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ABB and Salzburg researchers patent AI system to cut energy use in industrial robots

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Salzburg University of Applied Sciences and ABB’s Machine Automation Division – B&R –  are working together to apply artificial intelligence to improve energy efficiency in industrial automation.

The collaboration, anchored in the Josef Ressel Center for Intelligent and Secure Industrial Automation (JRZ ISIA), focuses on translating advanced research into practical solutions for industrial drive systems.

A recent milestone of this collaboration is the filing of a joint patent application in the field of energy-optimized motion control for drive systems used in industrial automation – such as robots, machine tools and automated production lines – where highly dynamic motion sequences including positioning, acceleration, deceleration and cyclic movement must be controlled with high precision. [Read more…] about ABB and Salzburg researchers patent AI system to cut energy use in industrial robots

ABB launches ‘Automation Extended’ to help industries modernize control systems without disruption

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ABB has introduced a new automation architecture called Automation Extended, designed to help industrial operators upgrade their control systems while avoiding costly shutdowns and large-scale equipment replacements.

The program builds on ABB’s installed base of distributed control systems (DCS) and aims to provide a structured path for companies to adopt newer digital technologies – including artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, and Internet of Things connectivity – without interfering with mission-critical operations.

Industries such as energy, chemicals, mining, and utilities are under increasing pressure from volatile markets, cybersecurity risks, regulatory demands, and workforce changes. ABB says its new approach allows operators to modernize gradually while preserving existing infrastructure. [Read more…] about ABB launches ‘Automation Extended’ to help industries modernize control systems without disruption

ABB accelerates factory decarbonization with renewables and digital energy management program

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ABB is advancing its Mission to Zero program at its Sasbach manufacturing site in Germany, demonstrating how on-site renewable energy, electrification and digital energy management can deliver meaningful emissions reductions while strengthening energy resilience.

The Sasbach site manufactures enclosures and energy distribution systems for local and regional markets, supporting ABB’s production footprint in Germany.

As part of ABB’s global Mission to Zero program, the site is implementing a data-led decarbonization roadmap focused on energy efficiency, renewable electricity and smart energy management. [Read more…] about ABB accelerates factory decarbonization with renewables and digital energy management program

ABB expands dam electrification and automation at Boliden’s Aitik copper mine

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ABB has expanded the electrification and automation infrastructure at Boliden’s Aitik mine, enabling safe and efficient growth of one of Europe’s most important tailings facilities.

The upgrade strengthens water storage, recycling and monitoring capabilities, enabling Sweden’s largest open-pit copper mine to safely scale operations amid increased global demand for copper production.

According to the International Energy Agency, global refined copper demand is projected to grow by around 22 percent by 2035 under the Stated Policies Scenario. [Read more…] about ABB expands dam electrification and automation at Boliden’s Aitik copper mine

ABB completes purchase of Siemens Gamesa’s power electronics unit to boost renewable growth

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Acquisition strengthens ABB’s position in renewable power conversion

ABB has completed its acquisition of Gamesa Electric’s power electronics business in Spain from Siemens Gamesa, originally announced last year.

Financial terms were not disclosed. The business reported annual revenues of approximately €145 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025.

The acquired portfolio includes power conversion products such as wind converters for doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG), industrial battery energy storage systems (BESS), and utility-scale solar inverters. [Read more…] about ABB completes purchase of Siemens Gamesa’s power electronics unit to boost renewable growth

ABB integrates Machine Automation division into Process Automation business area

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Following the announcement of the divestment of its robotics division to SoftBank Group, ABB is transitioning the Machine Automation division – formerly part of the Robotics & Discrete Automation business area – into the Process Automation business area.

The transition will take effect in the fourth quarter of 2025.

As the division transitions into the Process Automation business area, customers in process and hybrid industries will benefit from deeper technology synergies – spanning automation, electrification and digitalization – delivered through a unified and comprehensive portfolio. [Read more…] about ABB integrates Machine Automation division into Process Automation business area

ABB to implement gearless mill drive service program at Codelco copper mines in Chile

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ABB and Codelco are revealing details about their latest collaboration to optimize the Chilean state-owned copper mining company’s maintenance program.

With Chile currently the world’s largest copper producer, this latest long-term service agreement (LTSA) encompasses maintenance, remote diagnostics and skills training to enhance the performance of its gearless mill drive (GMD) systems.

Integrated into ABB’s advanced cloud-based platform, GMD Connect, this will support a combined copper production of around 400,000 metric tons per annum. [Read more…] about ABB to implement gearless mill drive service program at Codelco copper mines in Chile

ABB and B&R bring joint automation technologies for brewery and beverage to drinktec 2025

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ABB and its machine and factory automation business, B&R Industrial Automation, will exhibit brewery and beverage technologies together at drinktec 2025, the world economic summit for the beverage and liquid food industry.

The event, running between September 15 and 19 at the Trade Fair Center Messe in Munich, Germany, will give visitors a chance to see how ABB technologies combine to optimize operations across the full production cycle.

Spanning process control, adaptive manufacturing and digital optimization, ABB and B&R solutions can be combined into a single, interoperable platform to support safer operations, improve quality control and reduce resource utilization. [Read more…] about ABB and B&R bring joint automation technologies for brewery and beverage to drinktec 2025

ABB introduces most compact, AI-powered AMR for payloads up to 1500 kg

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ABB says it is “extending its leadership in AI-powered autonomous mobile robotics” with the launch of the Flexley Mover P603 platform AMR, the most compact model in its class to handle payloads of up to 1500 kg.

Designed to boost intralogistics efficiency, the P603 combines compact design with AI-driven Visual SLAM navigation and the latest version of AMR Studio software that maximizes flexibility by enabling different modules to be integrated into the AMR.

Marc Segura, president, ABB Robotics, says: “Our Autonomous Mobile Robots combine 3D vision with autonomous path planning to give our customers an unprecedented offering: robots that see, sense, and think. [Read more…] about ABB introduces most compact, AI-powered AMR for payloads up to 1500 kg

ABB introduces ‘battery energy storage systems-as-a-service’

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ABB has launched its new “Battery Energy Storage Systems-as-a-Service” (BESS-as-a-Service) – a flexible, zero-CapEx solution designed to accelerate the shift to clean, resilient and affordable energy.

BESS-as-a-Service is the first in a range of next generation service models being developed to remove the barriers to clean technology adoption and accelerate industries’ transition to net zero.

With demand for energy storage expected to surge, ABB’s BESS-as-a-Service offers companies a turnkey path to energy independence and sustainability. [Read more…] about ABB introduces ‘battery energy storage systems-as-a-service’