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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.

Driven by national carbon-reduction goals and growing demand for smart manufacturing, industrial enterprises are undergoing a critical transformation from conventional maintenance approaches to digital, predictive operations. However, many factories still face long-standing issues such as aging low-voltage distribution equipment, difficulty detecting hidden risks, and a lack of visibility into energy usage and power quality.

To help enterprises overcome these challenges, ABB has launched a complete Low-Voltage Digital Upgrade Solution, supported by the PowerCare Worry-Free Operations Platform. This solution provides an end-to-end system that strengthens equipment protection, enhances operational visibility, and establishes a future-proof predictive maintenance ecosystem.

Traditional Maintenance Reaches Its Limits as Industrial Complexity Continues to Grow

In traditional facilities, maintenance heavily depends on manual inspections and scattered analog indicators. Without digital tools, operations teams often struggle to capture early warning signs of degradation, temperature abnormalities, or electrical instability. Locating a fault may require extensive manual troubleshooting, increasing downtime and maintenance labor costs.

Moreover, energy management remains a major blind spot for many companies. With no accurate, real-time measurement or consumption transparency, optimization becomes difficult. As energy prices continue rising globally, enterprises urgently need the ability to pinpoint inefficiencies and implement targeted efficiency strategies.

In this context, digital and intelligent maintenance has become a strategic necessity rather than an optional upgrade. ABB’s low-voltage digital upgrade solution directly responds to these industry-wide needs.

ABB’s Four Major Digital Upgrade Components: Modernizing Maintenance at Every Level

The upgrade solution focuses on the full operational lifecycle—from monitoring and protection to control and diagnostics. It is designed for flexible, low-disruption deployment across existing facilities.

1. Digital Trip Unit Upgrade: The First Step Toward Smart Protection

Legacy thermal-magnetic trip units often struggle to meet modern requirements for precision and response. ABB’s digital replacement provides advanced protection without altering the main circuit breaker structure.

Benefits include:

• Complete electrical data acquisition

• Advanced, adjustable protection curves

• Higher precision in tripping and fault analysis

• Improved reliability and reduced unplanned downtime

This upgrade modernizes existing equipment without expensive or time-consuming overhauls.

2. Critical Temperature Monitoring: Detecting Thermal Risks Before Failures Occur

Electrical faults are frequently preceded by abnormal temperature changes at key points such as busbars and cable terminations. ABB’s temperature monitoring solution uses sensors that collect real-time data around the clock.

It provides:

• Temperature trend tracking

• Automated alarms for overheating

• Early detection of insulation aging or loose connections

• Preventive intervention before equipment damage occurs

Continuous monitoring helps safeguard assets and extend equipment life.

3. Intelligent Feeder Management: Bringing Energy Transparency to the Forefront

The intelligent feeder drawer integrates seamlessly into existing switchgear structures and allows rapid, on-site replacement.

Upgraded users gain:

• 0.5-class metering accuracy

• Visibility of harmonics, imbalance, leakage current, and other power-quality indicators

• Real-time digital dashboards without manual measurement

• Strong data support for energy optimization

This empowers enterprises to identify inefficiencies and eliminate unnecessary energy costs.

4. Smart Motor Management: Comprehensive Monitoring and Protection in One Module

Motors are essential to industrial operations—and often the most prone to faults. ABB’s smart motor management unit combines real-time monitoring, advanced protection, and intelligent control.

Key functions include:

• 14 start-up types suitable for various industrial applications

• 12 independent protection mechanisms such as overload, locked rotor, phase loss, and unbalance

• Millisecond-level fault response

• Visualized operational insights for optimized maintenance strategy

This delivers greater production stability and significantly reduces motor-related downtime.

PowerCare: Building a Predictive, Data-Driven Operational Ecosystem

All four upgrade modules integrate with the ABB PowerCare Worry-Free Operations Platform, establishing a closed-loop ecosystem that improves reliability and reduces costs.

PowerCare offers:

• Real-time equipment monitoring

• Health scoring and diagnostics

• Predictive maintenance algorithms

• Energy efficiency analysis

• Dedicated service managers providing customized support

Enterprises can transition from reactive maintenance to a proactive and intelligent operational strategy, improving both safety and efficiency.

Beckhoff has introduced TwinCAT PLC++, a new-generation PLC technology that significantly upgrades both the development environment and Runtime performance. The system keeps the core advantages of TwinCAT—seamless integration, compatibility, and openness—while moving automation software toward a smarter and more efficient future. With a redesigned architecture and advanced compiler technology, TwinCAT PLC++ brings noticeable performance gains. It also comes with a major highlight: the full integration of the intelligent chatbot TwinCAT CoAgent, which transforms the development experience.

TwinCAT PLC++ delivers a major boost in execution speed. The Runtime processes the same control code 1.5 times faster than previous TwinCAT PLC versions. The new compiler pushes optimization even further. It shortens code execution time and can raise overall system performance by up to 300%. This improvement comes from deep architectural enhancements. TwinCAT PLC++ offers a more unified structure that allows functions to work together more efficiently. At the same time, it supports the direct integration of TwinCAT CoAgent. Developers can now generate both text-based and graphical code with the help of this intelligent assistant.

TwinCAT CoAgent adds advanced AI capabilities to the TwinCAT environment. It provides precise coding suggestions and smart optimization tips. It can also generate complete technical documentation automatically. Developers only need to review and approve the content before adding it to their projects. CoAgent can access Beckhoff’s technical documents directly, allowing developers to quickly understand functions, commands, and configuration steps. It also helps build easy-to-use HMI controls. Designing user interfaces becomes faster, clearer, and more intuitive.

The chatbot can even create I/O topologies through natural-language interaction. Users can rename terminal modules or configure new I/O devices simply by chatting with CoAgent. Future versions will support automated parameter adjustments and offer a smart assistant that recommends optimal settings for each device. These upgrades will speed up I/O configuration and make the process far more flexible. Developers will be able to meet the needs of a wide range of applications without manual trial-and-error steps. In this sense, TwinCAT CoAgent acts as a true personal digital assistant, reshaping the workflow of automation software development.

TwinCAT PLC++ represents the latest evolution in PLC technology. It enhances development efficiency, increases Runtime performance, and integrates a powerful AI-based chatbot to support developers at every stage of their work.

Beckhoff, founded in 1980 and headquartered in Verl, Germany, is a global leader in automation technology. For decades, the company has played a key role in defining industry standards and advancing new technologies. Its product portfolio includes industrial PCs, I/O and fieldbus components, drive technology, automation software, cabinet-free control solutions, and industrial vision systems. These products can be used independently or integrated into a complete control system suitable for industries ranging from semiconductors and photovoltaics to robotics, CNC machinery, automotive manufacturing, packaging, logistics, and smart buildings.

Beckhoff entered the Chinese market in 1997. Its China headquarters is located in Shanghai’s Northern High-Tech Industrial Park. The company employs around 350 people in China and has offices in more than 30 major cities. Its technologies are widely used in manufacturing, renewable energy, electronics, transportation equipment, and other fields. EtherCAT, the real-time industrial Ethernet technology promoted by Beckhoff, became a recommended national standard in China in 2014 and is included in the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology’s guidelines on intelligent manufacturing standards.

As a technology-driven company, Beckhoff is widely known as an “innovation engine” in the automation industry. Its PC-based control technology features strong openness and supports all mainstream industrial communication protocols. It merges IT, internet technologies, and automation into a unified platform, helping industries achieve the goals of Industry 4.0 and intelligent manufacturing. The introduction of TwinCAT PLC++ again demonstrates Beckhoff’s commitment to pushing automation software toward a smarter and more efficient future.

Through local collaboration and digital innovation, Schneider Electric is creating a resilient and eco-friendly industrial network across China.

From Manufacturing to Industrial Ecosystems

The industrial landscape in China is undergoing a paradigm shift—from individual manufacturing excellence to collaborative, ecosystem-driven growth.
At the 8th CIIE, Schneider Electric showcased not only its latest automation technologies but also its philosophy of “co-innovation and shared success.”

“Future industries thrive on open collaboration,” said Ding Xiaohong.
“Only by building interconnected ecosystems can we achieve sustainable growth in a digital and low-carbon world.”

Cross-Sector Collaboration for Shared Value

During the Expo, Schneider Electric signed multiple cooperation agreements covering energy, chemicals, water treatment, shipping, and consumer goods sectors.

1.In process industries, partnerships with Qiangsi Digital and Delixin Technology aim to integrate safety systems, energy management, and automation for smarter production.
2.In chemical materials, collaboration with Arkema (China) focuses on developing low-carbon, digital factories.
3.In water treatment, cooperation with Litree leverages Schneider’s full-stack automation solutions—from SCADA and HMI to power components—delivering real, measurable value to global clients.

4.In shipbuilding, Schneider Electric and Blue Future Marine are co-developing digital ship design and electrical systems to advance intelligent marine solutions.
Meanwhile, partnerships with Yanjing Brewery, Jieshun, and Dayi Engineering demonstrate Schneider’s ability to connect traditional industries with modern digital ecosystems.

Sustainability Embedded in Innovation

Schneider Electric’s industrial philosophy combines digital efficiency with environmental responsibility.
Its automation and energy management solutions aim to help manufacturers reduce carbon emissions while maintaining productivity.

For instance, the Altivar 340 drives and Lexium servo systems not only enhance precision but also minimize power losses.
In shipbuilding, smart electrification allows for real-time energy monitoring, while in consumer goods, intelligent packaging lines powered by Schneider systems achieve both cost and energy efficiency.

The goal is clear: transform industrial growth into sustainable growth.

Resilient Supply Chains through Digital Ecosystems

At the “Sustainable Value Chain Transformation” forum, Schneider Electric executives emphasized that data connectivity and ecosystem collaboration are the foundation of supply chain resilience.

“Digitalization is not just about efficiency—it’s about creating sustainable networks,” said Tang Rong.
By integrating software, hardware, and services into a unified digital architecture, Schneider Electric enables partners to build flexible, low-carbon, and intelligent supply chains.

Co-Creating the Future of Industry

From signing cooperation agreements to demonstrating next-generation technologies, Schneider Electric continues to play a pivotal role in shaping China’s industrial evolution.
Its long-term strategy—rooted in local innovation, global collaboration, and sustainability—is helping China’s manufacturing ecosystem grow stronger and greener.

As Schneider Electric envisions, the industrial future will not be built by isolated players but by connected ecosystems that combine intelligence, efficiency, and sustainability.

onsemi’s Vertical GaN Technology Signals a New Phase in High-Voltage Power Electronics

As global demand for electricity accelerates under the weight of AI computing, large-scale cloud infrastructure, electric vehicles, next-generation renewable energy systems, and industrial automation, semiconductor manufacturer onsemi has introduced what it calls one of the most disruptive power technologies of the decade: vertical GaN (vGaN) power devices.

Unlike today’s mainstream GaN devices based on lateral structures and grown on silicon or sapphire substrates, onsemi’s new devices are GaN-on-GaN, allowing current to flow vertically through the semiconductor instead of horizontally along the surface. The company claims this architectural shift enables far higher voltage capability, faster switching, drastically lower energy loss, and dramatically smaller system footprint.

According to onsemi executives, the technology is already sampling in 700-volt and 1200-volt device classes, with a roadmap extending to even higher voltages targeting markets where silicon carbide (SiC) and superjunction MOSFETs are currently dominant.

“Vertical GaN is not just an incremental improvement—it’s a fundamental reset of what high-voltage power semiconductors can deliver,”
said Dinesh Ramanathan, Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy at onsemi.
“As electrification and AI reshape industrial and consumer landscapes, every watt saved translates into lower cost, longer runtime, and more sustainable technology ecosystems.”

Energy Demand from AI and Electrification Is Surging Faster Than the Grid Can Adapt

A decade ago, concerns about energy consumption in computing largely centered on mobile devices and cloud workloads. But with the rapid rise of GPU-based AI training clusters, hyperscale data centers are now consuming as much power as mid-sized cities.

• By 2030, global data centers may require over 1,000 terawatt-hours annually, according to IEA forecasts — more than the entire electricity consumption of Japan today.

• A single AI server can draw 8× more power than a conventional cloud server.

• Next-generation EV platforms require 800-volt architectures, pushing semiconductor voltage and thermal limits.

In parallel, renewable infrastructure is scaling faster than expected:

• More than 50% of global new electricity capacity now comes from solar and wind.

• Grid-scale energy storage (ESS) is growing 30%+ annually, requiring high-efficiency bidirectional conversion.

Across all of these domains, power efficiency has shifted from a cost metric to a strategic bottleneck — and that is the context in which onsemi is introducing vGaN.

Why Vertical GaN Is Different from Conventional GaN

Today’s commercial GaN power devices are primarily lateral GaN grown on silicon substrates, which limits voltage handling capability and requires complex packaging to manage heat. By contrast, onsemi’s GaN-on-GaN vertical structure offers several engineering advantages:

Because GaN is used as both the active layer and substrate, thermal resistance is lower, heat spreads faster, and avalanche reliability improves, solving the biggest weakness of surface GaN devices.

Potential Impact Across Seven High-Power Sectors

onsemi has stated that vGaN is not meant to compete with existing lateral GaN in consumer chargers or small power supplies. Instead, it is positioned for applications where kilowatt- to megawatt-scale efficiency gains deliver direct economic or performance impact.

✅ 1. AI Data Centers

• Enables higher-efficiency 800V DC-DC converters

• Can reduce capacitor & inductor volume by ~50%

• Higher switching frequency means fewer components, lower BOM cost

• Improves rack-level power density, delaying need for new power rooms

✅ 2. Electric Vehicles

• Shrinks drivetrain inverter size by 30–50%

• Improves efficiency, extending EV range per kWh

• Reduces cooling system mass, allowing lighter battery packs

✅ 3. Fast-Charging Infrastructure

• Enables compact 350kW+ ultra-fast chargers

• Replaces SiC in designs requiring extreme switching speeds

• Improves uptime because of lower thermal stress

✅ 4. Renewable Energy Inverters

• Allows higher voltage string in solar / wind systems

• Cuts conversion losses, improving LCOE (Levelized Cost of Energy)

• Smaller magnetics → lower installation weight, faster deployment

✅ 5. Energy Storage Systems (ESS)

• Optimizes bidirectional converters for microgrids

• Raises round-trip efficiency in long-duration BESS

• Reduces cabinet volume in containerized energy storage

✅ 6. Industrial Automation & Robotics

• Smaller, cooler servo drives

• Enables thinner, lighter robotic actuators

• More reliable operation in high-duty-cycle factories

✅ 7. Aerospace & Defense

• High tolerance to radiation and extreme thermal conditions

• Lighter power supplies for avionics, satellites, and electrified aircraft

• High-speed switching improves power-to-weight ratio — a mission-critical metric

130+ Patents and Full Vertical Integration in the U.S.

The technology was developed at onsemi’s Syracuse, New York R&D and manufacturing facility, which the company has been expanding as part of U.S.-based semiconductor supply chain initiatives.
According to internal disclosures:

• vGaN platform already includes 130+ issued and pending patents

• Covers device architecture, epitaxy, packaging, wafer processing, and system topology

• First engineering samples are being evaluated by “top-tier automotive, cloud compute, and renewable OEMs”

The company did not publicly disclose names, but analysts expect early adopters to include Tier-1 EV inverter suppliers and hyperscale cloud operators pursuing liquid-cooled AI power racks.

Industry Analysts: vGaN Could Reshape the SiC vs GaN Landscape

For the past five years, the race to replace silicon in high-power applications has largely centered on silicon carbide (SiC), now widely used in EV inverters and solar inverters. Vertical GaN introduces what analysts call a third path:

“If onsemi reaches volume scaling, vertical GaN may offer the switching speed of GaN with the voltage headroom of SiC, which would be highly disruptive,”
said Mark Fitzgerald, Yole Intelligence Senior Analyst.
“The question is not whether the physics work — they clearly do — but how fast the cost curve drops with high-volume wafers.”

Omdia projects the wide-bandgap power semiconductor market to exceed $12 billion by 2030, with GaN and SiC both growing >30% CAGR. A viable 1200-volt GaN device could shift billions in future design wins.

Technology Challenges and Roadmap

Even with strong performance advantages, vGaN faces several technical and industrial hurdles:

onsemi has confirmed that its first automotive-grade vGaN platform will enter reliability testing in 2025, with full mass production expected between 2026–2027, aligned with next-gen EV platform cycles.

A Turning Point in Power Electronics?

The introduction of vertical GaN arrives at a critical moment: AI workloads, transportation electrification, renewable grids, and storage all depend on breakthroughs in power efficiency, not just compute performance.

The industry has spent decades increasing transistor density and cloud bandwidth, but global infrastructure is now hitting energy ceilings before performance ceilings.

“We are moving into a world where power electronics, not processors, determine the limits of innovation,”
said Ramanathan.
“The future of AI, mobility, and sustainability is directly tied to how efficiently we move electrons.”

For now, onsemi’s vertical GaN technology remains in its early deployment phase — but if adoption follows the trajectory of GaN chargers or SiC in EVs, the company may have positioned itself at the front of the next decade-long materials transition in power semiconductors.

Conclusion

Vertical GaN may represent one of the most consequential advancements in high-voltage power switching since the commercialization of SiC MOSFETs. With its combination of ultra-high voltage capability, megahertz-class switching, reduced thermal load, and compact system integration, the technology is poised to impact the largest electrification markets of the 2030s — from AI supercomputing farms to electric aircraft powertrains.

If onsemi successfully industrializes the platform at competitive cost, the power electronics sector may witness a reshaping not just of component choice, but of infrastructure scaling economics — where power density becomes the new Moore’s Law.

Shanghai, China – October 27, 2025 — As digitalization and smart manufacturing reshape the industrial landscape, global automation and software leader Emerson (NYSE: EMR) announced its participation as a key sponsor at the 2025 NAMUR China Annual Conference, scheduled for October 29–30 in Shanghai. The event will gather over 200 experts, executives, and technology providers to exchange insights on process industry automation and intelligent operations.

Conference Opening: Gathering Industry Leaders to Discuss Automation

The NAMUR China Annual Conference, organized by the International Users Association for Automation in Process Industries (NAMUR), has become one of Asia’s most influential professional events in industrial automation. With the theme “Intelligent Operations and Sustainable Development,” the conference provides a platform for sharing advanced technologies and practical experiences.

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

“The NAMUR China Annual Conference serves as a bridge for industry collaboration, promoting technological innovation and best practices. We are delighted to have Emerson’s support, and we look forward to exploring pathways for smart and autonomous operations together.”

Keynotes and technical sessions will cover automation architecture, industrial AI applications, asset management, and data security, providing actionable insights for process industries.

Emerson Highlights: Industrial AI and Autonomous Operation Technologies

During the conference, Duncan Schleiss, Vice President of Process Systems and Solutions at Emerson, delivered a keynote titled “Industrial AI-Driven Automation: The Path to Autonomous Operations.” He shared Emerson’s latest strategies and innovations in intelligent automation, emphasizing the integration of industrial AI with next-generation automation architectures.

“With increasing demands for safety, efficiency, and sustainability, industrial intelligence and autonomous operations are becoming critical. Emerson’s solutions turn data into actionable insights, enhancing plant performance and operational resilience,” said Schleiss.

Emerson’s Enterprise Operations Platform (EOP) is a major focus at the event. Built on software-defined control, industrial AI, and zero-trust cybersecurity, the platform integrates traditional automation systems with modern digital technologies. It enables end-to-end data integration, predictive analytics, and intelligent decision-making across production, energy, and safety domains.

Wang Yifeng, President of Emerson China, emphasized:

“Manufacturers require intelligent systems that are both reliable and flexible. Emerson’s EOP platform, coupled with AI, delivers autonomous operation capabilities, predictive maintenance, and overall plant optimization, driving higher productivity and sustainability.”

Industry Significance: Advancing Digitalization and Sustainability

The NAMUR China Annual Conference not only facilitates technical knowledge sharing but also serves as a catalyst for digital transformation across the process industry. Emerson’s solutions allow companies to optimize production, energy management, and equipment performance while meeting sustainability objectives.

Dai remarked:

“Automation technology enhances operational efficiency and provides smart solutions for complex challenges. Emerson’s involvement demonstrates how a global leader empowers process industries in China through innovative technology.”

On-site demonstrations include:

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

• AMS asset management and machinery health software for FDI-enabled integration;

• Ethernet-APL technology for advanced field instrument connectivity;

• AI-driven remote autonomous operation solutions;

• DeltaV™ Distributed Control System and Bluetooth-enabled HART instruments.

These exhibits highlight Emerson’s commitment to enabling digital transformation and intelligent operations in the process industry.

Future Outlook: A New Era of Intelligent Autonomous Operations

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

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

The 2025 NAMUR China Annual Conference provides Emerson an ideal platform to showcase innovations, share knowledge, and highlight its strategic vision for autonomous and AI-driven process industry operations worldwide.

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. Emerson combines innovation, reliability, and sustainability to help enterprises achieve digital transformation, enhance production efficiency, and meet long-term development goals.

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″

Subtitle: Integrated motor-drive design delivers 30% efficiency gains, accelerating green transformation in water sector

Policy and Market Forces Propel Energy Efficiency Revolution

The water industry faces a critical challenge: pumping systems consume over 90% of sector electricity, and traditional drive solutions can no longer meet modern efficiency demands.

ABB’s LV Titanium VSM variable speed motor arrives as a transformative solution. This integrated motor-drive system combines permanent magnet motor technology with sophisticated control in a single compact unit.

Engineering Breakthrough: The Power of Integration
The VSM’s core innovation lies in its unified design. Unlike conventional systems that pair separate components, the VSM engineers the motor and drive as one coherent system.

Permanent magnet technology eliminates rotor magnetization losses, maintaining exceptional efficiency across variable loads. The integrated drive provides precise control without external cabinets or complex wiring.

Performance That Transforms Operations
With speeds reaching 4500 rpm and system efficiency gains up to 30%, the VSM delivers tangible performance benefits. Its compact design fits seamlessly into space-constrained retrofit projects, while plug-and-play functionality slashes installation time by up to 70%.

Digital Intelligence for Smart Water Management
The VSM serves as a smart node in connected water networks. Built-in sensors monitor key parameters – current consumption, motor speed, temperature, and pressure – transmitting data via standard protocols like Modbus. This enables predictive maintenance and optimized system performance.

Economic and Environmental Impact
Consider a typical 7.5 kW pump: the VSM can save over $1,700 annually while reducing CO2 emissions by approximately 14 tons. For facilities with multiple pumps, these savings multiply rapidly, delivering compelling returns within two years.

Conclusion: A New Era for Water Infrastructure
The ABB LV Titanium VSM represents more than product innovation – it embodies a fundamental shift toward integrated, intelligent water management. By delivering superior efficiency, simplified deployment, and actionable intelligence, this technology empowers the water sector to overcome longstanding energy challenges and build a more sustainable future.

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

Policy Tailwinds Meet Technological Breakthrough: ABB’s VSM Integrated Drive Pries Open a Multi-Billion Dollar Water Efficiency Retrofit Market

Introduction:
China’s water sector stands at a historic crossroads. On one side is the pressure to save energy and reduce consumption under the “Dual Carbon” goals and the need to update aging infrastructure. On the other is a strong tailwind of national policy support and substantial financial backing. A massive market opportunity has formed. In this context, ABB’s recent launch of the LV Titanium VSM integrated drive, with its standout features of “plug-and-play” and “high efficiency,” arrives as a timely “key leverage point” to pry open this multi-billion dollar market. It is not just a product but a “golden key” helping water utilities, integrators, and government departments accurately seize policy opportunities, efficiently complete equipment updates, and achieve a win-win situation for both economic and environmental benefits.

I. Policy Tailwinds: Charting a Clear Market Roadmap with Financial Assurance

Any large-scale infrastructure upgrade requires guidance and impetus from top-level design. The Chinese government’s resolve regarding urban renewal and municipal equipment updates has drawn a clear and urgent roadmap for the water industry.

1. Top-Level Directive: The 2020 “Guidance from the General Office of the State Council on Comprehensively Promoting the Renovation of Old Urban Residential Communities”明确 (clarified) the task of basically completing the renovation of old urban communities built before the end of 2000 by the end of the “14th Five-Year Plan” period (end of 2025). Water supply facilities, as basic renovation content, are a priority and a mandatory item.

2. Action Plan: The “Implementation Plan for Promoting the Renewal of Building and Municipal Infrastructure Equipment” issued this March provides a more specific and rigid timetable—by 2027, update and renovate water supply, drainage, and other equipment that does not meet current energy conservation, environmental protection, and safety standards. This sets a clear countdown for the entire industry.

3. Financial Escort: Policies are not just documents; they are accompanied by special fund support and tax incentives. This means that water companies and project implementers can receive substantial financial subsidies for equipment updates, significantly lowering the investment threshold and financial pressure. This series of measures sends a strong and clear signal: energy-saving renovations in the water industry have changed from an “option” to a “mandatory task,” and policy has swept away market obstacles and paved the way.

II. Market Pain Points: The “Persistent Problems” of Traditional Retrofits

Although policy direction is clear, the traditional retrofit path faced by implementers is full of challenges, especially in the numerous, space-constrained, and demanding non-stop construction environments of old residential secondary water supply pump rooms:

• Space Constraints: Many old pump rooms are狭小 (narrow), making it difficult to accommodate new frequency control cabinets and large traditional motor units.

• Complex Installation: Traditional split solutions require complex electrical wiring, system integration, and commissioning, needing professional engineers on site, resulting in long工期 (construction periods) and high labor costs.

• Efficiency Bottlenecks: Even after replacing a single high-efficiency motor or adding a VFD, overall efficiency gains often fall short of expectations due to system matching issues, failing to maximize energy savings and policy subsidies.

• Lack of Intelligence: Traditional equipment struggles to connect to smart water platforms, unable to achieve data collection and remote management, falling behind the industry’s digital transformation trend.

These pain points severely hinder the rapid realization of policy dividends and the effective release of market demand.

III. The VSM Integrated Drive: A Market-Ready Solution for Precise Breakthroughs

The design philosophy of the ABB VSM integrated drive seems tailor-made to solve the above market pain points, and its value is infinitely magnified by the policy tailwinds.

• Solving the Space Problem: Its compact integrated design, with a volume more than two frame sizes smaller than traditional solutions, allows for “direct replacement” on the original motor base, requiring no pump room expansion—perfectly solving the most (thorny) space issue in old community renovations.

• Simplifying Installation, Seizing the Policy Window: “Plug-and-Play” is its biggest selling point. The device is fully commissioned ex-factory, requiring only simple piping and power connections on-site, drastically shortening installation time (from days to hours) and reducing the need for highly skilled labor. This allows project implementers to respond quickly, deploy in bulk, complete more renovation tasks efficiently within the policy window, and quickly achieve scale benefits.

• Ensuring Energy Savings, Maximizing ROI: The VSM unit, through system-level efficient integration, guarantees a hardcore 30% overall efficiency improvement. This means users can stably achieve expected electricity savings and clearly calculate carbon reduction, making it easier to apply for and obtain government subsidies and tax incentives based on actual efficiency. A clear return on investment model (e.g., RMB 12,600 saved annually for a 7.5kW pump) simplifies decision-making.

• Built-in Digital DNA, Embracing a Smart Future: Standard communication interfaces make it a natural entry point for smart water. The renovated pump station is no longer an information island; its operational data can be directly uploaded to the management platform, laying the foundation for remote monitoring, intelligent dispatch, early warning, and predictive maintenance, meeting policy requirements for intelligent upgrades.

IV. Ecological Win-Win: Reshaping Value Distribution in the Industry Chain

The emergence of the VSM integrated drive is also changing the ecosystem of the water efficiency retrofit market. Water utilities gain a tool for cost reduction and efficiency gain; government agencies see a path to efficiently achieve policy goals; for engineering integrators and installers, it意味着 (means) an optimization of their business model—they can free themselves from tedious system integration and debugging work, focus more on market development, project management, and customer service, undertake more projects with lower cost and risk, and improve profit margins and sustainability.

Conclusion:
The launch of the ABB LV Titanium VSM integrated drive is a perfect alignment of technological product and market timing. It accurately captures and responds to the huge market demand generated under strong water policy drivers, using highly targeted product features to solve the core obstacles to规模化推广 (large-scale promotion). It is evolving from a technological product into a market tool, a key vehicle helping all participants seize policy dividends and achieve commercial and social value. Its market success will belong not only to ABB but to the entire ecosystem that seizes this historic opportunity for water efficiency renovation. A green transformation guided by government, driven by technology, and responded to by the market is quietly taking root and sprouting in countless pump rooms across the country through such innovative products.

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