Bearings are essential components for robotics
propulsion systems, they must withstand long operating hours without wearing out. As ports get smarter, so do bearings. New sensor-equipped designs are helping engineers track performance in real time. By monitoring temperature, vibration and load, these smart bearings support predictive maintenance strategies that reduce unplanned stops and extend service life. Smart bearings also help ports hit
tolerances to ensure accurate joint positioning. These bearings allowed the robotic hand to handle diverse object types with fluid, repeatable movements, an essential capability for flexible manufacturing setups. By fine-tuning the grease levels and bearing fill, the development team achieved an optimal balance of low friction and controlled movement. Shadow Robot Company reported not only smooth performance but also ease of installation and extended bearing life, both of which are essential in scalable robotic deployments.
Thin-section bearings are available in a range of materials and configurations to suit varied applications – from SAE52100 chrome steel to 440-grade stainless, and in open, shielded or sealed types. When paired with low-torque, low-noise lubricants, they help maximise bearing performance across temperature extremes, from sub-zero cold storage to high-heat factory environments. These features are mission-critical in humanoid robots. With dozens of moving joints and components packed into a human-sized form, every gram saved and every watt conserved matters. The right bearings help reduce total system weight, lower energy draw and extend the service life of motors and actuators. Choosing the right bearing is about more than size or load, it’s about ensuring seamless integration into compact, high-performance, systems built for long-term reliability. Partnering with a specialist bearing supplier helps engineers strike the right balance between durability, precision and space across varied robotic applications. As humanoid robots become a more visible part of the industrial landscape, it’s easy to focus on the flashy tech – the AI brains, the cloud connectivity and the agile hardware. But, none of it works without solid, dependable motion at the core. In robotics, reliability starts small and, often, that means starting with the bearing.
Bearings are also being used to help ports handle huge challenges. The quiet workhorses of maritime operations, they keep machinery running smoothly. But with shipping routes getting longer and
more unpredictable, extra pressure is placed on ports to speed up unloading and keep schedules tight. Ports are therefore turning to smart technologies, such as remote-controlled cranes to self-organising yards, to boost efficiency and reduce human risk. Components used in such applications need
to deliver durability and precision in these high-pressure, high-load environments. As standard bearings may not meet the application requirements under such conditions, where they face saltwater, vibration, heat and constant use, many operators are therefore switching to ceramic or hybrid bearings. DP World is one example. In Vancouver, its
cranes are already 80% automated and, in Brazil, similar upgrades are underway. These automated systems depend on bearings that can go the distance without frequent servicing. Bearings in shipboard cranes, winches or mooring gear face loads from multiple directions and need to keep turning reliably. In radar systems and navigation units, they have to be precise and lightweight. In pumps and
sustainability targets by optimising machine usage and reducing energy consumption. When friction is minimised and component wear is tracked accurately, equipment runs more efficiently. So when it comes to specifying the right bearing, different tasks call for different types: • Low noise deep groove ball bearings work well in electric motors and pumps • 316 grade stainless steel or full ceramic bearings resist salt spray and wear, making them ideal for deck equipment • Angular contact bearings are strong under combined loads • Needle rollers are great for compact spaces with high radial force • Thin-section bearings are used when weight and smooth rotation matter most. Specifying the right bearing isn’t just a
technical decision, however, it’s a business one. In automatic stacking cranes, for instance, bearings must deal with repeated stop-start cycles and variable loads. Choosing a bearing with the correct dynamic load rating and seal design can significantly reduce the risk of early failure. Similarly, for shipboard engines operating around the clock, low- friction hybrid bearings can improve energy efficiency and extend service intervals. For procurement teams, bearings that last
longer, require fewer interventions and reduce machine wear may be more expensive upfront, but they can pay for themselves many times over in reduced downtime and maintenance. Given the cruciality of choosing the
correct bearings for these applications, it is recommended to partner with a specialist bearing supplier, like SMB Bearings, which supplies ceramic, hybrid and stainless steel bearings for a wide range of marine and logistics uses. Its components are already helping ports and shipping fleets operate with greater reliability and efficiency.
Stainless steel bearing 36
Ceramic thin section bearing
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