A CUSTOMER-FOCUSED APPROACH

Since the advent of software engineering in the 1960s, ABB has been incorporating software into its products and offerings with a customer-focused approach. We were the first company to introduce a microprocessor into an industrial robot back in 1974, and we played a pioneering role in the development of automated control systems for the process industries. A significant proportion of our technologies are digitally and AI-enabled. This offering is complemented by advanced software applications that can be applied in almost any industrial setting.

4-5%

of revenues invested in R&D

~55%

of R&D workforce dedicated to digital, AI and software

~60%

of orders classified as digitally enabled products

300+

ABB developers fully dedicated to machine learning and AI

+$500 million

invested in 70 startups and scale-ups since 2010

~40

companies funded by ABB venture capital

DIGITALLY AND AI-ENABLED TECHNOLOGIES

ABB’s portfolio brings together deep domain expertise in automation and electrification with the latest advancements in the Internet of Things, cloud and edge computing, virtualization, analytics and AI. Our digitally and AI enabled technologies help our customers improve energy efficiency, downtime, emissions and waste, safety and the way people work:

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Optimize energy production and use

Reach higher levels of energy efficiency | Harness fossil-free energy sources | Avoid greenhouse gas emissions

Optimize assets and processes

Improve asset performance, reliability and uptime | Optimize efficiency and production quality | Enhance productivity and resource efficiency

Optimize how people work

Smarter ways of working | Smarter operations and faster innovations | Protect workers and key infrastructure

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DIGITALIZATION & AI STORIES

The role of AI in energy optimization

Can artificial intelligence (AI) optimize energy usage to maximize benefits for people as well as the environment? ABB’s industrial AI solutions, including analytical AI and generative AI, (GenAI) are powerful tools to deliver AI energy optimization across industry, buildings, grids, and digital infrastructure.

Always On: Scaling the Future of Data Centers

ABB is helping global data center service operators outperform with a portfolio of innovative and digital technologies

Edge AI for real-time decisions

Real-time decisions at the edge: Edge AI for industrial automation. Discover how reducing latency drives efficiency, safety, and competitive advantage globally.

The role of AI in predictive maintenance

Can artificial intelligence (AI) predictive maintenance transform equipment monitoring, anomaly detection and condition monitoring? How to employ AI to reduce MTTR and unplanned downtime.

How ABB employees use generative AI in the workplace: Training, Tools, and Impact

This article explains how ABB employees are using AI in the workplace, specifically GenAI, and how we support them with tools, AI training, and resources.

ABB INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM

ABB drives technological progress through three interconnected pillars that work together to advance industry. Our R&D centers develop the foundational technologies and platforms that power our products and solutions. Our Accelerators program rapidly prototypes and scales innovations across the organization through collaborative experimentation. And SynerLeap connects ABB with emerging companies, bringing fresh perspectives and breakthrough technologies into our ecosystem. Together, these three pillars enable ABB to lead in industrial innovation while shaping the future of electrification and automation.

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Research and development

With R&D roots going back to 1916, ABB invests approximately $1.3 billion annually in R&D across seven centers around the world. 7,800+ scientists and engineers develop strategic technologies in AI, software, advanced automation and power electronics that drive competitive advantage and shape industry transformation. Through partnerships with universities and collaborative research across divisions, scientific discoveries become platform technologies that enable next-generation products and solutions.

ABB Accelerator

ABB Accelerators are global innovation events that fast-track innovation by enabling teams to rapidly experiment with AI and emerging technologies. Running multiple events across key hubs worldwide, the program engages thousands of employees, students and external partners in not only hackathon competitions but also the AI Boost conference, product showcases and learning activities. By fostering a collaborative innovation culture and emphasizing speed and reuse, the Accelerator reinforces ABB's position as a leader in industrial innovation.

Next stop: 12 -15 October 2026, Fort Smith, Arkansas, United States.

SynerLeap

No one company knows where the next breakthrough will come from. But the technologies, ideas, and people that will shape tomorrow's industries are already out there. SynerLeap helps bring startups together with the challenges that matter. Because the future of industry won't be built alone. That's how ABB innovates to help industries outrun.

DATA CENTER SOLUTIONS

Data centers are at the center of a growing energy paradox. As demand surges, fueled by generative AI and digital transformation, so does the need for more efficient, sustainable operations.

Click on the red dots and discover our 'service centers' and how our solutions support data center operators in optimized cooling and reducing energy consumption while maintaining performance and scalability.

CYBER SECURITY

To keep our customers safe and secure, ABB has established cyber security requirements for all its products, systems, services and components that connect to a network.