At the upcoming Tech and Innovation Summit, SKF will unveil a broad range of new products and technologies aimed at helping industrial customers reduce downtime, enhance reliability and performance, and leverage data more effectively. The virtual event, themed “From Insight to Impact,” will demonstrate how SKF translates deep customer understanding into practical solutions that deliver measurable results — solutions that reduce friction and drive progress across various industries.
Rickard Gustafson, President and CEO, emphasized the importance of turning insights into actionable value “In a competitive landscape, staying ahead means turning insight into action. That’s how we create value for our customers and for the industries we support. The technologies we’re presenting reflect our commitment to solving real operational challenges such as reducing downtime, improving efficiency, and enabling smarter decisions.” SKF’s strategy prioritizes delivering value in key sectors including machine tools, railways, metals, mining, industrial electrical, agriculture, and food and beverage — with over 90% of R&D efforts focused on these areas.
Annika Ölme, CTO and Senior Vice President, Technology Development, added “Our innovation efforts are grounded in customer needs and shaped by the realities of their operations. We’re working closely with customers to co-develop solutions that are easier to implement, more reliable in operation, and better aligned with their business goals. By delivering scalable and impactful technologies, we help our customers maintain their competitive edge.”
SKF presented a diverse portfolio of innovations at the Tech & Innovation Summit, highlighting advancements aimed at improving productivity, sustainability, and operational efficiency across industries. Among them was the Agri Hub T400, designed for large-scale farming and harsh soil conditions. Featuring SKF’s patented Mudblock seal, it delivers up to four times higher performance in contaminated environments compared to standard Agri Hubs. With adaptable mounting options and multiple sealing levels, the T400 extends service life and reduces downtime, helping farmers enhance the efficiency of their tillage equipment.
For the railway sector, SKF unveiled its new low-friction Tapered Bearing Unit (TBU), which has demonstrated energy savings of up to 14% in pilot applications. In one case study, wheelset bearings contributed to 7% of train energy losses, underscoring the TBU’s impact on improving efficiency. The unit is also offered as a digital twin to replicate bearing energy losses in virtual environments, enabling realistic vehicle simulations. With proven performance in real-world conditions, the TBU reduces operating temperatures, extends maintenance intervals, and supports more sustainable railway operations.
Addressing the needs of the food and beverage industry, SKF introduced its Food Line ball bearing units. These bearings eliminate the need for relubrication, reducing the risk of grease-related contamination and workplace accidents, while extending bearing life. Their design helps conserve water and energy during cleaning, supporting food safety compliance and advancing sustainability goals for producers.
In the field of industrial data management, the company announced the SKF Observer PI Connector, developed in collaboration with AVEVA. The solution integrates vibration and process data directly into the AVEVA™ PI System™, providing greater contextualization, improved insights, and scalable deployment. By consolidating data into a single source of truth, it simplifies decision-making and reduces operational complexity.
SKF also launched its new conveyor pulley housing, created for the demanding conditions of the Australian mining sector and now available worldwide. Compact and easy to install, it features bolt-on end covers and advanced sealing for harsh environments. The design enhances service life, supports condition monitoring, and increases the reliability and sustainability of bulk material handling systems for OEMs and end users alike.
Rounding out the showcase was the SKF Seals Digital Twin, a tool that simulates seal behavior under dynamic conditions. By predicting friction and heat generation, it supports both design optimization and faster troubleshooting. This digital solution enables quicker root cause analysis, reduced development times, and improved system reliability, helping industries operate longer, cleaner, and safer.
Founded in 1907, SKF has been at the forefront of developing innovative solutions that reduce friction and improve efficiency across industries worldwide. Its portfolio spans bearings, seals, lubrication systems, condition monitoring technologies, and a wide range of services, all aimed at helping businesses operate smarter, more sustainably, and with greater competitiveness. By cutting down friction, SKF not only boosts performance but also drives meaningful energy savings, contributing to a more sustainable future.
With a presence in around 130 countries and a vast network of nearly 17,000 distributor locations, SKF is a truly global company. In 2024, it recorded annual sales of SEK 98,722 million and employed 38,743 people, reflecting its scale and impact in shaping a world where industries can achieve more with less.
