Cost-Effective FBG Interrogator for Dynamic Sensing with SKF

The challenge is to advance the capabilities and accessibility of FBG interrogators for dynamic real-time sensing. These interrogators, which serve as both the light source and receiver for embedded fiber optic sensors, are essential for capturing real-time strain and temperature data, supporting smarter, data-driven maintenance strategies in bearings. The fiber optic interrogator market is a niche and rapidly evolving one. There is a growing need for robust, compact, and flexible solutions that can be produced at scale and integrated into diverse industrial environments. By addressing this challenge, we aim to drive innovation in condition monitoring and unlock new opportunities for predictive maintenance and asset optimization.

Today, interrogators are often limited by their technical complexity and integration requirements, restricting their deployment to select applications. Our vision is to develop together a compact interrogator that meets demanding requirements for sampling frequency [Hz], number of channels, wavelength resolution [pm], and onboard computational power availability [flops]. We are open to a wide range of technological approaches—whether traditional electronics, photonics chips or another novel solution—to maximize solution diversity. Use cases include dynamic industrial bearing monitoring, with the potential to expand into automotive and structural health monitoring. Interoperability with SKF’s digital platforms and compliance with relevant industrial standards are important.

We are seeking a cost-effective FBG interrogator solution for dynamic, real-time fiber optic sensing applications, designed to match predefined size and integration requirements. The ideal stand-alone hardware solution should meet the specified technical requirements, enabling robust integration into industrial environments and interoperability with SKF’s digital platforms. We welcome a wide range of technological approaches that support scalable series production and advanced condition monitoring. Importantly, we expect more than just conceptual proposals—suppliers should be prepared to provide a functional hardware prototype for evaluation as part of the engagement process.

SKF is the world’s leading bearing manufacturer, with 17,000 distributors in 130 countries. Collaborating with SKF on providing wireless condition monitoring solutions offers an opportunity to contribute to making industries reduce downtime, improving equipment longevity and making industrial operations more resource efficient. We want to work together and provide you with valuable learnings that enable your company further opportunities within the industry.