ABB Robotics’ Research and Development center in China has been recognized by the Shanghai Government for its technological innovation and R&D capabilities. To be recognized, an R&D center must be established by global investors in Shanghai, operate at a global level and play a key role in global R&D projects and create unique technology innovation.
At the Recognition Ceremony held on May 24, 2021, Rui Liang, Head of ABB Robotics in China, received the honor from Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng. This is the first time the government has recognized the R&D of global companies in Shanghai, in order to encourage international investors to set up research and development centers in the city and enhance the positioning of the metropolis as a global scientific and technological innovation center.
“Our R&D in China is a cornerstone of our innovation ecosystem. It supports our focus on advancing the future of robotics and unlocking automation for our customers,” said Sami Atiya, President of ABB’s Robotics and Discrete Automation business. “We are pleased with the recognition of our technology leadership in the world’s largest robotics market and will continue to go from strength to strength, when our new factory and R&D center opens in Shanghai next year. Our investment will boost the development of China’s robotics industry and support smart manufacturing for our customers.”
The next stage of ABB’s business development in China is the creation of the world’s most advanced robotics factory. The factory, to be located in Shanghai and representing a total investment of $150 million, is due to open in 2022. It represents the next level of ABB Robotics manufacturing technology, deploying the latest manufacturing processes, including machine learning, digital and collaborative solutions. It will be the most advanced, automated and flexible factory in the robotics industry worldwide – a center where robots make robots.
The new factory will host an onsite research and development center, which will help accelerate innovations in Artificial Intelligence. The center will serve as an open innovation hub where ABB collaborates with its customers to co-develop automation solutions, greatly enhancing ABB’s innovation capability and speeding product development.
ABB Robotics entered China in 1994 and the R&D center opened in Shanghai in 2005. ABB is the first multinational robot supplier in China to localize its full value chain, from R&D, manufacturing, sales, engineering and system integration to service.
For 16 years, ABB Robotics’ research and development team in Shanghai has been dedicated to continuous innovation, contributing to the development of a range of world-leading products, from its first locally developed robot IRB 120 in 2009, to the world’s fastest four-axis palletizing robot IRB 460 in 2011 and the world’s first truly collaborative dual-arm robot YuMi® in 2015, to our next-generation cobots GoFaTM and SWIFTITM launched on February 24 this year.
Main Photo: Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng (on the left) and Rui Liang, Head of ABB Robotics in China, at the Regocnition Ceremony.