ABB and Ericsson Pave the Way for Digital Transformation of Industries

January 29, 2020

During WEF 2020, world leaders will witness the potential of no-latency communication enabled by 5G. At the Congress Center in Davos, Switzerland, an ABB YuMi collaborative robot will carve a message in a sandbox that will be replicated at the same time by a second YuMi robot located 1.5 km away.

The simultaneous action will be enabled through Swisscom’s 5G network equipped with Ericsson technology in real-time and viewed on video screens at both locations. Based on a multi-year technical collaboration, ABB and Ericsson have developed the fundamental technologies needed to connect machines via a 5G mobile network.

“ABB will continue to drive the digital transformation of industries by investing in developing innovative solutions and products. Our partnership with Ericsson and Swisscom helps us to seize the full potential of 5G for industrial manufacturing” said Peter Voser, ABB CEO and Chairman. Sami Atiya, President of ABB’s Robotics and Discrete Automation business said: “5G wireless technologies make it easier to connect robots to the cloud and factory automation systems, enabling faster access to more data and better decision-making based on insights which will help improve efficiency and reliability through the entire production cycle.  As we replace traditional wire set-ups with 5G mobile networks, we can significantly increase flexibility in manufacturing.”

”5G technology partnerships across business, government and society are key to developing the digital economy. By embracing and enabling such partnerships, new digital opportunities can be realized to benefit the global economy, national economies, and businesses of all sizes,” said Börje Ekholm, President and CEO, Ericsson.

Urs Schaeppi, CEO Swisscom, said: “The joint demo uses our live 5G network in Davos to give a glimpse of the capabilities and various possibilities of 5G for manufacturing and robotics. The time is now to step into 5G.”

With this technology the companies pave the way for the highest flexibility for machines on the factory floor. Utilizing 5G networks, the deployment and operations of large fleets of autonomous machines and robots will become a reality.

A significant benefit from 5G in industrial environments is that instead of a single control/single purpose operating approach, multi-machines can be controlled by one central resource, reducing the cost of managing and maintaining OT as well as IT systems, on a global basis.

ABB is continuously working towards autonomous industries across customer segments. For example, as a world’s first, ABB enabled a ferry to be remote-controlled across the Helsinki harbor at the end of 2018. 5G is an enabling technology that will help drive digital transformation of industries, increasing productivity, efficiency and quality in manufacturing worldwide.

Source

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Virtual Training for Electricians Available at Many IBEW Canada Training Centres Across the Country

    Virtual Training for Electricians Available at Many IBEW Canada Training Centres Across the Country

    June 23, 2025 Virtual Training for Electricians (VET) is now available at many IBEW Canada Training Centres nationwide — and more are coming online soon! Whether your centre is already equipped or in the process of setting up, this is a game-changing opportunity you won’t want to miss. Need assistance? Let the NETCO team know!… Read More…

  • Designing for Demand: The Role of Transformers in a Resilient EV Future

    Designing for Demand: The Role of Transformers in a Resilient EV Future

    June 23, 2025 Transformers in the EV Charging Boom: Are We Ready for the Load? As electric vehicles (EVs) continue their rapid rise, one question looms over the energy sector, municipalities, and developers alike: Is our infrastructure truly ready for the surge in demand? From city streets to highway rest stops, new EV chargers are… Read More…

  • The Time is Now: An Industrial Energy Efficiency Action Plan

    The Time is Now: An Industrial Energy Efficiency Action Plan

    June 23, 2025 In a whitepaper released on June third, ABB has set out the scale of the challenge facing the global industrial sector and emphasizes the critical role of industrial energy efficiency in meeting rising energy demand while strengthening energy security & affordability and driving industrial competitiveness. With 45% of the world’s electricity converted… Read More…

  • Multi-Family Construction Intentions Weigh Down Residential Sector

    Multi-Family Construction Intentions Weigh Down Residential Sector

    June 23, 2025 In April, the total value of building permits issued in Canada decreased by $829.6 million (-6.6%) to $11.7 billion. British Columbia (-$1.2 billion) led this decrease in construction intentions, which was mitigated by Ontario (+$299.3 million). On a constant dollar basis (2023=100), the total value of building permits issued in April fell by 6.6% from the previous… Read More…


Changing Scene

  • Stanpro Makes Significant Donation to Help Haven on the Queensway Move to a Larger Facility

    Stanpro Makes Significant Donation to Help Haven on the Queensway Move to a Larger Facility

    June 23, 2025 In an effort to provide essential resources to individuals and families in need in the GTA, EFC members once again stepped up to support Haven on the Queensway, a community resource centre in Etobicoke, ON. Earlier this year, Haven secured a new, larger location nearby its existing facility to meet growing demand… Read More…

  • Metalumen Manufacturing, Inc. Announces NRG INTENSI-T as New Sales Agency in Quebec

    Metalumen Manufacturing, Inc. Announces NRG INTENSI-T as New Sales Agency in Quebec

    June 23, 2025 Metalumen Manufacturing, Inc. is pleased to welcome NRG INTENSI-T as its new sales agency for the Quebec region. This partnership strengthens regional support and reflects a shared commitment to innovation and excellence. Since 1977, Metalumen has been designing, engineering, and manufacturing lighting products that blend functionality with design, offering luminaires tailored to… Read More…

  • IDEAL Electrical™ and BILT® Make it Easier to Learn Conduit Bending

    IDEAL Electrical™ and BILT® Make it Easier to Learn Conduit Bending

    June 23, 2025 Conduit bending – one of the hardest skills for professional electricians to master – is now easier than ever to learn, thanks to a first-of-its kind partnership between BILT, an app that has revolutionized step-by-step interactive instructions for DIYers and IDEAL Electrical, a 108-year old manufacturer of electrical tools and supplies for professional electricians…. Read More…

  • Introducing the New WAGO App: Your Jobsite Sidekick

    Introducing the New WAGO App: Your Jobsite Sidekick

    WAGO at your fingertips — scan the QR to get the app now. Stay connected with WAGO wherever you go. Download the WAGO App to access product details, documentation, configuration tools, as well as local distributors — all from your mobile device. Scan the QR code to get started on the App Store or Google… Read More…