In my view, research deserves more attention. Every day we are experiencing the introduction of new technologies and designs. Engineers and technicians are applying their research to new technologies that often have a direct impact on our lives and shape the world we live in – today and tomorrow.

   And what was new yesterday is taken for granted today. Take this morning, for instance. My alarm clock (which is accurately set, using satellite communication) woke me ready for my day, which started with logging on my PC and the Internet. Then I made a number of calls from the mobile phone before checking out the worldwide news, which was transmitted to my home via fiber-optic cable technology. Later, I went to have my regular laser eye-correction treatment. These are just some examples of how research has led to many benefits in our daily lives.

   So what’s ahead? I’m looking forward to driving the new Filo Car and will enjoy the thrill and safety of driving without pedals, gear stick or even
a traditional steering wheel. The development in mechatronics is really pushing the boundaries in automotive design. You can read about the Filo
in edition 4.01 by logging onto evolution.skf.com. In the Around the World pages, beginning on page 37, you can catch a glimpse of Novanta, the next drive-by-wire concept car developed by SKF, Saab and the Italian design house Bertone.
   More applied research: 30-year-old Swedish entrepreneur Christian von Koenigsegg has built what is considered to be the fastest street-legal super car in the world. Everything on the Koenigsegg is state-of-the-art, using many of the same materials used in Formula One cars, fighter jets and space shuttles. Special seals, from Sealpool AB, are used in the suspension system, which allows the ultra-low car to rise an extra 45 millimetres (1.8 inches) off the ground in order to drive over speed bumps smoothly – all at the touch of a button. Speed, suspension and high forces are also crucial for another SKF customer,
U.S.-based BMC. Together with Accurate Technologies Co. Ltd. in Thailand, they produce Commercial Laundry Machines that run at speeds generating
G-forces of up to 400 G. Spring suspension ensures that vibrations are absorbed and dynamic forces are evenly distributed. Special bearings have been developed for this application. Says BMC’s founder, Bengt Bruce,
“We have built strong machines that will last.”
   Our profile this time features scientist and inventor Yoshiro Nakamatsu.
He claims 3,218 inventions, among them the floppy disk, the CD and the digital watch. This is clearly a man with a mission, which you will discover on page 18.
   Remember, research not only makes our lives more comfortable and industry more efficient, it is also fundamental to economic development and the preservation of our limited resources. For more information about products and
services, your local SKF contact will be pleased to serve you. I look forward to presenting our next edition focusing on Logistics. Take care and see you soon.
Rachael Smythe  
Editor-in-chief