Advancing Surface Engineering for Tribology: From Functionality to Connectivity

Surface functionality plays a pivotal role in Tribology, a discipline dedicated to examining the interactions of surfaces in relative motion. The approach, known as Tribotronics, combines Tribology and electronics, enabling active tribological components to be embedded in larger systems and networks constituting the Industrial Internet of Things. Leveraging novel technologies such as advanced sensing coatings and triboelectric nanogenerators, the sensing capability of Tribotronic systems undergoes a transformative shift from a device‐centric to a surface‐centric paradigm. This critical advancement unlocks the potential for direct interface probing and in‐situ measurement of tribological processes, marking a significant milestone in the field. This emerging trend introduces the concept of the Internet of Surfaces, a novel perspective within surface engineering. It entails the amalgamation of sensing capabilities, embedded power generation, and external analytics, creating dynamic materials in the context of Industry 4.0.