IBM will act as the technology provider, consultant and development partner for a digital ecosystem to support Schaeffler in the integration of its mechatronic components, systems and machines into the rapidly expanding world of the "Internet of Things" (IoT), as well as implementing market ready new business models based on digital services.
For the wind energy industry the partnership will first focus on optimising maintenance. Through the new agreement, IBM and Schaeffler will explore how machine learning can reveal additional insight about the performance of equipment in different operating conditions. Sensors in the equipment and even in the bearings themselves will report on the actual condition of components in realtime. Using wind forecasts from the Weather Company (an IBM company), turbine operators will be able to plan ahead and replace parts during less windy periods.