NSK and the Tokyo Institute of Technology Agree to Establish Research Center

Agreement signed to establish collaborative research center

Will promote open innovation to accelerate technological innovation and enhance product functionality

Joint HR development of researchers at NSK and the Tokyo Institute of Technology

NSK Ltd. and the Tokyo Institute of Technology have signed an agreement to establish a tribology research center. NSK and the Tokyo Institute of Technology will promote technological advancement and open innovation in the area of tribology to provide essential solutions meeting societal needs.

Background

Based on its mid-term management plan “MTP2026,” NSK's key task is to contribute to the development of a sustainable society by creating value through the fusion of tribology and digital technology, and to maintain its capacity to be a company that is relied upon by society.

Tribology refers to the science of interacting surfaces in relative motion (lubrication, friction, wear, seizure, etc.), where various fields of fundamental technologies (materials, lubrication, mechanics) are closely interrelated.

In the context of rapid technological innovation, in addition to deepening research focused on individual fundamental technologies, the mutual integration of research in each field will accelerates the improvement of product function such as enhancing low friction and long life.

By creating highly functional bearing and linear motion products, we will contribute to the realization of a safe, secure, and comfortable society, for example by improving the fuel efficiency of vehicles and the stable operation of manufacturing facilities.

Future plans

In the past, the collaboration was limited to applying knowledge developed by the university to research problems that were difficult for NSK to solve on its own. NSK is now establishing a collaborative research base with the Tokyo Institute of Technology to create a system and research environment that enables continuous innovative technological development by combining the strengths of both parties. NSK will continue to provide innovative new value to society based on its globally top-class tribology technology.

What is Tribology?

Tribology refers to the science of interacting surfaces in relative motion (lubrication, friction, wear, seizure, etc.), where various fields of fundamental technologies (materials, lubrication, mechanics) are closely interrelated. In the context of NSK this means controlling each aspect of these mechanical systems to achieve the desired result such as longer life, lower friction, or more precise control.

Some examples of research focus points for rolling bearings may include:

Rolling contact and sliding contact between material surface (ball) and material surface (raceway).

Each resistance component from liquid lubricant in the area of contact between material surface (ball) and material surface (raceway): agitation resistance, rolling viscosity resistance, and sliding friction resistance.