The Future of Bearing and Lubrication Technologies

Detroit Expo Examines Trends, Challenges and Operational Strategies in Key Markets

The Bearing Show is North Americas newest exhibition and conference, connecting the evolving needs of bearings end-users with the latest technologies serving, OEM development, maintenance professionals and R&D engineers. The show is co-located with Lubricant Expo North America, a destination for connecting lubricant solution providers with end-user buyers and the entire supply chain. PTE recently caught up with Guy Harris, event director, Lubricant Expo & The Bearing Show North America to discuss the 2026 event taking place March 17-19 in Detroit.

What are the trending topics in the bearing and lubrication markets that will be discussed and highlighted during the 2026 Expo?

Lubricant Expo & The Bearing Show 2026 will spotlight how rapidly evolving technologies and operating environments are reshaping both bearing and lubrication markets. A major theme is advanced thermal management, particularly the use of engineered fluids for electronics, battery systems, and immersion cooling in data centers and electric mobility applications. As systems become more compact and energy-dense, fluid performance is increasingly critical.

Another key trend is digitalization and data integration, with sessions highlighting how lubrication data can be combined with vibration, condition monitoring, and operational metrics to enable predictive maintenance and smarter asset management. AI and machine learning are emerging as powerful tools not only for maintenance strategies, but also for accelerating lubricant R&D and formulation optimization.

On the lubrication side, the Expo will also focus heavily on next-generation fluids for electrified powertrains, hydrogen mobility, heavy-duty on- and off-highway equipment, and future fuels such as biofuels, e-fuels, and hydrogen. Supporting these applications are broader discussions around base oil evolution, including the shift toward higher-quality Group II and III oils and the growing role of re-refined base oils within a circular economy.

What role is sustainability and energy efficiency taking in both the bearing and lubrication market segments heading into 2026?

Sustainability and energy efficiency are no longer peripheral concerns - they are central design and business drivers heading into 2026. Across lubrication markets, sustainability is influencing formulation chemistry, base oil selection, additive technologies, and packaging design. Sessions addressing ESG regulations, chemicals of concern, and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) reflect how regulatory compliance is now tightly linked to market access and competitiveness.

Energy efficiency is equally prominent. Lubricants and hydraulic fluids are being engineered to reduce frictional losses, operate effectively at higher temperatures, and improve overall system efficiency - whether in industrial gearboxes, mobile hydraulics, or electric drivetrains. In bearings and related systems, improved lubrication strategies directly contribute to longer component life, reduced energy consumption, and lower total cost of ownership.

The growing adoption of re-refined base oils, eco-friendly immersion cooling fluids, and sustainable metalworking fluids further demonstrate how environmental performance is being balanced with, and often aligned to, technical and economic benefits.

What’s new at the U.S show this year and what is your event staff most excited about sharing with exhibitors as well as attendees?

One of the most exciting developments at the U.S. show this year is the number of new exhibitors joining the event for the first time, reflecting how both the bearing and lubrication markets are expanding into new technologies, applications, and sectors. Also, for the first time, we are rolling out a networking app designed to support exhibitor-to-attendee networking before, during, and after the show. Helping participants to identify contacts and suppliers, book meetings, and continue conversations beyond the exhibition floor.

The conference program also marks another major step forward. Speakers span the entire value chain, from base oil and additive technology through to OEMs and end users, giving attendees a clearer picture of how these technologies are being applied in real-world environments. Speakers from organizations such as Rivian, Stellantis, General Motors and Williams International will provide attendees with an end-user perspective around engineering, practical requirements and future challenges.

Pictured above: Guy Harris, event director, Lubricant Expo & The Bearing Show North America. 

What are the significant challenges facing these markets in the next 12 months?

One of the most significant challenges facing both markets is regulatory complexity and uncertainty. Rapidly evolving ESG requirements, chemical restrictions, and reporting obligations - particularly in the EU and other global markets - are increasing compliance costs and placing pressure on formulation strategies and supply chains.

At the same time, technological transitions are accelerating. Electrification, hydrogen adoption, and future fuels are creating new performance requirements that legacy products were not designed to meet. Manufacturers must innovate quickly while ensuring reliability, safety, and compatibility with new materials and system designs.

Supply-side challenges also remain critical, including base oil availability, shifting feedstock economics, and changing global trade flows. Combined with rising expectations for sustainability and cost control, these pressures demand greater agility from both bearing and lubricant producers over the next year.

On the bearing side, how is the industry continuing to push back against counterfeit products today? What new technologies/innovations are helping with this fight?

While counterfeit products remain a persistent challenge, the bearing industry is increasingly leveraging digital traceability and data-driven authentication to protect supply chains. The broader Expo focus on asset management integration and intelligent systems reflects how digital tools are becoming essential to equipment reliability and product verification.

Innovations such as serialized components, digital product identification, blockchain-enabled traceability, and AI-driven anomaly detection are helping manufacturers and end users verify authenticity and monitor performance throughout the product lifecycle. When combined with integrated maintenance platforms and condition monitoring data, these technologies make it easier to identify abnormal behavior that may indicate counterfeit or substandard components.

Education and collaboration also play a key role, with manufacturers working more closely with distributors, OEMs, and end users to ensure proper sourcing and awareness.

Pictured above: The Lubricant Expo and The Bearing Show give attendees the opportunity to catch up on the latest technologies.

On the lubrication side, describe how specialized and synthetic lubricants are radically changing the industry?

Specialized and synthetic lubricants are fundamentally redefining what fluids are expected to do. Rather than serving a single function, modern lubricants increasingly act as multi-functional enablers - providing lubrication, cooling, electrical insulation, corrosion protection, and compatibility with advanced materials.

Synthetic and engineered fluids are enabling technologies such as immersion cooling, electric and hydrogen powertrains, electrohydraulic systems, and high-performance computing infrastructure. These applications demand precise control over thermal conductivity, dielectric properties, oxidation stability, and long-term durability - capabilities that conventional lubricants cannot deliver.

At the same time, advances in additive chemistry, AI-driven formulation, and sustainable base oils are allowing these high-performance products to align with stricter environmental and regulatory expectations. As a result, specialized and synthetic lubricants are no longer niche solutions - they are becoming foundational to the next generation of industrial, mobility, and energy systems.

What’s in store for the international shows in the future and how would you like to see the Detroit show evolve moving forward?

We see a lot of growth opportunities for connecting visitors from across the Americas, whilst strengthening the appeal for domestic and regional visitors. We are working to expand its reach by welcoming new industrial sectors where lubrication and bearing performance are critical. This includes greater participation from oil and gas, construction, and heavy equipment markets, alongside continued growth in mobility, manufacturing, and energy-related applications.

For the U.S. show, our ambition is to continue evolving it as a truly national and international gathering that appeals to end users, OEMs, and engineering organizations alongside the lubricant and bearing value chain. We want the event to reflect where the industry investment, innovation, and decision-making is heading, and to make it easier for exhibitors to engage directly with the people specifying, developing, and using these technologies.

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