Henkel invests in Feelit
13/04/2021
Henkel Adhesive Technologies has strengthened its capabilities for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) solutions by investing in Feelit, based in Haifa, Israel. The start-up has developed a unique sensor technology for predictive maintenance for various applications in manufacturing. With the investment, Henkel aims to further expand its leading MRO portfolio for its broad customer base in industrial markets.Henkel is a provider of MRO solutions in more than 800 different industry segments. Adhesives and sealants under the well-known Loctite brand improve the maintenance of production machinery and equipment around the globe, for example in steel mills, car factories, mining equipment or power turbines. The products are designed to help manufacturers in limiting cost-intensive unplanned production line stops.
Founded in 2017, Feelit has developed a highly sensitive, flexible printed nanomaterial sensor that is applicable on static and rotating machinery parts. This sensor can measure strain in ultra-high resolution, as well as other parameters such as temperature, vibration and pressure. Based on an Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) platform for real-time remote sensing of structural changes in mechanical assets, the system serves as an ‘electronic skin’ that alerts on critical structural and operational anomalies in advance. With a sensitivity that the company claims is 50 times higher compared to current standard market applications, it allows for the condition monitoring and predictive maintenance of industrial assets such as valves, pipes and pumps and prevents unplanned and costly downtime of machinery.
Paolo Bavaj, Head of Corporate Venturing, Henkel Adhesive Technologies, explained: “As part of our venturing activities, we are looking for novel and scalable technologies complementing our existing portfolio in adhesives, sealants and functional coatings. We also focus on digital business models that help in innovating our traditional businesses towards the increasing demands for novel and efficient IIoT solutions. The investment in Feelit perfectly fits to our business strategy and underlines the value of our long-standing engagement in Israel as a major global hub for materials and technology start-ups.”
