German manufacturer of machine and car parts, Schaeffler, has launched its Hands Free Access Sensor, a solution for keyless, hands-free opening and closing of vehicle doors, including the trunk lid and sliding doors.
This technology, based on Doppler radar, is designed to make tasks easier for drivers by allowing them to open and close their vehicle’s trunk and doors without physical contact.
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Activated by a foot motion within a range of 60 centimetres, the sensor analyses the speed and direction of the movement, ensuring reliable detection without the need for a button press or remote control.
Schaeffler’s integration of AI into the sensor calibration process tailors the system to specific customer vehicle models, enhancing reliability.
This ensures the vehicle does not open inadvertently when objects or pedestrians are in the detection area.
The Hands Free Access Sensor, part of Schaeffler’s Control Motion product family, operates on a 24GHz frequency and can withstand harsh weather conditions or extreme temperatures, ranging from –40 to 105 degrees Celsius.
According to the company, it is known for short-range radar use on vehicles, and it can be integrated into the vehicle architecture through the local interconnect network (LIN) interface.
The sensor can be installed in the bumper or onto the chassis, with or without a trailer hitch, using a single screw-in component.
The volume production has commenced for various prominent car makers in Europe.
Schaeffler Powertrain & Chassis CEO Matthias Zink said: “With the expanded portfolio of the Powertrain & Chassis Division, Schaeffler is positioning itself as a new provider of innovative sensor solutions for body applications.
“The Hands Free Access Sensor is an example of Schaeffler’s growing, complementary product range following the merger with Vitesco Technologies – and marks another step toward our goal of becoming the world’s leading Motion Technology Company.”
In April 2025, Schaeffler began production of ball screw drives (KGTs) for a Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer.
