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SKF has partnered with Sentea, a specialist in fibre optic sensing technologies, on the SKF Core hardware platform it has developed for its new generation of Insight bearings. The new system aims to provide more comprehensive data for predictive maintenance, machine performance and operational reliability by monitoring the operating conditions of bearings directly.
Sweden-based bearing and industrial solutions manufacturer SKF has selected Sentea, which specialises in fibre optic sensing technologies, as its partner for the development and production of the new SKF Core platform. Announced on 8 September 2026, the cooperation aims to extend the use of SKF Insight smart bearing technology in industrial applications.
According to a statement from SKF, the new platform enables data on the operating conditions of bearings to be measured and analysed directly. The aim is to help machine builders and industrial operators assess equipment performance, plan maintenance processes and identify potential failures at an early stage.
Real-time operating data from inside the bearing
SKF Insight bearings enable operating parameters such as load, rotational speed, temperature and vibration to be monitored. Unlike conventional condition monitoring methods, data obtained from inside the bearing helps to assess the actual operating conditions of the machine in greater detail.
The new generation of SKF Insight technology extends existing measurement capabilities with data on lubrication conditions, contact pressures and bearing health.
These features support the transition from maintenance carried out after a failure has occurred to a predictive maintenance approach based on identifying potential problems in advance.
Mark Verbakel, Head of the SKF Insight Bearings unit, said that customers increasingly need solutions to increase productivity, reduce unplanned downtime and maximise equipment performance. According to Verbakel, Insight bearings support operational decisions by enabling the processes taking place inside the machine to be monitored in greater detail.
Sensing, data processing and communication on a single platform with SKF Core
SKF Core combines fibre optic sensing, data processing and communication capabilities in a single industrial hardware unit.
According to the company, this integrated design reduces system complexity and makes it easier to adapt advanced machine monitoring technologies to different industrial applications.
Karsten Verhaegen, CEO of Sentea, said that the cooperation with SKF supports the use of fibre optic sensing technologies on an industrial scale. Verhaegen highlighted the potential of the technology in the areas of reliability, efficiency and predictive maintenance.
SKF presented its new technologies at AMB 2026
SKF Core and the new generation of SKF Insight bearing solutions were presented at the AMB 2026 trade fair, held in Stuttgart, Germany, from 15 to 19 September 2026.
At its stand 6C71, SKF scheduled a demonstration of the system based on live data on bearing operating conditions.
Other products announced by the company at the fair included the new Performance series of super-precision bearings and the Progressive Lubrication Pump (PLP) automatic lubrication system.
New Performance series for machine tools
SKF’s new Performance series of super-precision angular contact ball bearings has been developed for machine tool spindles and other demanding high-performance applications.
The company states that the new series is intended to offer higher durability, improved surface fatigue performance and increased thermal stability.
New PLP system for automatic lubrication
The Progressive Lubrication Pump (PLP) introduced by SKF is an automatic lubrication solution developed to increase machine reliability and reduce maintenance requirements.
Developed using the lubrication technology experience of SKF and Lincoln, the system combines lubrication continuity, ease of servicing and system monitoring features.
The new solution is intended to increase equipment availability and help reduce total cost of ownership.
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