AI to revolutionize grease lubrication
AI to revolutionize grease lubrication – Mikael Kruse, product manager for industrial greases at Axel Christiernsson International AB and board member of the European Lubricating Grease Institute (ELGI), spoke at the ALIA/F&L Asia Lubricant Exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, about the megatrends that are reshaping the lubricants industry.
Kruse highlighted how technology, sustainability, instability, demographics and urbanization are transforming the sector, with a particular focus on the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
He emphasized the rapid adoption of AI, stating that it will “take over a larger share of our reality” at many different stages of the industry. AI presents exciting new opportunities to improve the performance of grease lubrication.
For grease manufacturers, AI offers the chance to get a bigger share of a company’s Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) by providing customized lubrication solutions that better protect expensive machinery. It will be more challenging, but the gains will be better, says the manager.
He noted that companies are looking for specialized greases that can improve TCO, making lubrication a more critical factor in operational efficiency.
In addition, the rise of automation, digitalization and machine connectivity is transforming maintenance practices. With automated condition monitoring and predictive maintenance becoming more commonplace, maintenance teams will be able to perform their tasks more effectively and with greater precision. This integration of AI-driven technologies will enable proactive maintenance, reducing downtime and increasing overall performance.
Sustainability is another important trend, with a growing emphasis on raw materials and reducing friction losses. Kruse noted that sustainability has become a significant purchasing factor for customers, who are keen to promote environmentally responsible practices to their clients. Companies are also under increasing pressure to report on their social and environmental performance, following the implementation of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) in January 2023.
Kruse highlighted the growing need for sustainability experts within organizations to ensure that sustainability strategies remain competitive and attractive to customers.
He also addressed the challenges posed by global instability. Streamlined and more resilient supply chains are essential, leading to a partial reversal of globalization. There are many more considerations in risk management today compared to five to 10 years ago, he said.
In addition, he highlighted the growing complexity of raw material classifications and the challenge of choosing suitable raw materials for all customers and regions. It’s becoming more difficult to develop global products, he says.
Demographic changes present another challenge, particularly in niche sectors such as lubricants and greases. The industry is finding it difficult to attract and retain skilled employees, and Kruse emphasized that expertise in grease lubrication is becoming an increasingly valuable competitive advantage.
Finally, urbanization is driving changes in lubrication requirements. “The middle class has different lubrication needs compared to the working class,” he says.
As cities expand and the middle class grows, demand for new and improved grease products, particularly in developing regions, is expected to increase. Greases adapted for urban environments are likely to capture a larger share of the market over time.
