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A Major Step Forward in Audi’s Electric Vehicle Manufacturing in China

ABB, a global leader in industrial automation and robotics, has announced the successful deployment of its advanced, fully automated robotic painting solutions at Audi’s new New Energy Vehicle (NEV) production facility in Changchun, China. As Audi’s first production site in China dedicated exclusively to electric vehicles, the factory represents a critical milestone in the automaker’s long-term electrification and sustainability strategy.

Through this collaboration, ABB is helping Audi accelerate the transition toward intelligent manufacturing while simultaneously supporting the brand’s environmental commitments. The project demonstrates how automation, digitalization, and sustainability can be seamlessly integrated into large-scale automotive production.

A Comprehensive Robotic Painting Solution

ABB’s solution for the Changchun plant includes a complete robotic painting ecosystem. The system features ABB’s IRB 5500 seven-axis painting robots, the high-transfer-efficiency RB1000i-S atomizer, and the Digital Painting Suite, ABB’s advanced digital analytics platform. Together, these technologies enable full automation of the painting process—from surface cleaning and basecoat application to clearcoat spraying and final surface inspection.

Han Chen, ABB Group Senior Vice President and President of Robotics in China, emphasized the importance of sustainability and efficiency in modern manufacturing. “Sustainability and efficiency are the foundation of everything we do at ABB,” he said. “By deploying advanced robotics and digital software at Audi’s Changchun plant, we enable manufacturers to improve productivity, reduce resource consumption, and create long-term value for both customers and the environment.”

High-Precision Painting with Reduced Environmental Impact

A total of 47 ABB robots have been installed in the painting workshop, including more than 30 IRB 5500 robots. Most of these robots are equipped with the RB1000i-S atomizer, which significantly improves paint transfer efficiency. Compared with conventional solutions, the atomizer increases paint transfer efficiency by approximately 15% while reducing paint waste by around 50%.

This improvement delivers multiple benefits. Lower paint consumption directly reduces material costs, while reduced overspray minimizes emissions of carbon dioxide and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In addition, the system extends the service life of protective equipment and lowers maintenance frequency, contributing to more stable and cost-effective operations.

Full Automation Enhances Quality and Consistency

According to Zhao Huan, Head of the Painting Project at Audi FAW Manufacturing, the introduction of ABB’s robotic painting solution has brought measurable improvements. “After adopting ABB’s advanced painting robots, we achieved a significant improvement in painting quality,” Zhao said. “Production efficiency has increased, operating costs have been reduced, and the automation rate of our basecoat line has reached 100%.”

Beyond efficiency, automation also ensures consistent quality. Robotic systems precisely control spray angle, speed, and paint volume, eliminating variability caused by manual operations. As a result, every vehicle leaving the paint shop meets Audi’s strict quality standards for coating thickness, surface texture, and color consistency.

Flexible Layout Designed for Space Efficiency

In addition to painting robots, the workshop is equipped with ABB IRB 5350 and IRB 6700 robots. These robots handle automated pre-treatment tasks such as opening and closing hoods, doors, and tailgates, as well as surface cleaning operations.

ABB’s solution is specifically designed for compact factory environments. Compared with conventional layouts, the system reduces floor space requirements by approximately 25%. The IRB 5500 seven-axis robots offer an extended working range and support both floor-mounted and wall-mounted installation, allowing maximum flexibility in production line design.

The system also uses a “Stop-go” operation mode, enabling interior spraying processes to be completed within the same station. This further optimizes space utilization and improves production flow.

Digital Painting Suite Enables Smart Manufacturing

Digitalization plays a central role in the Changchun project. ABB’s Digital Painting Suite provides real-time monitoring, process analysis, and predictive maintenance across the entire painting line. By continuously analyzing operational data, the system can detect potential issues before they lead to equipment failure or unplanned downtime.

The platform also supports full lifecycle management of painting equipment and offers an intuitive user interface that simplifies system operation. This digital visibility significantly improves system reliability and allows Audi to make data-driven decisions to optimize performance.

Supporting Audi’s “Mission: Zero” Strategy

The Changchun NEV plant is a key implementation of Audi’s global environmental initiative, “Mission: Zero,” which focuses on decarbonization, responsible water use, resource efficiency, and biodiversity protection. ABB’s robotic painting solution directly supports these objectives by reducing energy consumption, minimizing material waste, and lowering emissions throughout the painting process.

By combining energy-efficient hardware with intelligent software, ABB enables Audi to align high-volume EV production with ambitious sustainability goals.

A Benchmark for Sustainable Automotive Manufacturing

The collaboration between ABB and Audi demonstrates how advanced automation can deliver economic, environmental, and operational benefits simultaneously. ABB’s intelligent painting solution not only improves productivity and quality but also creates safer working conditions by removing employees from hazardous environments.

As the global electric vehicle market continues to expand, such integrated solutions are expected to play a critical role in shaping the future of automotive manufacturing. ABB’s work at Audi’s Changchun NEV factory sets a strong example of how smart manufacturing technologies can support sustainable growth across the industry.

At the 8th CIIE, ABB Electrification showcased a comprehensive suite of intelligent distribution technologies shaped specifically for the challenges of China’s fast-evolving power ecosystem. As renewable energy penetration continues to climb, power grids must become smarter, more adaptive, and more resilient. ABB’s latest innovations reflect the company’s global leadership in electrification and its commitment to enabling China’s carbon-neutral transition.

SSC600: Next-Generation AI Prediction for Power System Reliability

ABB’s newly launched SSC600 predictive platform utilizes high-frequency sensing combined with real-time digital simulation to build a proactive distribution management framework.

Key capabilities include:

• 4kHz full-power data acquisition

• Seven-day forward failure risk forecasting

• 95% accuracy rate for predictive warnings

• Real-time disturbance detection and dynamic risk mapping

This means that power system operators can identify emerging risks long before they cause outages, enabling smarter maintenance decisions and more stable operation under renewable fluctuations.

Emax 3: Reinventing Protection for High-Reliability Power Users

The SACE Emax 3 low-voltage air circuit breaker supports:

• Data centers with rapidly escalating AI computing loads

• Advanced manufacturing facilities with strict uptime requirements

• Industrial campuses demanding high power quality

Its intelligent sensing algorithms support predictive lifecycle management, reducing downtime and guarding critical assets with unprecedented precision. More importantly, its SL2-grade network security makes it suitable for highly digitized and interconnected infrastructure environments.

AI as the Brain of Future Power Systems

ABB’s philosophy is clear: The new power system must not only be electrified but also intelligently driven by AI.

Luo Hui from ABB Electrification elaborated:
“Traditional grids lack nuanced load control and cannot adapt to new patterns of renewable generation. AI transforms power systems from static infrastructure into an intelligent organism capable of learning, optimizing, and active risk prevention.”

Applications expand across multiple domains:

• Smart temperature-adaptive HVAC load prediction

• Dynamic EV charging management

• Renewable-driven load reshaping

• Demand-side response with minimal human intervention

The result is a self-optimizing micro-ecosystem that raises energy efficiency and reduces capital expenditures for industrial users.

Microgrid Empowerment: Strengthening the Building Blocks of the New Power System

China’s renewable energy boom requires strong local absorption capability. Many regions face challenges in stabilizing PV or wind outputs at the campus or industrial-park level. ABB aims precisely at this bottleneck.

The company deploys:

• Load mechanism models based on decades of global industrial expertise

• Precise renewable generation prediction

• Localized AI-driven load dispatch

• Integrated storage optimization

This creates a stable “internal circulation” microgrid that supports the larger utility grid while maximizing green consumption.

Toward an Era of Intelligent, Carbon-Neutral Distribution

ABB’s innovations are key enablers of:

• Zero-carbon factories

• Intelligent industrial parks

• Resilient digital infrastructure

• Next-generation building-level energy systems

As China accelerates energy digitalization, ABB’s solutions will continue to serve as the backbone of high-efficiency, low-carbon energy ecosystems.

A major manufacturing plant in East China once suffered a production halt caused by an unnoticed motor overheating issue. Traditional manual inspection proved insufficient, and the resulting downtime caused heavy financial losses. After adopting intelligent inspection robots powered by NORCO’s BIS-6670L, the factory detected similar anomalies 24 hours in advance, preventing shutdown and ensuring operational continuity.

This real-world case reflects a broader truth: intelligent inspection robots are becoming a transformative force in industrial operations.

01. Long-standing Challenges of Manual Inspection

Industrial sites often suffer from:

• Dangerous environments (high voltage, toxic gas, heat, dust)

• Large coverage areas requiring extensive manpower

• Massive sensor and image data needing real-time analysis

• High precision requirements for fault prediction

• Continuous 24-hour monitoring needs

These challenges are driving industries to adopt robots capable of intelligent, uninterrupted inspection.

02. NORCO Provides the “Central Nervous System” for Inspection Robots

NORCO offers a purpose-built hardware and software foundation for inspection robots. This includes AI computing, multi-sensor integration, communication control, and industrial-grade reliability.

03. BIS-6670L: In-depth Analysis of Its Core Strengths

(1) AI Computing Power

• Alder Lake-N97/N100 processors

• Supports lightweight AI models

• Real-time processing of thermal images, videos, sensor data

(2) Outstanding Connectivity

Supports devices including:

• Thermal cameras

• Industrial cameras

• LiDAR sensors

• Microphone arrays

• Gas sensors

• Motor control modules

With:

• 4× Gigabit Ethernet

• 12× USB ports

• 6× serial ports

• GPIO, CAN

• M.2 for 5G / WiFi

(3) Industrial-Grade Stability

Engineered for the harshest environments:

• -20°C to 70°C

• Fanless cooling

• Shock and vibration resistance

• Dust and moisture protection

• EMI shielding

• Redundant module options

(4) High-Bandwidth Memory & Flexible Storage

• DDR5 4800MHz

• M.2 2280 SSD

• SATA3.0 expansion

Ideal for high-volume video and thermal data processing.

(5) Compact and Lightweight

Compact design supports deep integration into robot bodies without space burden.

04. Three Typical Industry Scenarios

Power Grid

Robots perform thermal detection, fault identification, smart night patrol, and meter reading.

Petrochemical

Robots detect gas leaks, monitor pressure and temperature, and inspect pipes with high precision.

Mining

Robots handle inspections in dusty, humid, or vibration-heavy zones, ensuring personnel safety.

05. BIS-6670L: Beyond Hardware, Creating Industrial Value

The BIS-6670L brings:

• Higher operational safety

• Reduced labor costs

• Lower equipment failure rates

• Real-time predictive maintenance

• More accurate and reliable data support

It forms the cornerstone of intelligent inspection systems across different industries.

Conclusion

Intelligent inspection robots are redefining modern industrial operations, improving uptime, safety, and data-driven decision-making. With its cutting-edge computing architecture, NORCO’s BIS-6670L provides the technological backbone needed for this transformation, empowering a new era of intelligent industrial inspection.

As manufacturing industries increasingly pursue higher flexibility, intelligence, and digitalization, industrial control software is entering a critical stage of reinvention. Beckhoff Automation has officially launched its next-generation platform TwinCAT PLC++, integrating the AI-powered TwinCAT CoAgent directly into the core engineering workflow. This marks a historic shift from traditional control logic to AI-assisted engineering.

TwinCAT PLC++ represents not only enhanced PLC capabilities but a redefined lifecycle for industrial systems—from design and development to deployment and optimization.

Comprehensive Upgrade: Faster Runtime and More Flexible Architecture

1. Runtime Performance Improved by 1.5×

Through architecture redesign, TwinCAT PLC++ achieves faster execution cycles, reduced latency, and smoother task processing.

2. Compiler Optimization up to 3× Performance

The new compiler introduces:

• Enhanced semantic analysis

• Smarter optimization strategies

• Streamlined code generation

These improvements benefit complex motion control, high-frequency sampling tasks, and multi-tasking industrial systems.

3. Deep System Integration

TwinCAT PLC++ enables tighter coupling among motion control, communication, visualization, and add-on features. It supports both graphical and textual engineering methods, ensuring maximum flexibility for complicated automation projects.

TwinCAT CoAgent: AI Redefines Control Engineering

TwinCAT CoAgent is the first conversational AI agent embedded directly in an industrial PLC platform.

1. AI-Based Code Generation

CoAgent can instantly transform natural language instructions into ready-to-run PLC code. It also:

• Analyzes existing projects

• Provides optimization suggestions

• Generates professional documentation

• Converts code into readable engineering logic

2. Automated I/O and HMI Configuration

The system can automatically:

• Build I/O topology

• Name terminal modules

• Configure parameters

• Generate HMI widgets and interactable controls

Future versions will introduce autonomous parameter tuning and intelligent optimization recommendations.

3. Integrated Technical Knowledgebase

CoAgent accesses Beckhoff’s documentation, enabling engineers to obtain real-time configuration guidance without searching manually.

Beckhoff: A Global Pioneer in Industrial Automation

With a history dating back to 1980, Beckhoff maintains a strong reputation for engineering excellence. Its technology portfolio spans:

• Industrial PCs

• Fieldbus and I/O modules

• Drive systems

• Industrial vision

• Automation software

• Cabinet-free control systems

Beckhoff operates in 75 countries with over 40 subsidiaries. In China, the company has grown since 1997 and now maintains offices in more than 30 major cities.

Its breakthrough technology EtherCAT became a Chinese national recommended standard in 2014.

A New Industrial Era: Software-Defined, AI-Empowered Manufacturing

TwinCAT PLC++ embodies the future of industrial automation, where control systems evolve from logic execution units into intelligent, collaborative, AI-enhanced platforms.

In future smart factories:

• AI will generate and optimize PLC code

• I/O systems will self-configure

• HMI interfaces will be AI-generated

• System diagnostics will be automatic

• Production lines will adapt dynamically

TwinCAT PLC++ is not just an iteration—it is a strategic leap toward intelligent, software-defined manufacturing.

At the 8th China International Import Expo, Schneider Electric unveiled its latest breakthroughs in AI-driven automation and open platform integration.

A New Era of Intelligent Manufacturing

China’s industrial transformation is moving rapidly from “manufacturing scale” to “quality and intelligence.”
Smart automation, AI decision-making, and open digital platforms are becoming the engines of a new industrial revolution.
Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation, is taking a front-row seat in this transformation, turning global innovation into localized smart manufacturing solutions for China.

At this year’s CIIE, Schneider Electric’s booth became a window into the future of factories—showcasing edge computing, AI integration, flexible manufacturing, and digital energy management.

The Power of Intelligent Technology

The star attraction was the Modicon Edge I/O NTS system, a distributed platform enabling real-time data processing at the network edge.
Its modular and protocol-agnostic design allows seamless integration with diverse automation systems, reducing latency while improving precision in industrial control.

Another highlight was the locally designed “Golden Quartet” motion control suite, created specifically for Chinese manufacturers.
This combination of controllers, drives, motors, and human-machine interfaces shortens cycle time by 30% and supports multi-industry adaptability—from packaging to electronics to logistics.

The AI-powered Flipping Machine, driven by the EcoStruxure™ Automation Expert (EAE) open automation platform, further demonstrated the convergence of automation and artificial intelligence.
It showed how machine learning can enhance real-time inspection, adaptive production, and predictive maintenance across complex assembly lines.

Digital Cooperation and Ecosystem Expansion

Schneider Electric understands that true industrial transformation depends on collaboration.
Through its growing ecosystem, the company is partnering with local innovators to co-create value.

For instance, in cooperation with Qiangsi Digital Technology, Schneider Electric integrates automation and safety systems with advanced asset management to optimize process industry performance.
Its partnership with Arkema China focuses on building digital, low-carbon chemical plants, setting a benchmark for sustainable manufacturing.
In the pharmaceutical and food industries, Schneider Electric works with engineering firms like Jieshun and Dayi to deploy ProLeiT process control and MES digital platforms, advancing digital transformation at scale.

AI and Green Manufacturing: A Perfect Pair

AI in manufacturing is not only about intelligence—it’s about sustainability.
Schneider Electric applies AI-based energy optimization algorithms that can reduce industrial energy consumption by 10–15% without affecting output.
This directly supports China’s “dual carbon” goals, turning sustainability into a competitive advantage.

Products like the Altivar 340 variable speed drive demonstrate this synergy by optimizing motor torque and minimizing energy waste.
When combined with digital twins and analytics, manufacturers can continuously monitor and improve performance in real time.

Smart Manufacturing, the Chinese Way

“Digitalization is a system-wide evolution, not a single event,” said Ding Xiaohong.
Through its China Hub strategy, Schneider Electric integrates R&D, local production, and partner collaboration to deliver solutions designed by China, for China.

As AI, big data, and automation continue to converge, Schneider Electric’s open platforms will remain at the heart of industrial transformation.
From intelligent control systems to cloud-based energy management, the company is paving the way for a more efficient, greener, and smarter industrial future.

The Next Leap in Power Electronics Has Arrived

From electric vehicles and grid-scale storage to hyperscale AI compute clusters, today’s most power-intensive systems are rapidly outgrowing the limits of traditional silicon-based components. Even lateral GaN devices—once considered the frontier of efficiency—are hitting voltage and thermal ceilings.
Into this gap steps Vertical GaN (vGaN), a new class of power device that does not merely upgrade GaN technology but redefines how electrons travel through a power semiconductor.

With its official release of GaN-on-GaN vertical devices, onsemi has positioned itself at the center of what analysts now describe as the next $10-billion transition in power electronics.

Why Vertical Structure Is the Breakthrough

Traditional GaN devices conduct power laterally across the surface of the semiconductor layer, which limits scalability when voltage, current, or heat rise. Vertical GaN reverses this structure:
1✔ Current flows through the thickness of the device
2✔ Electric field spreads vertically, not across the surface
3✔ Breakdown voltage scales with thickness, not chip area

This shift enables multi-kilovolt capability, ultra-fast switching and extremely compact designs without sacrificing thermal or reliability margins.

The Technology Foundation: What “GaN-on-GaN” Really Means

Unlike GaN-on-silicon or GaN-on-sapphire, vGaN is grown directly on native GaN substrates. That single change impacts everything:

This is what enables claims such as “50% lower energy loss, 2–3× higher power density, and half-size passive components.”
It’s not marketing hype—it’s physics.

From R&D to Real Deployment: What onsemi Has Actually Delivered

While many semiconductor companies showcase vertical GaN in academic papers or R&D prototypes, onsemi is one of the first to:

1✅ Develop full wafer-level fabrication in-house
2✅ Secure more than 130 global patents across process + packaging + system use
3✅ Begin sampling 700V and 1200V parts to early customers
4✅ Target not consumer electronics but industrial, automotive, data center, aerospace grade power blocks

The company is not just introducing a new transistor—it is rolling out an ecosystem shift, including drivers, reference designs and thermal models for system integrators.

Why the Industry Needs This Breakthrough Now

It’s not a coincidence that vertical GaN arrives at the same moment the world is facing a massive energy-to-computation conversion problem.

1⚡ Data centers are scaling to 100+ MW sites

ChatGPT-level AI inference clusters require entire substations to power a single data hall.
The cost bottleneck is no longer GPUs—it is power conversion and heat.

2⚡ EVs are moving from 400V to 800V and 1000V platforms

The switch to high-voltage drivetrains demands components beyond silicon IGBTs and lateral GaN.

3.⚡ Renewable power conversion is hitting stability walls

Solar and wind inverters must handle >1500V DC strings and extreme temperatures.

4⚡ Storage and microgrids require bidirectional high-frequency power blocks

Legacy silicon adds weight, cost, and energy waste—making storage economics worse.

In all four cases, the constraint is not generation—it is conversion.

Vertical GaN is designed precisely for this gap.

Key Technical Advantages of onsemi vGaN

✅ Up to 50% reduction in switching and conduction loss
✅ Operation at >1 MHz switching without thermal runaway
✅ Device size up to 3× smaller for same voltage/current rating
✅ Enables 2× smaller inductors and capacitors
✅ Built-in robustness against avalanche, surge and cosmic radiation
✅ Ideal for multi-kW to MW-scale conversion systems

One of the least discussed—but most important—advantages:
📌 Because passive components shrink dramatically at higher switching frequencies, vGaN reduces total system cost, not just device-level power loss.

Application Impact by Sector

A common theme is emerging across industries:
→ vGaN replaces big, hot, slow power stages with compact, cool, fast ones.

Competitive Positioning: Where vGaN Fits in the Market Map

The wide-bandgap power market is no longer a single race—it is now segmented:

Vertical GaN attacks exactly the zone where SiC is gaining momentum, but with:

• Higher switching speed

• Lower system size

• Lower passive BOM

• Better thermal density

onsemi is not replacing SiC—it is competing above and below it simultaneously.

The Manufacturing Story: Why Location Matters

Unlike other GaN vendors relying on outsourced wafer fabs, onsemi’s vGaN platform is:

🏭 Designed and manufactured in Syracuse, New York
🔬 Built on proprietary crystal and epitaxy processes
📜 Protected by more than 130 patents across multiple regions
🚗 Targeted for automotive-grade qualification (AEC-Q)

This means two things:

1. Secure supply chain for U.S. and EU markets

2. Faster scalability and reliability certification — a major advantage in EV and defense markets

Conclusion

Just as SiC reshaped EV drivetrains and power modules over the last decade, vertical GaN is now positioned to disrupt the next wave of electrification—where size, weight, thermal load, and switching speed matter as much as voltage rating.

The transition is already underway:

• AI power racks are demanding higher density

• Automakers are migrating to >800V platforms

• Energy systems are scaling past silicon limits

• Aerospace is eliminating every unnecessary gram

The semiconductor that wins this decade won’t just be fast or efficient, but small, cool, scalable, and voltage-capable.

And that is the problem vertical GaN was engineered to solve.

Shanghai, China – October 27, 2025 — Emerson (NYSE: EMR), a global leader in industrial automation and software, announced its sponsorship of the 2025 NAMUR China Annual Conference, which will be held in Shanghai from October 29 to 30. The event will bring together more than 200 industry executives, technical experts, and automation solution providers to share insights on industrial artificial intelligence, automation architecture, and autonomous operations.

As a key platform organized by the International Users Association for Automation in Process Industries (NAMUR), the conference aims to promote collaboration between automation technology providers and industry users. By participating, Emerson will demonstrate innovative automation solutions and provide practical experience in advancing digital transformation in the process industry.

Focusing on Smart Operations: Emerson Highlights Industrial AI Innovations

During the conference, Duncan Schleiss, Vice President of Process Systems and Solutions at Emerson, will deliver a keynote titled “Towards Autonomous Operations: Industrial AI-Driven Automation.” The speech will cover how Emerson’s strategy aligns with NAMUR’s open standards and smart operation concepts, as well as the role of next-generation automation architectures in unlocking data value and enhancing plant agility.

“Industrial enterprises are at a pivotal stage of digital transformation. Emerson combines artificial intelligence with process control technologies to help customers create more resilient, sustainable, and intelligent operations,” said Schleiss.

Xiaolong Dai, Head of the NAMUR China Core Group and Chief Manager of Automation Functions at Yangzi Petrochemical-BASF Co., Ltd., emphasized the value of collaboration:

“The NAMUR China Annual Conference connects industry leaders to explore automation innovations and practical applications. Emerson’s participation brings international perspectives and cutting-edge technical insights to the event.”

Enterprise Operations Platform (EOP): Making Autonomous Operations Real

A highlight of Emerson’s participation is its Enterprise Operations Platform (EOP), designed to integrate traditional automation systems with modern digital technologies.
Built on software-defined control (SDC), industrial AI, and zero-trust cybersecurity, EOP provides a flexible and scalable digital infrastructure for the process industry. It enables end-to-end data integration and intelligent decision-making, spanning production management, asset optimization, energy efficiency, and operational safety.

Wang Yifeng, President of Emerson China, said,

“Manufacturers face complex operational challenges and sustainability goals. Emerson’s industrial AI combines advanced algorithms with EOP capabilities to deliver autonomous operation solutions, predictive maintenance, and overall optimization, helping enterprises achieve higher efficiency and sustainability.”

On-Site Demonstrations: Cutting-Edge Automation Technologies

At the conference, Emerson will showcase a range of advanced technologies:

• NAMUR Open Architecture (NOA) and Modular Type Package (MTP) for flexible and modular automation systems;

• AMS asset management and machinery health software with FDI integration to improve equipment availability;

• Ethernet-APL (Advanced Physical Layer) technology for enhanced field instrument connectivity and secure data access;

• AI-driven remote autonomous operation solutions;

• Next-generation DeltaV™ Distributed Control System and Bluetooth-enabled HART communication instruments for efficient data collection and field operation.

These demonstrations highlight Emerson’s leadership in automation innovation and its commitment to helping enterprises implement digital transformation and intelligent operations.

Industry Impact: Driving Digitalization and Sustainability

The NAMUR China Annual Conference serves not only as a platform for technical exchange but also as a catalyst for industrial digitalization. Emerson’s solutions enable companies to optimize production, energy use, and equipment management while meeting sustainability objectives.

Dai commented,

“Automation technology improves operational efficiency and equips the industry with smart solutions to tackle complex challenges. Emerson’s participation demonstrates how a global leader empowers China’s process industries through technology.”

Looking Ahead: A New Era of Intelligent Autonomous Operations

Emerson continues to invest in research and innovation, leading the industry toward autonomous operations. The company envisions a future where AI-driven insights and self-learning capabilities allow factories to optimize, predict, and make autonomous decisions for safer, more efficient, and sustainable operations.

“We aim to work with NAMUR and industry partners to build an intelligent operations ecosystem, connecting Chinese process industries with global best practices and driving digital, sustainable, and intelligent factories,” said Wang Yifeng.

About Emerson
Emerson (NYSE: EMR) is a global industrial technology and software company headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. With expertise in smart devices, control systems, and industrial software, Emerson delivers automation solutions and operational excellence services worldwide. The company leverages innovation and reliability to support customers in digital transformation, production efficiency, and sustainable development.

The $5.4 billion deal combines ABB’s industrial robotics expertise with SoftBank’s AI vision, pushing the future of intelligent machines forward.

Zurich / Tokyo — October 8, 2025 — Robotics and artificial intelligence are merging faster than ever. SoftBank Group announced it will acquire ABB Group’s robotics division for $5.375 billion, marking a turning point in industrial technology.

The sale, expected to close in mid to late 2026, highlights how AI is transforming manufacturing. ABB’s robotics expertise meets SoftBank’s AI capabilities, creating a platform for cognitive automation and the next generation of intelligent robots.

From Industrial Robots to AI-Powered Machines

ABB’s robotics division has been a global leader in automation, supporting industries from automotive manufacturing to electronics assembly. With 7,000 employees worldwide and $2.3 billion in 2024 revenue, ABB Robotics has set high standards for precision and reliability.

Now, SoftBank will take the unit into a new dimension: robots that think, learn, and adapt.

“Artificial intelligence is reshaping manufacturing,” said ABB CEO Morten Wierod. “By combining SoftBank’s AI ecosystem with ABB’s robotics hardware, we can create machines that operate intelligently and autonomously.”

SoftBank’s Physical AI Vision

SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son has long championed Physical AI — intelligence that exists in the real world, not just in the cloud.

“We are moving beyond traditional AI,” Son said. “ABB Robotics allows us to merge mechanical precision with cognitive intelligence. Together, we can create autonomous machines that learn, adapt, and collaborate with humans.”

SoftBank already invests in machine learning platforms, semiconductor design, and AI-driven robotics. ABB brings industrial-grade hardware and decades of engineering experience. Together, they aim to build next-generation intelligent automation systems.

How the Acquisition Benefits Both Companies

ABB benefits by focusing on core areas like electrification, process automation, and digital energy. The sale will bring $5.3 billion in net cash and around $2.4 billion in pre-tax gains, allowing ABB to invest in R&D and strategic growth.

“This is a win-win,” said Peter Voser, ABB Chairman. “SoftBank is the ideal home for our robotics business. ABB can concentrate on sustainable automation while SoftBank drives AI-powered innovation.”

The robotics business will be reported as a discontinued operation starting in Q4 2025. ABB’s Machine Automation unit (B&R) will integrate into its Process Automation division, simplifying operations while maintaining service continuity for customers.

A Glimpse Into Cognitive Automation

SoftBank plans to combine ABB’s hardware with its AI capabilities to create robots that perceive, learn, and act autonomously. These machines could:

• Detect anomalies before they occur

• Reconfigure production lines dynamically

• Collaborate safely with human workers

“Industrial robots will evolve from task executors to cognitive partners,” said Dr. Hiro Tanaka, professor at the University of Tokyo. “SoftBank and ABB are driving the industry toward this reality.”

By leveraging cloud AI, multiple robots could share knowledge and learn collectively, boosting efficiency across factories and warehouses. This networked intelligence could also improve predictive maintenance, reduce energy consumption, and enhance safety.

The Industry Context

The deal reflects a global trend: AI is reshaping the industrial robotics market. According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), AI-enabled automation could account for a significant share of the projected $150 billion robotics market by 2030.

Companies worldwide are racing to embed AI into robotics. Startups, tech giants, and industrial firms aim to develop machines that learn continuously, reducing downtime and boosting productivity. SoftBank’s acquisition puts it at the forefront of this transformation.

“They’re not buying robots; they’re buying the intelligence layer that will define the next decade,” said Laura Chen, senior analyst at IDC Asia Pacific.

ABB’s Continued Leadership in Automation

ABB’s focus on electrification, process automation, and sustainability remains strong. The company employs over 110,000 people globally and operates in more than 100 countries.

“ABB’s mission is unchanged,” said Voser. “We’re helping industries operate efficiently and sustainably. The future of automation isn’t just machines — it’s intelligent, interconnected ecosystems.”

The divestment frees up capital to invest in digital energy management, smart grids, and AI-enabled industrial solutions, aligning with global sustainability goals.

SoftBank’s New Robotics Ecosystem

SoftBank plans to expand ABB’s research footprint with AI and robotics labs in Tokyo, Zurich, and Boston. These centers will focus on integrating machine learning, perception algorithms, and cloud intelligence into industrial robots.

“Our goal is to create robots that understand context and collaborate with humans,” said SoftBank CTO Naoki Sato. “ABB’s expertise accelerates that mission.”

The new AI-robotics stack combines three layers:

1. Hardware intelligence — ABB’s actuators, sensors, and motion controls

2. Cognitive intelligence — SoftBank’s AI models and neural networks

3. Operational intelligence — Cloud connectivity for real-time optimization

This stack enables robots to self-optimize across factories, warehouses, and even healthcare facilities.

The Broader Impact

Analysts say the acquisition sets a new benchmark for industrial AI integration. Companies like Siemens, FANUC, and Yaskawa are also embedding AI into robots, but SoftBank’s approach could accelerate cognitive robotics adoption globally.

“This is a shift from automation to intelligence,” said Kevin Wu, robotics VC. “ABB and SoftBank are building robots that learn across networks, not just follow programmed instructions.”

The collaboration may also influence global supply chains, logistics, and smart manufacturing ecosystems. By merging AI and robotics, SoftBank is creating a blueprint for future industrial competitiveness.

Looking Ahead

As the deal progresses, the ABB–SoftBank partnership could redefine what industrial robots can do. With AI cognition at the core, machines will predict, adapt, and make decisions, transforming how factories operate.

“We’re entering the cognitive era of manufacturing,” said Dr. Tanaka. “ABB and SoftBank are not just improving efficiency — they’re changing the fundamental role of machines in society.”

For ABB, the sale is a chance to concentrate on sustainable automation and digital infrastructure. For SoftBank, it’s a gateway to building the world’s first AI-driven industrial ecosystem.

Conclusion

The $5.4 billion deal is more than a corporate transaction — it’s a signal that intelligent automation is here. The combination of ABB’s industrial expertise and SoftBank’s AI capabilities could transform manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and more.

“We are building robots that think, learn, and collaborate,” said Son. “This is the next phase of industrial progress.”

The ABB–SoftBank partnership underscores a simple truth: the future of robotics is intelligence plus action, not just mechanics.

With the continuous advancement of industrial automation, production lines demand higher precision and stability in motor control. The ABB S-073N 3BHB009884R0021 phase module, known for its high performance and reliability, has become a core component in industrial automation systems. This article explores real-world application scenarios, highlighting the module’s solutions and advantages across various industries.

1. Efficient Drive Applications in Manufacturing

On manufacturing production lines, motors and drive systems must maintain high precision and stability to ensure product quality and production efficiency. The ABB S-073N phase module enables:

• Precise Phase Adjustment: Reduces motor vibration and enhances mechanical stability

• Rapid Response Control: Handles instantaneous load changes to maintain continuous operation

• Energy Optimization: Intelligent energy management reduces production costs

For instance, in automotive parts manufacturing, multiple motors operate simultaneously. The ABB S-073N phase module coordinates these motors, ensuring synchronous operation, improving overall efficiency, and reducing the risk of failures caused by desynchronization.

2. Stable Operation in Chemical and Metallurgical Industries

Chemical and metallurgical production equipment often operates under high temperature and heavy load, requiring highly stable drive systems. The ABB S-073N module offers:

• High-Temperature Resistance: Maintains performance during continuous operation

• Strong Anti-Interference: Minimizes electromagnetic interference on production equipment

• Safety Protection: Prevents overcurrent and overvoltage, ensuring production safety

In metallurgical smelting, the S-073N phase module precisely controls motor output for furnaces and conveyor equipment, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.

3. Precision Control in Mechanical Processing

Mechanical processing equipment demands high control accuracy. The ABB S-073N phase module provides:

• Precise Positioning: Ensures accurate movement of machinery

• Vibration Reduction: Extends equipment life and improves processing quality

• Dynamic Adjustment: Adapts to different load conditions for efficient processing

For example, in CNC machining centers, multi-motor synchronization relies on precise phase adjustment. The ABB S-073N module delivers a reliable solution for smoother and more efficient production.

4. Energy-Efficient and Sustainable Industrial Applications

Industrial energy efficiency has become a global priority. The ABB S-073N module contributes significantly to energy-saving control:

• Optimized Power Output: Minimizes unnecessary energy consumption

• Reduced Carbon Emissions: Complies with green manufacturing standards

• Supports Smart Control Systems: Integrates with Industrial IoT for remote monitoring and optimization

Applying the ABB S-073N module not only enhances equipment performance but also provides technical support for energy-saving and sustainable industrial development.

5. Conclusion

The ABB S-073N 3BHB009884R0021 phase module, with its high performance, reliability, and energy efficiency, plays a central role in various industrial scenarios. From manufacturing, chemical, and metallurgical industries to mechanical processing, this module provides efficient, stable, and intelligent solutions, making it an indispensable tool for optimizing industrial automation systems.

“Sales Manager : Jinny
Email : sales1@xrjdcs.com
Whatsapp/Mobile:+86 15359273791″

Introduction:

In the industrial world, the ultimate value of any new technology must be validated by cold, hard numbers and real-world cases. For water utility operations managers, their most pressing questions are blunt and practical: “How much will this technology save me? How quickly is the payback? How much carbon can it reduce for my ESG report?” The value proposition of ABB‘s new LV Titanium VSM integrated drive is precisely built on quantifiable, tangible economic and environmental benefits. This article will use specific scenario-based calculations and potential application analyses to reveal how this innovative product delivers “visible and tangible” returns on investment, driving its adoption from “nice to have” to “must-have.”

I. Micro Perspective: The Annual Benefit Sheet of a Single 7.5kW Pump Station

Let’s focus on a most common unit: a secondary water supply pump station serving a medium-sized community, equipped with one 7.5kW pump, operating approximately 8000 hours per year.

• Baseline for Comparison: Traditional solution uses a line-powered IE3 efficiency class induction motor, with flow/pressure controlled by valve throttling, resulting in high energy consumption.

• VSM Solution: Uses an ABB VSM integrated drive, adjusting pump speed in real-time based on actual water demand, achieving on-demand supply.

Benefit Calculation:

1. Electricity Savings: Based on actual engineering data, the VSM unit can achieve an overall energy saving of over 30% compared to the traditional fixed-speed solution. Annual power consumption for a 7.5kW motor is: 7.5kW * 8000h = 60,000 kWh. Energy saved is: 60,000 kWh * 30% = 18,000 kWh. At an industrial/commercial electricity rate of RMB 0.7/kWh, Annual Electricity Cost Savings: 18,000 kWh * RMB 0.7/kWh = RMB 12,600.

2. Carbon Reduction: Using China’s grid average carbon emission factor (~0.7 kg CO₂/kWh), the annual reduction is: 18,000 kWh * 0.7 kg CO₂/kWh = 12,600 kg, or 12.6 tonnes of CO₂. This is an extremely valuable asset for companies needing to issue CSR reports or respond to carbon audits.

3. Maintenance Cost Savings: Soft starting and smooth speed regulation reduce mechanical stress on the pump and piping network, extending equipment life and lowering failure rates and maintenance costs. Preliminary estimates suggest annual maintenance costs can be reduced by 15-20%.

Payback Period: Considering the VSM unit’s savings on control cabinets, installation/commissioning costs, and potential government subsidies, its price premium over a traditional “motor + VFD cabinet” solution is already very small. In many cases, the total initial investment is comparable or even lower. Even if a small premium exists, the Payback Period is typically within 1 year. This level of Return on Investment (ROI) is highly attractive in the industrial sector.

II. Meso Perspective: The Scaled Miracle for a Regional Water Plant

Amplifying the benefits of a single pump station to a regional water or wastewater treatment plant with hundreds of various pumps reveals staggering numbers.

• Hypothetical Scenario: A water plant has 100 pumps ranging from 5.5kW to 45kW, of which 50 are suitable for VSM retrofit, with an average power of 15kW.

• Scaled Benefits:

  • Total Annual Energy Savings: (15kW * 8000h * 30% * 50 units) = 1,800,000 kWh.

  • Total Annual Cost Savings: 1,800,000 kWh * RMB 0.7/kWh = RMB 1,260,000 (1.26 million Yuan).

  • Total Annual Carbon Reduction: 1,800,000 kWh * 0.7 kg CO₂/kWh = 1,260,000 kg, or 1,260 tonnes of CO₂. This is equivalent to the carbon sink effect of planting tens of thousands of trees.

  • Space Benefit: Post-retrofit, significant space previously used for electrical cabinets can be freed up for other uses or to improve the working environment.

  • Management Benefit: With all VSM units networked, engineers can monitor the status and energy data of all equipment from a central control room, enabling preventive alarms, greatly enhancing management efficiency and system reliability.

III. Macro Perspective: Empowering Broad Industries like Food & Beverage and Buildings

The application of the VSM unit is by no means limited to municipal water. Its core “pumping” function makes it applicable across a vast industrial landscape.

• Food & Beverage Industry: A major water consumer, its processes are filled with pumping links (raw material transfer, cleaning, filling, CIP cleaning, etc.). Requirements for hygiene, reliability, and energy efficiency are extremely high. The VSM’s compact design is easy to clean, and its high efficiency directly reduces production costs. A large brewery or beverage factory might have thousands of pumps, with energy-saving potential even exceeding that of water plants.

• Commercial Buildings & Hospitals: Circulating and booster pumps for central air conditioning are major electricity consumers in buildings. Retrofitting with VSM units can significantly reduce property operating costs and contribute to green building certification.

• Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals: Also involve extensive fluid transfer needs with stringent requirements for precise process control and reliability.

IV. Beyond the Numbers: Hidden Value and Future Potential

Beyond direct economics, the VSM unit offers significant implicit value:

• Installation Flexibility: Its small size allows installation even on pipes or in tight corners, offering unprecedented flexibility for system design.

• Plug-and-Play & the Skills Gap: In an context of scarce skilled engineers, its simple installation reduces reliance on high-end technical talent, making project deployment no longer constrained by human resource bottlenecks.

• Data Value: The continuous operational data it generates is the foundation for advanced applications like AI-optimized (scheduling) and digital twins, holding immeasurable future value.

Conclusion:

The value brought by the ABB LV Titanium VSM integrated drive is a clear and straightforward math problem. Through highly persuasive ROI and carbon reduction data, it transforms “green energy saving” from a grand concept into increased profit on corporate financial statements and standout achievements in ESG reports. From annual savings of thousands per community pump room, to millions saved per regional water plant, to the vast blue ocean of cross-industry applications, it proves that environmental protection and economic benefit are not contradictory but can be highly unified and mutually reinforcing. For any enterprise decision-maker pursuing cost reduction, efficiency gain, and sustainable development, this is an calculation worth doing again and again. Choosing the VSM is choosing a clear path to a more efficient, greener, and smarter future.

“Sales Manager : Jinny
Email : sales1@xrjdcs.com
Whatsapp/Mobile:+86 15359273791″