Artificial intelligence sets the ball rolling in the bearings industry

SKF, the Swedish industrial company, is advancing the use of AI and sensors in bearings to transform them into intelligent, connected components. These sensorised bearings capture critical internal measurements—load, temperature, vibration, speed, and kinematic behavior—providing operators with real-time data to detect issues earlier and enable proactive maintenance. By integrating software with moving parts, SKF delivers instant insights into manufacturing processes, improving uptime and reducing unplanned downtime. The technology directly measures conditions inside bearings, offering tighter process control, optimized lubrication, and earlier wear detection, particularly in demanding applications like machine tools and grinding mills. The integration of sensors into bearings presents engineering challenges, including ensuring data reliability without compromising performance. SKF’s Insight tool uses fiber-optic sensors embedded within bearings to monitor key parameters directly, even in harsh industrial environments like high speeds, heat, and contamination. These sensors must withstand electromagnetic interference while delivering stable, long-term measurements. SKF’s innovations align with industry trends toward automation, digital infrastructure, and precision motion, expanding applications into robotics and data centers. In robotics, compact, high-precision bearings support complex motion and extended lifecycles, while in data centers, magnetic bearings reduce friction and energy use for more efficient cooling. Sensorised bearings are increasingly relevant across sectors, including rail, electric drives, food and beverage, aerospace, agriculture, mining, metals, and industrial electrification. Over 90% of SKF’s research investment targets these high-growth segments to align innovation with market demand. India is identified as a key growth market due to its expanding industrial sector and strong local operations. SKF India is investing in manufacturing, digitalization, and customer experience to capitalize on rising demand for efficient rotating-equipment solutions. The global sensor-bearing market is projected to grow from $8.235 billion in 2024 to $15.67 billion by 2035, according to a Market Research Future report. Growth is driven by a focus on energy efficiency, with manufacturers prioritizing designs that optimize performance while reducing energy consumption. SKF’s expansion into new markets and geographies supports its strategy of innovation leadership and leveraging business-driven value chains. The company’s advancements in sensor technology are set to enhance reliability and efficiency across industries, from bicycles to advanced robotics.