NSK subsidiary chosen for Berlin U-Bahn project
March 2022
News
Brüel & Kjær Vibro (B&K; Vibro), part of the NSK Group, has signed a long-term agreement with Stadler Rail to install its state-of-the-art VCM-3 condition monitoring system (CMS) on 606 rail carriages for the Berlin Underground (U-Bahn). The VCM-3 CMS will serve to optimise maintenance schedules, maintain uptime and reduce operating costs.
This multi-million-Euro condition monitoring project is an integral part of a recent contract win by Switzerland-based Stadler that entails the delivery of up to 1500 new rail carriages for use on the Berlin underground rail network. The framework agreement has a value close to 3 billion Euros, making it one of the largest supply contracts ever awarded in Europe.

A total of 606 rail carriages for the Berlin U-Bahn will take advantage of B&K Vibro’s VCM-3 condition monitoring system.
B&K; Vibro’s comprehensive CMS solution includes vibration sensors and edge devices (on-board diagnostics), as well as diagnostic and analysis services that constantly monitor rail-carriage bearings and other rotating parts to deliver the utmost reliability.
Due to the high reliability demands of the public transportation sector, operators today focus extensively on reducing downtime and operating costs. Adopting a CMS solution enables the implementation of next-generation predictive maintenance strategies that not only help to optimise maintenance schedules, but boost operational reliability and uptime when combined with a lean operations team.
Ensuring the high availability of rotating machinery and components with intelligent monitoring solutions, B&K; Vibro has been a global pioneer in this field for decades. NSK acquired B&K; Vibro in March 2021 to further strengthen its ability to meet demand for advanced automation, smart technology and environmental measures. The move also serves to accelerate the company’s CMS business development on a global basis.
B&K; Vibro’s extensive range of products and services includes vibration sensors (acceleration, velocity, displacement), vibration monitors, software and online-integrated, plant-wide monitoring solutions. These technologies enable the safe and secure operation of transport systems, factories, petrochemical facilities, power plants and wind farms around the world, where they form part of innovative maintenance and production strategies.
Further reading:
Reinstatement opportunity for ECSA registration
News
In 2023 the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) announced a special opportunity for engineers in South Africa to reinstate their registration status if it had been cancelled. This exclusive offer is available until the end of August 2024.
Read more...
A strategic milestone for Conical Technologies
Conical Technologies
News
Conical Technologies has been appointed as the sole distributor in southern Africa for Mibbo, manufacturers of a vast array of products for the automation industry.
Read more...
Robotics TechTalk at UKZN
News
The Scientific Multidisciplinary Advanced Research Technology Lab at the University of KwaZulu-Natal recently held an exciting TechTalk. It was an opportunity to introduce students to the IEEE Robotics and Automation chapter, SAIMC, and the Robotics Association of South Africa.
Read more...
Top laboratory industry trends in the spotlight at analytica Lab Africa 2025
News
The future of laboratories and transformative diagnostic technologies will come under the spotlight in July at analytica Lab Africa, South Africa’s only trade fair for laboratory technology, analysis, biotechnology and diagnostics.
Read more...
Schneider Electric honoured with Gender Leader Award
Schneider Electric South Africa
News
Schneider Electric has been awarded the Gender Leader Award at this year’s Africa CEO Forum. This award acknowledges those organisations operating in Africa that have shown a significant and continuous commitment to gender diversity and inclusion.
Read more...
Africa Automation Technology Fair 2025 closes on a high note
News
The Africa Automation Technology Fair 2025 officially wrapped up after three dynamic days at Gallagher Convention Centre, cementing its status as Africa’s leading platform for industrial automation, AI and IoT.
Read more...
A new generation of solar professionals
News
A new generation of solar professionals is rising in Cape Town. The second cohort of the Solar Youth Project has just completed an intensive eight-week training course and is ready to take on the next stage, 10 months of work experience.
Read more...
From the editor's desk: The age of superintelligence
Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
In this issue of
SA Instrumentation & Control we say farewell to our longstanding contributing editor, Michael Brown, who is retiring soon. His outstanding contribution over the years in the field of
...
Read more...
Driving digital transformation in the new wave
SAIMC Supplier Advisory Council
News
The latest presentation in the series ‘Knowledge Sharing 4 Industry’ will be held on Wednesday 25 June. It will be presented by Johan Potgieter, Cluster Industrial Software Leader for Schneider Electric, South Africa.
Read more...
Top laboratory industry trends in the spotlight at analytica Lab Africa 2025
News
The future of laboratories and transformative diagnostic technologies will come under the spotlight in July at analytica Lab Africa, South Africa’s only trade fair for laboratory technology, analysis, biotechnology and diagnostics.
Read more...