Vertical Aerospace, an eVTOL manufacturer, will be utilizing Honeywell’s Anthem system to test its VX4 aircraft, marking a key milestone in the development of autonomous flying technology.