TAGS: #industrial automation #PLC #DCS #control systems #factory automation #robotics spin-off #ABB Robotics #smart manufacturing
ABB Announces Robot Maker Unit Spin-Off
ABB plans to spin off its robotics business into an independent, publicly traded company in Q2 2026. The shareholders will receive shares proportionally as a dividend. With this, ABB is well-positioned to reinforce its leadership in industrial automation and robotics solutions.
Focused Governance and Strategic Growth
"Independent listing increases value creation for our customers, business growth, and acquisition of talents," said Peter Voser, Chairman of ABB. "A focused governance structure and optimized capital allocation will be of immense benefits for ABB and the new robotics company."
Robotics Unit: Driving Smart Automation Solutions
ABB Robotics delivers intelligent automation solutions that increase production efficiency, enhance flexibility, and simplify processes. Using autonomous mobile robots, software, artificial intelligence, and industry expertise, the unit addresses labor shortages and sustainability challenges. Today, over 80% of its products integrate AI and software capability.
Value Enhancement via Market Differentiation
"Robotics has very specific market requirements, different from all other units of ABB," explained CEO Martin Vetterli. "A spin-off will allow both companies to best fulfill their value-creation potential." With a solid base across manufacturing industries and emerging ones, ABB Robotics offers differentiated automation at complex operations.
Financial Performance and Resilience of Markets
Under the ABB Way vertical operating model, since 2019, ABB Robotics has reported double-digit profit margins during most quarters. Although temporary supply chain-driven fluctuations occurred within its orders, new order growth resulted from market stabilization. In 2024, this unit generated $2.3 billion in revenue, with an EBITDA margin of 12.1%, which accounted for approximately 7% of ABB Group revenue.
Global Production Footprint and Workforce
ABB Robotics employs approximately 7,000 staff and operates regional production centers in Europe (Sweden), Asia (China), and the Americas (USA). The spin-off will leverage strong capital structure, solid cash flow, and localized operations to ensure sustainable growth.
Mechanical Automation for Synergy Integration
Starting from Q1 2026, ABB's mechanical automation business will be integrated into the process automation division. The integration will pave the way for much closer collaboration in PLC and DCS, IPC (industrial PC), servo motion, conveyor systems, and vision software to drive gains in efficiency and productivity in hybrid industries. The strategic continuity is ensured by ABB's Way operating model under the management of separate business departments.
Author's Perspective: Robotics Spin-Off as the Trend in Industrial Automation
The key trend in industrial automation is the separation of high-growth robotics units. For companies, this means creating focused, agile operations with strong links back to legacy control systems. The ABB spin-off demonstrates how industrial automation expertise, including PLC, DCS, and factory automation, provides new investment and innovation opportunities.
Application Scenarios: Standalone Robotics Firm
Intelligent factory automation, smart production solutions.
Autonomous mobile robots, integrated with AI-driven control systems.
Flexible automation for labor-intensive and sustainability-focused industries. Improved industrial IoT monitoring with integrated robotics and PLC/DCS systems.