ABB, a global technology company specializing in electrification and automation, has made an exciting acquisition that boosts its AI-enabled 3D vision technology for autonomous robots. The company announced its purchase of Swiss start-up Sevensense, a leading provider of AI-enabled 3D vision navigation technology for autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).
Sevensense, founded in 2018 as a spin-off from Swiss technical University, ETH Zurich, has developed pioneering navigation technology that combines artificial intelligence (AI) and 3D vision. This innovative technology enables AMRs to intelligently navigate and make informed decisions in dynamic environments, distinguishing between fixed and mobile objects.
By acquiring Sevensense, ABB takes a significant step towards its vision of a workplace where AI-enabled robots assist people. This acquisition addresses the growing need for flexibility and intelligence in industries facing critical skilled labor shortages. ABB aims to offer its customers an unprecedented combination of speed, accuracy, and payload through its integration of Sevensense’s technology into its AMR portfolio.
The market for mobile robots is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 20 percent through 2026, reaching $9.5 billion. ABB’s AI-powered 3D vision technology is well-positioned to capitalize on this growth. Sevensense’s technology has already begun transforming the automotive manufacturing and logistics sectors, delivering faster and more efficient operations.
With Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (Visual SLAM) technology, ABB’s AMRs can create maps that allow them to operate independently, reducing commissioning time from weeks to days. These maps are constantly updated and shared across the fleet, enabling scalability without interrupting operations.
ABB has demonstrated the value of Sevensense’s technology in pilot customer projects. One example is the collaboration with automotive manufacturer Ford, where Visual SLAM technology will enhance production efficiency in US-based production sites. Michelin will also leverage this technology in intralogistics at its factory in Spain. Other automakers plan to roll out the technology in the UK, Finland, and Germany.
By offering increased autonomy and cognitive intelligence, ABB’s advanced technology enables a shift from linear production lines to dynamic networks. AMRs equipped with AI-enabled navigation can navigate to production cells, track stock inventory, and collaborate safely alongside humans.
The CEO of Sevensense, Gregory Hitz, expressed excitement about introducing their home-grown technology to a wider range of markets and sectors through ABB’s acquisition. ABB’s vast experience and global reach make it the ideal home for Sevensense’s versatile 3D visual autonomy platform. The acquisition solidifies ABB’s position as a leader in next-generation AMRs, offering Visual SLAM in autonomous mobile robots, distinguished by an integrated portfolio of robots and machine automation solutions managed by value-creating software.
As ABB continues to nurture the next generation of innovations through its partner ecosystem and collaboration with start-ups and universities, Sevensense’s approximately 35 employees will remain based at their Swiss office in Zurich.
The acquisition of Sevensense highlights ABB’s commitment to driving industrial transformation through technology. With over 140 years of excellence, ABB’s 105,000 employees are eager to continue developing and delivering innovations that optimize how things are manufactured, moved, powered, and operated.
In conclusion, ABB’s acquisition of Sevensense positions the company as a leader in AI-enabled 3D vision technology for autonomous robots. The integration of Sevensense’s navigation technology into ABB’s AMR portfolio offers increased flexibility, efficiency, and accuracy in industries facing skilled labor shortages. This acquisition reflects ABB’s dedication to innovation and its goal of creating a workplace where AI-enabled robots assist people seamlessly.
