TAGS：#ndustrial automation #ABB power technology #AI data centers #control systems #PLC #DCS #data center automation
Strategic Collaboration Strengthens Industrial Automation for Digital Infrastructure
ABB has expanded its power technology partnership with Applied Digital, aiming to support the rapid growth of AI-ready data centers. This collaboration focuses on delivering reliable, scalable, and energy-efficient electrical infrastructure to meet rising compute demands. Moreover, the partnership reflects how industrial automation expertise now plays a critical role beyond traditional factories.
Rising Demand for AI-Ready Data Centers Drives Innovation
The global expansion of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and high-performance workloads places unprecedented pressure on data center power systems. Therefore, operators require solutions that ensure uptime, efficiency, and fast deployment.
ABB brings decades of experience in industrial automation, control systems, and power distribution, which directly address these challenges. In addition, Applied Digital contributes deep knowledge of data center development and operations, creating a balanced partnership.
Power Technology as the Foundation of AI Infrastructure
ABB’s scope includes advanced power distribution, protection, and automation technologies. These solutions help data centers manage high-density loads while maintaining operational stability. As a result, facilities can scale capacity without compromising safety or reliability.
Although data centers differ from factories, they rely on similar principles. PLC-based automation, intelligent control systems, and real-time monitoring ensure predictable performance under dynamic loads.
Integration of Control Systems and Automation Expertise
ABB’s power technologies integrate seamlessly with supervisory control platforms and digital monitoring tools. This approach mirrors proven architectures used in factory automation and DCS environments.
Moreover, standardized automation reduces commissioning time and simplifies lifecycle management. Operators gain better visibility into energy usage, fault conditions, and system performance, which supports long-term operational efficiency.
Author Insight: Industrial Automation Expands into Digital Infrastructure
From an industry perspective, this partnership highlights a clear trend. Industrial automation vendors increasingly serve data centers as critical infrastructure, not just manufacturing plants.
AI workloads behave like complex industrial processes. They demand stable power, fast response, and predictive monitoring. Therefore, applying factory automation principles to data centers makes both technical and economic sense.
Reliability and Sustainability Remain Core Priorities
Energy efficiency and sustainability also influence data center design decisions. ABB’s power technologies support optimized energy flow and reduced losses. Consequently, operators can lower operating costs while aligning with environmental targets.
This focus strengthens trust in the partnership, as both companies emphasize proven technologies rather than experimental solutions.
Practical Application Scenarios
Hyperscale AI Data Centers
ABB power systems support high-density compute clusters requiring resilient and redundant power architectures.
Edge and Modular Data Centers
Standardized automation enables faster deployment and easier scaling in distributed locations.
Energy-Optimized Operations
Integrated monitoring allows operators to balance performance with energy efficiency in real time.
Conclusion: Industrial Automation Shapes the Future of Data Centers
ABB’s expanded partnership with Applied Digital demonstrates how industrial automation, control systems, and power technology now shape next-generation data centers. By combining reliable electrical infrastructure with automation expertise, the collaboration supports AI growth while maintaining operational discipline.
This development confirms that lessons learned from PLC, DCS, and factory automation environments increasingly define best practices in digital infrastructure.