ABB takes a technological step forward with the acquisition of Sevensense
Published: Thursday, Jan 11th 2024, 12:50
Updated At: Friday, Jan 12th 2024, 00:59
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ABB is taking a technological step forward in the application of autonomous mobile robots. In future, the robots used in factories will no longer move along pre-programmed routes, but will orient themselves independently in space.
This is made possible by the technology of the ETH start-up Sevensense. ABB is now acquiring this company in full, including its 35 employees, as announced on Thursday. The technology group had already acquired a minority stake in the developer of autonomous mobile robots (AMR) at the end of 2021.
Sevensense is a specialist in AI-supported 3D vision navigation technology for autonomous mobile robots (AMR). Together with ABB, the company has developed a technology that enables the robots themselves to become increasingly familiar with their surroundings. In future, the routes no longer need to be programmed and controlled by sensors on the walls.
Robots create map together ___
Equipped with image processing technology and AI, each mobile robot scans a specific part of the building. The fields of vision of all the robots are combined to form a complete map so that the AMRs can work autonomously even in rapidly changing environments. The robots can distinguish between moving elements such as a crate and stationary elements such as a wall and can also recognize people.
According to ABB, this will enable mobile robots, one of the fastest-growing robotics segments, to achieve maximum speed, precision and autonomy. The combination of AI and 3D image processing will enable AMRs to make intelligent decisions and work in dynamic environments.
ABB now wants to integrate Sevensense's technology into its own AMR portfolio. The transaction is an important step towards the vision of a working environment in which AI-supported robots support people.
ABB sees great potential ___
ABB sees great potential for the future here. "We are on the verge of a breakthrough in this industry," said Sami Atiya, Head of the Robotics & Factory Automation business unit, at a media event at the ETH in Zurich.
ABB estimates an average annual growth rate of 20 percent for the market for mobile robots up to 2026. The global market volume will thus develop to 9.5 billion US dollars from the current 5.5 billion. ABB cites logistics, the automotive industry and the food industry as typical areas of application.
How much of this cake will fall to ABB remains to be seen. Atiya did not want to give AWP any specific sales expectations, but said: "This area will be relevant for us in the coming years."
However, Marc Segura, head of ABB's Robotics division, says that this is not just a pipe dream that needs to be filled with substance. According to him, the first of these robots are already being used in Michelin and Ford factories. According to Segura, Ford has requested around 300 of these latest-generation robots for a large production facility for electric cars in the USA. These will be delivered gradually.
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