Non‑Intrusive Level Sensing Solution with SKF

Today, compact grease gun cartridges  do not offer an integrated, reliable way to monitor remaining lubricant. In practice, maintenance teams rely on time‑based replacement intervals, visual inspection and other workarounds, which creates ulonnecessary risks of unplanned stoppages in factories and other industrial sites. At the same time, our customers increasingly expect connected, monitored components driven by digitalization, condition‑based maintenance strategies and growing cost and safety pressure around downtime.

Our vision is a non‑intrusive sensor module that can be mounted on or near the cartridge and detect lubricant level from the side or bottom using suitable sensing principles. Potential technologies include optical sensing, pulse radar, as well as other non‑intrusive methods such as capacitance or ultrasound, as long as they are compatible with plastic cartridges, different lubricant media and do not demand product redesign. We are looking for partners that can bring a mature, industrializable solution: not only sensing components, but a complete device (sensor, electronics, mechanics and shell) that can be manufactured and deployed at scale. Additionally, the sensor could detect changes in the order of 10% lubricant level so users can act before cartridges run empty.

We invite startups, scale‑ups and SMEs that can deliver a robust, battery‑powered wireless level sensing module for compact grease gun cartridges, ready to be industrialized and integrated into SKF’s lubrication management and condition monitoring systems. In collaboration with us, you have the opportunity to validate your solution in demanding industrial environments, co‑develop the product toward global volume manufacturing and build a long‑term role as a key technology and supply partner in smart lubrication solutions.

SKF is the world’s leading bearing manufacturer, with 17,000 distributors in 130 countries. Collaborating with SKF on providing 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.