Gothenburg, Sweden – September 11, 2026 -- SKF has selected fiber-optic sensing specialist Sentea to develop and produce SKF Core, a new integrated hardware platform designed to accelerate commercial deployment of its Insight bearing technology.
SKF Core consolidates sensing, processing and communication into one industrial unit
The platform integrates three previously separate functions into a single unit, reducing system complexity for customers deploying machine intelligence solutions at scale. SKF Insight bearings use fiber-optic sensing to give machine builders and industrial operators direct visibility into operating conditions including loads, speeds, temperatures and vibrations, exceeding the limits of conventional monitoring technologies.
Latest bearing generation adds lubrication and contact-pressure monitoring
The newest SKF Insight bearings expand data capture to include lubrication conditions, contact pressures and bearing health metrics. SKF positions these additions as enabling a shift from reactive maintenance to predictive maintenance, optimization and protection of critical equipment for next-generation machining centers.
Mark Verbakel says customers demand greater visibility to cut downtime
"Customers are increasingly looking for ways to improve productivity, reduce unplanned downtime and maximize the performance of their equipment," said Mark Verbakel, Head of SKF Insight bearings. "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."
Sentea CEO cites scaling ambition for fiber-optic sensing technology
Sentea CEO Karsten Verhaegen said the collaboration allows fiber-optic sensing to be deployed at industrial scale, aligning with the company's goal of extending the technology across broader applications.
SKF Core and next-generation Insight bearings launch at AMB Stuttgart, September 15-19
SKF will unveil the SKF Core platform and next-generation Insight bearing solution at AMB Stuttgart, running September 15-19, 2026. Visitors to SKF's booth (6C71) will see the complete solution demonstrated with live bearing-condition data.
SKF also debuts new Performance bearing series and lubrication pump at the trade show
Alongside the Insight platform, SKF will introduce its Performance series of super-precision angular contact ball bearings for machine tool spindles, offering increased robustness, improved surface fatigue performance and enhanced thermal stability. The company will also showcase its new Progressive Lubrication Pump (PLP), built on SKF and Lincoln lubrication expertise, aimed at increasing machine reliability and lowering total cost of ownership through simplified service and system monitoring.