Skip to main content

SKF launches intelligent bearing technology

SKF Insight features intelligent wireless technology that enables bearings to communicate their operating conditions continuously, with internally powered sensors and data acquisition electronics. Bearings have long been considered the heart of rotating machinery but now SKF has made them the brain as well.
June 25, 2013 Read time: 2 mins
7153 SKF Insight features intelligent wireless technology that enables bearings to communicate their operating conditions continuously, with internally powered sensors and data acquisition electronics.

Bearings have long been considered the heart of rotating machinery but now SKF has made them the brain as well.

SKF senior vice president, group technology development, Alan Begg said, “Three years ago we had a vision to create an integrated, self-powered sensor package that could wirelessly communicate the condition of a bearing at any time – making a smart bearing capable of sending a message when something happens to it. Following extensive R&D work, including miniaturisation, solving power generation challenges and developing unique packaging of sensors and electronics, the introduction of SKF Insight technology makes this a reality.

“Making the bearing the brain, as well as the heart of rotating machinery, has long been a dream of the engineering community, and I am proud that SKF, with our long tradition of innovation leadership, is the first to make this happen.”

Additionally, by monitoring the load directly on the bearing, SKF Insight makes it possible to measure the load the bearing actually experiences rather than what is was designed for. This valuable information can be routed back into the design phase to improve both the system and bearing design.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Clever approach to reducing bridge vibrations
    November 14, 2013
    Reducing vibrations on a bridge, supplying high-quality binders to emerging countries and helping small and medium players with warm mix, this month’s stories showcase some innovative bitumen technology solutions - Kristina Smith reports The Kessock Bridge in the Highlands of Scotland has become the third bridge in the UK to be resurfaced with Gussasphalt. A dense mastic asphalt containing Nynas Endura N5, a polymer modified binder, Gussasphalt has been designed to have a longer life than standard mastic as
  • Reducing congestion while maximising safety in road construction work zones
    April 30, 2015
    Mike Dreznes, executive vice president at the International Road Federation (IRF) discusses road safety for work zone areas. Work zones around the world can create significant congestion and can cost society billions of dollars. Estimates in the United States alone include approximately 87,600 work zone crashes involving 37,500 injuries that result in 482 million lost hours, valued at approximately US$6.5 billion. When considering these numbers worldwide, it becomes clear that work zone safety and work zone
  • Closer ties with Highways England Collaborative Delivery Framework
    April 13, 2017
    Highways England is reconsidering its procurement to encourage innovation and ultimately deliver more for less. Kristina Smith spoke to client, contractors and material suppliers to find out more. A group of senior managers is being addressed by a local resident who lives close to some proposed road works. The resident is angry, persistent and quite rude. The question is: how will these managers respond?
  • CECE Summit – is Europe ready for a digital construction worksite?
    November 20, 2015
    The CECE has voiced his concern over government regulations that could strangle innovation for the digitalisation of construction machinery. China’s imploding economy was another topic at the recent conference in Brussels, reports David Arminas. The CECE has urged the European Parliament and European Commission to enact legislation that promotes rather than hinders the construction sector’s transition to a digitalised way of working. “We need a smart regulatory framework that helps to unlock the full poten