Preparing the published article.
Condition Monitoring Without Sensors
People are sensors if you give them a routine.
What to look and listen for
| Sense | What it catches |
|---|---|
| Listening | Unusual noise, air leaks and chatter |
| Touch | Temperature and vibration through the housing |
| Smell | Overheating insulation and burning lubricant |
| Sight | Leaks, discolouration, dust build-up and wear |
| Feel | Backlash and roughness when moving by hand |
How to make it reliable
- Use a short checklist with the same sequence each time.
- Compare against the last visit, not against perfection.
- Escalate anything that changes quickly.
Sensory checks supplement instrumented monitoring; they do not replace required inspections.