There has been a great progress made in bearing technology since 18th, 19th and 20th centuries in both theoretical and practical aspects. A lot of Research & Development has been done in this area ever since.

Back in history, mankind used "rollers" or "sleds" as primitive bearings, In the middle of the 15th century, man was studying the differences between solid and fluid friction, and sliding and rolling friction. Wooden bearings were already used before the birth of Jesus Christ. Iron brackets were used to support the wooden wheel shafts in wagons and war chariots. Oils and fats taken from animals and plants were used to reduce the friction.

The progress made in bearing technology during the 18th century was remarkable in both theoretical and practical aspects. In the 19th century, Issac Babbit invented a Babbit metal in the United Kingdom, while a sintered, oil containing bearing was invented in The United States, both achieving epoch-making developments in the material field. In the theoretical area, on the other hand, the studies of friction surfaces and fluid film lubrication, added glorious pages to the history of bearings.