Car component manufacturer Schaeffler introduces innovative solutions for automotive applications
Schaeffler's Hands-Free Access Sensor Enters Series Production
Schaeffler, a leading automotive and industrial supplier, has started series production of its innovative Hands-Free Access Sensor. This sensor enables contactless vehicle access, allowing drivers to open and close doors and trunks without the need for a free hand.
The sensor, which operates based on Doppler radar technology, is currently in volume production since the end of 2024, primarily serving major European automotive manufacturers. It is an integral part of Schaeffler's core business and has been successfully launched in series production with a German automaker.
The Hands-Free Access Sensor allows for keyless and hands-free opening and closing of vehicle doors, including the trunk and sliding doors. It detects targeted foot movement within a 60-centimeter range, providing drivers with a fully contactless vehicle access experience. Through AI-assisted calibration, recognition rate and interference resistance have been optimized in the sensor system. The sensor activation occurs via a targeted foot movement.
Schaeffler sees further growth potential in North America and China for the Hands-Free Access Sensor, indicating plans or ambitions to extend its presence beyond Europe. Demonstrations and showcases in India suggest further international promotion aligned with regional market trends.
One of the key benefits of the Hands-Free Access Sensor is its ability to prevent the vehicle from opening unintentionally in the presence of pedestrians or objects. The sensor analyzes both the speed and direction of the movement for recognition, ensuring a safe and convenient driving experience.
Leif Reinhold, head of the Powertrain Solutions business area, is responsible for the sensor portfolio at Schaeffler. The press release about the Hands-Free Access Sensor was published by Schaeffler on Friday, 1 August 2025.
While Schaeffler has not released specific dates or detailed roll-out plans for North America and China, the clear strategic intention to grow in these key automotive markets is confirmed. The Hands-Free Access Sensor is suitable for a wide range of vehicle applications and is set to revolutionize the way we interact with our vehicles.
- Schaeffler, a prominent player in both the automotive and industrial sectors, has extended its horizons, eyeing further growth prospects in North America and China for its Hands-Free Access Sensor.
- This sensor, a component of Schaeffler's core business, is designed to prevent unintentional vehicle openings, ensuring a safer driving experience, particularly in the busy transportation landscapes of North America and China.
- In line with regional market trends, Schaeffler's international promotion of the Hands-Free Access Sensor includes demonstrations and showcases in India, underlining its commitment to serving the global automotive industry.
- As technology continues to shape the future of transportation, smart-home-devices, finance, and gadgets, Schaeffler's Hands-Free Access Sensor marks a significant step forward, set to redefine the way we engage with our vehicles.
