SKF Launches SKF Core with Sentea for Advanced Machine Intelligence

SKF, the Swedish engineering giant, has taken a significant step forward in its technology portfolio by launching a new integrated hardware platform, SKF Core, in collaboration with fiber-optic sensing specialist Sentea. This development is set to revolutionize the way Insight bearings operate, offering enhanced machine intelligence and predictive maintenance capabilities.

The new SKF Core platform is designed to simplify the deployment of SKF Insight bearings, which are already known for their ability to provide real-time visibility into operating conditions such as loads, speeds, temperatures, and vibrations. By integrating sensing, processing, and communication capabilities into a single industrial unit, SKF Core aims to reduce system complexity and enable customers to adopt advanced machine intelligence solutions more easily at scale.

Mark Verbakel, Head of SKF Insight Bearings, emphasized the importance of this collaboration: "Customers are increasingly seeking ways to improve productivity, reduce unplanned downtime, and maximize the performance of their equipment. SKF Insight bearings give them a new level of visibility into what is happening inside the machine, enabling better decisions and greater confidence in operation."

The latest generation of SKF Insight bearings, which will be showcased at the AMB 2026 exhibition in Stuttgart, Germany, expands the capabilities of existing models. These new bearings provide deeper insights into lubrication conditions, contact pressures, and bearing health, facilitating a shift from reactive maintenance to more proactive and predictive maintenance strategies. This shift is crucial for maintaining the reliability and efficiency of critical machinery, particularly in high-demand applications like machining centers.

Karsten Verhaegen, CEO of Sentea, highlighted the potential impact of this partnership: "Together with SKF, we are helping bring advanced fiber-optic sensing technology into industrial applications where improved reliability, efficiency, and predictive maintenance capabilities can create significant customer value. Our technology enables fiber-optic sensing to be deployed at scale, and the collaboration with SKF closely aligns with our ambition to bring fiber-optic sensing everywhere."

At the AMB 2026 exhibition, visitors will have the opportunity to see the complete SKF Core solution demonstrated with live bearing-condition data. SKF will also showcase other innovations, including the new Performance series of super-precision angular contact ball bearings and the new Progressive Lubrication Pump (PLP). The Performance series is designed to enhance robustness, improve surface fatigue performance, and increase thermal stability, offering more reliable and predictable performance in machine tool spindles and other demanding applications. The PLP is an automatic lubrication solution aimed at increasing machine reliability, reducing maintenance effort, and lowering the total cost of ownership.

In summary, SKF's collaboration with Sentea marks a significant advancement in the field of machine intelligence and predictive maintenance. By leveraging the capabilities of SKF Core and the latest generation of Insight bearings, customers can expect improved machine performance, reduced downtime, and enhanced overall operational efficiency.