ABB: Swedish Engineering Powering the Future of Automotive & Automation
ABB is a company I came up while researching the Wallenberg family. If you love cars, you may remember the ABB logo on the robotic arms of automated processes in car factories. It is an interesting company and contributes to the production of the world's leading automotive companies. Here is about one of ABB's businesses that are utilized in the automotive industry.
Fun thing to me: Most big Swedish companies provide company cars to general managers and above positions as well as sales managers. Interestingly, ABB's company cars put the company name on the back. It is like saying, “Look my driving, if you feel uncomfortable, call this company."
Introduction:
The Driving Force Behind Automotive Automation
ABB (Asea Brown Boveri) is a global leader in robotics, automation, and electrification, playing a crucial role in the automotive industry. From manufacturing robots that build cars to providing fast-charging solutions for electric vehicles (EVs), ABB is revolutionizing the way cars are produced and powered. Top car manufacturers worldwide rely on ABB’s technology to improve efficiency, precision, and sustainability in their production lines.
Ownership Structure
ABB is a Swedish-Swiss multinational electrical engineering corporation, formed through a merger between Sweden's ASEA and Switzerland's Brown, Boveri & Cie in 19881. While it has strong Swedish roots, the company is technically dual-headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland and Västerås, Sweden, with both parent companies originally holding 50 percent ownership1. The company was created when ASEA (founded in 1883 in Sweden) merged with Brown, Boveri & Cie (founded in 1891 in Switzerland), forming Asea Brown Boveri (ABB)
Investor AB, a Swedish investment company controlled by the Wallenberg family, holds a 12.9% stake in ABB, making it the largest single shareholder. Activist investor Cevian Capital also maintains a significant stake in the company.
How ABB Supports the Automotive Industry
1. Robotics and Automation in Car Manufacturing
ABB provides industrial robots and automation solutions to many of the world’s leading car manufacturers, helping streamline production and improve quality. Major automakers using ABB robotics include:
- Volkswagen Group – Uses ABB robots for precision welding, painting, and assembly across multiple brands, including Audi, Porsche, and Skoda.
- BMW – Deploys ABB’s robotic arms for assembling and welding critical components.
- Ford – Integrates ABB’s automation solutions in engine manufacturing and final vehicle assembly.
- Volvo Cars – Uses ABB robotics to enhance the efficiency and precision of car body assembly.
- Mercedes-Benz – Implements ABB robotic solutions in both traditional and electric vehicle production.
One of ABB’s most famous robots, YuMi, has even been used for tasks requiring delicate precision, such as installing interior components in luxury vehicles.
2. EV Charging Solutions for Leading Automakers
ABB is a key player in the electric vehicle (EV) revolution, providing charging infrastructure to automakers and public charging networks. Notable collaborations include:
- Porsche – ABB’s ultra-fast chargers support Porsche’s high-performance EVs like the Taycan, which require high-power charging solutions.
- Tesla – ABB’s charging technology complements. Tesla’s global EV charging network, supporting fast and reliable charging for Tesla owners worldwide.
- Audi & Volkswagen – ABB supplies charging stations and infrastructure solutions for Audi and VW’s expanding electric vehicle lineup, such as the Audi e-tron and VW ID. series.
- Polestar & Volvo – ABB chargers are used for Polestar 2 and Volvo’s Recharge lineup, helping accelerate EV adoption in Europe and beyond.
- Hyundai & Kia – Partnered with ABB for high-power charging solutions to support their IONIQ and EV6 models.
3. Smart Factories and Industry 4.0 for Car Production
ABB is a pioneer in Industry 4.0, integrating robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and IoT into automotive manufacturing. Through its ABB Ability™ digital platform, car manufacturers can monitor production lines in real-time, optimizing efficiency and reducing downtime.
- General Motors (GM) – Uses ABB’s automated systems to improve quality control in its factories.
- Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) – Implements ABB robotics to enhance vehicle production with AI-driven precision.
ABB’s Impact on the Future of Automotive Technology
ABB’s contributions to the automotive industry go beyond manufacturing automation. The company is actively shaping the future with:
- Next-Gen Robotics: AI-powered, collaborative robots (cobots) that work alongside human workers.
- Wireless EV Charging: ABB is investing in inductive charging technology, allowing EVs to charge without cables.
- Grid Integration for EVs: ABB’s smart grid solutions help cities and businesses efficiently manage EV energy demands.
Conclusion: ABB’s Driving Role in the Automotive Revolution
From building the cars of today to powering the EVs of tomorrow, ABB is an indispensable force in the automotive industry. With its expertise in automation, robotics, and electrification, ABB is helping car manufacturers innovate faster, build more sustainable vehicles, and revolutionize transportation. As the automotive sector moves toward full electrification and smart manufacturing, ABB will continue to lead the way in shaping the future of mobility.
➤ Some figures
Employee Base
As of January 2024, ABB employs around 105,000 individuals globally, encompassing a diverse workforce across its various business segments.
Financial Performance in 2024
In the third quarter of 2024, ABB reported revenues of $8.15 billion, contributing to a trailing twelve-month revenue of approximately $32.5 billion as of September 30, 2024. The company achieved an operational core profit of $1.55 billion during the same quarter.
