The ABB Accelerator program is designed to fast-track the development and implementation of cutting-edge technologies across the organization. By creating a global collaborative environment where ideas can flourish, the Accelerator has enabled nearly 500 teams to experiment with AI and 10 other emerging technology areas, transforming theoretical concepts into practical solutions. As this trend has matured, the Accelerator model has become a critical part of ABB’s strategy to modernize and innovate in AI.

Over the past 18 months, ABB has hosted five Accelerator events across key hubs in Poland, Switzerland, India, Mexico, and China. Notably, Bangalore and Shanghai have hosted flagship events showcasing the program’s growing global reach.  In these events, a combined total of 1,650 participants developed value-generating use cases for ABB and its customers. To date, the program has seen 800 idea submissions, resulting in the delivery of 545 use cases where over half of the teams consistently focused on data and AI solutions. This sustained momentum is driving both internal transformation and growing external visibility, with over 40 partners supporting and an active social media presence achieving 100,000+ impressions through the #abbaccelerator tag on LinkedIn.

"The Accelerator program has solidified ABB as a leader in industry in ecosystem engagement, acceleration of innovation and business value through collaboration.  The format has allowed us to connect on a deeper level and work together on real solutions that benefit ABB and its customers"

- Eric Jackson, Microsoft’s Client Director for ABB

ABB Accelerator events reinforce the agile cadence of innovation in the ABB Core organization and align with the company’s strategic priorities, thus emphasizing its commitment to “Engineering to Outrun.” Activities are separated into three areas: learning, collaboration and a hackathon, which focuses on delivering value-generating use cases.

AI initiatives and use cases

ABB has a robust framework for AI initiatives, with a comprehensive AI repository that lists groundbreaking projects and fosters collaboration across teams. Many teams use ABB Accelerators to speed up their product delivery and generate support and visibility. Some notable AI-centric use cases include:

• Management Reporting: Leveraging AI to gain deeper insights into financial data.
• StaySmart: Utilizing AI-powered insights to enhance employee retention.
• TenderEase: Simplifying the tender and RFQ process with AI.
• Optimizing Ticket Operations: Implementing AI across SAP solution management.
• AI-Based Quality Inspection: Enhancing the inspection process for ABB products using AI.
• AI Bias-Free: Ensuring unbiased AI applications within ABB.
• GenAI for Code Review: Accelerating software development with AI-driven code reviews.

Use Cases are tested against ABB’s Accelerator Business Value Framework, where teams are coached to articulate their expected financial and strategic benefits, providing them with the tools to act as internal entrepreneurs and bring their use cases to reality.

AI Boost!

One of the highpoints of Accelerator events is the AI Boost webcast series. This flagship initiative serves a foundational role in preparing ABB employees to adapt and thrive in the AI era. Regularly attended by hundreds of ABB employees, the webcasts showcase how AI is applied in various domains such as engineering, sales, manufacturing, operations, and customer service. Sessions dedicated to ABB-relevant topics feature keynote presentations from experts and technology partners, followed by Q&A sessions. To date, the AI Boost series has generated some 15,000 hours of employee learning with a focus on accelerated use of AI across ABB.

All in all, ABB's Accelerator program is a powerful catalyst for innovation, driving the adoption of AI and other emerging technologies across the organization. By fostering a collaborative environment and providing a platform for experimentation, the Accelerator enables ABB to stay at the forefront of technological advancements, while delivering value to customers and setting new standards in industry.