ABB And IBM Partner in Industrial Artificial Intelligence Solutions

ABB And IBM Partner in Industrial Artificial Intelligence Solutions

April 26, 2017

A strategic collaboration between ABB and IBM will bring together ABB’s digital offering, ABB Ability, with IBM Watson Internet of Things’ cognitive capabilities to unlock new value for customers in utilities, industry, and transport and infrastructure.

The new suite of solutions developed by ABB and IBM will help companies address some of their biggest industrial challenges, such as improving quality control, reducing downtime, and increasing speed and yield of industrial processes. These solutions will move beyond current connected systems that simply gather data, to cognitive industrial machines that use data to understand, sense, reason and take actions supporting workers to help eliminate inefficient processes and redundant tasks.

“This powerful combination marks truly the next level of industrial technology, moving beyond current connected systems that simply gather data, to industrial operations and machines that use data to sense, analyze, optimize and take actions that drive greater uptime, speed and yield for industrial customers,” says ABB CEO Ulrich Spiesshofer. “With an installed base of 70 million connected devices, 70,000 digital control systems and 6,000 enterprise software solutions, ABB is a trusted leader in the industrial space, and has a four decade long history of creating digital solutions for customers. IBM is a leader in artificial intelligence and cognitive computing. Together, IBM and ABB will create powerful solutions for customers to benefit from the Fourth Industrial Revolution.”

Bringing real-time cognitive insights to smart grids ABB and IBM will apply Watson’s capabilities to predict supply patterns in electricity generation and demand from historical and weather data, to help utilities optimize the operation and maintenance of mart grids, which are facing greater complexity created by a new combination of conventional and renewable power sources. Forecasts of temperature, sunshine and wind speed will be used to predict consumption demand, which will help utilities determine optimal load management as well as real-time pricing.

Bringing real-time cognitive insights to the factory floor ABB and IBM will leverage Watson’s artificial intelligence to help find defects via real-time production images that are captured through an ABB system, and then analyzed using IBM Watson IoT for Manufacturing. Previously, these inspections were done manually, which was often a slow and error-prone process.

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • EFC: The Voice of Standards and Code Development

    EFC: The Voice of Standards and Code Development

    July 30, 2025 By Electro-Federation Canada Electro-Federation Canada (EFC) plays a vital role in shaping the regulatory and technical landscape of Canada’s electrical and automation sectors. Through active participation on key strategic and technical committees, EFC represents the collective interests of its members and ensures that the development of standards and codes is informed by… Read More…

  • Bold, Programmable Lighting Upgrade Helps Draw Visitors to Chinook Centre in Calgary

    Bold, Programmable Lighting Upgrade Helps Draw Visitors to Chinook Centre in Calgary

    July 30, 2025 Chinook Centre Can Now Brightly Celebrate Local Events, Holidays & Causes with New Thematic Exterior LED Lighting  The CF Chinook Centre (more commonly known as Chinook Centre) was always destined to be a major destination point for Calgary. Opened in 1965, it is conveniently located near the city center and is only 20 minutes from… Read More…

  • Electrical Devices GFCI Safety Outlet Sold at Home Hardware Recalled due to Fire Hazard

    Electrical Devices GFCI Safety Outlet Sold at Home Hardware Recalled due to Fire Hazard

    July 25, 2025 Product: Electrical Devices GFCI Safety Outlet sold at Home Hardware Issue: Consumer products – Fire hazard What to do: Immediately stop using the recalled products, contact Unison Ridge for instructions on how to uninstall and return them to any Home Hardware store for a refund. This recall involves three white coloured models… Read More…

  • Grounded in Ontario: Episode 18 – Meter Bases – Bonding, Safety, and Section 10 Changes

    Grounded in Ontario: Episode 18 – Meter Bases – Bonding, Safety, and Section 10 Changes

    July 24, 2025 ESA Technical Advisor, Trevor Tremblay, reveals how meter bases can go from  simple to seriously risky if installed incorrectly. As code enforcement around meter bases ramps up, contractors must stay sharp, read all rules carefully (especially those “notwithstanding” clauses), and double-check labeling. With the right education and planning, the transition can be… Read More…


Changing Scene

  • BC Hydro Making it Easier and More Affordable to Connect New Homes

    BC Hydro Making it Easier and More Affordable to Connect New Homes

    July 24, 2025 BC Hydro is supporting the construction of new housing developments in growing communities by advancing changes to streamline upgrades and reducing the cost of new customer connections to BC Hydro’s electricity grid. “As communities across B.C. grow, so does the need for essential housing. We are committed to ensuring we’re ready to… Read More…

  • Mitrex Sets Record with Largest BIPV Solar Panel Mural at SunRise Residential in Edmonton

    Mitrex Sets Record with Largest BIPV Solar Panel Mural at SunRise Residential in Edmonton

    July 22, 2025 Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) manufacturer, Mitrex proudly announces that its transformative SunRise Residential project in Edmonton, Alberta, has earned the Guinness World Record for the largest solar panel mural globally. This landmark project showcases Mitrex’s innovative BIPV solar panels, blending cutting-edge solar technology with vibrant cultural artistry to redefine sustainable architecture. Sustainable Architecture with BIPV Spanning over 30,000 square feet, the Mitrex eFacade PRO plus… Read More…

  • Nexans Unveils a Cable Made with 100% Recycled Materials

    Nexans Unveils a Cable Made with 100% Recycled Materials

    July 24, 2025 Nexans has reached a major milestone in its sustainability journey by developing a prototype cable made entirely from recycled materials — a first in the company’s history. This innovation combines technical performance, industrial feasibility, and a drastically reduced environmental footprint, marking a decisive step forward in circular economy. A cross-continental success story… Read More…

  • EFC Welcomes New Manufacturer Member: MGM Transformers

    EFC Welcomes New Manufacturer Member: MGM Transformers

    July 24, 2025 Since 1974, MGM Transformers has produced tough and trusted transformers designed to get the job done right. As a leading manufacturer, the company employs a highly experienced and dedicated engineering team that excels in custom designs. MGM Transformers is committed to excellent quality and service, offering industry-leading lead times and exceptional customer service. MGM Transformers specializes… Read More…