ABB Reshapes Its Automation Portfolio
Following the announcement of the divestment of its robotics division to SoftBank Group, ABB has revealed a major structural shift within its organization. The Machine Automation division, previously part of the Robotics & Discrete Automation business area, will transition into the Process Automation business area. This strategic move, scheduled to take effect in the fourth quarter of 2025, signals ABB’s commitment to aligning its automation capabilities more closely with evolving industrial needs.
Strengthening Synergies Across Industrial Segments
By integrating Machine Automation into the Process Automation business area, ABB aims to create deeper technological synergies that unify automation, electrification, and digitalization. The new structure will allow customers in process and hybrid industries to access a more comprehensive and seamlessly connected portfolio. This alignment supports ABB’s vision of enabling smarter, cleaner, and more efficient industrial operations worldwide.
Leadership Transition and Strategic Direction
In conjunction with this reorganization, ABB announced a leadership update within the Machine Automation division. Florian Schneeberger, who has served as Chief Technology Officer since 2022, has been appointed as the new Division President, succeeding Joerg Theis, who is leaving the company to pursue new opportunities. Schneeberger brings extensive expertise in automation and digital technologies, positioning him to guide the division through this transformative phase.
Commitment to Innovation and Customer Value
Florian Schneeberger emphasized ABB’s continued dedication to innovation, stating that Machine Automation’s deep expertise in machine and factory automation perfectly complements ABB’s strengths in process and hybrid industries. With pioneering technology developed in Eggelsberg, Austria, the division aims to deliver differentiated, high-performance solutions that help global industries operate leaner, cleaner, and more efficiently.
Building on a Strong Legacy
This integration builds on the legacy established through ABB’s 2017 acquisition of B&R, which has since become the cornerstone of the Machine Automation division. The move reinforces ABB’s long-term strategy to unify advanced automation technologies under a single, cohesive business area—enhancing flexibility, innovation, and scalability for industrial customers across the globe.
Conclusion: A Unified Future for Automation
ABB’s decision to merge Machine Automation into the Process Automation business area marks a pivotal step toward a more integrated and technology-driven industrial future. By combining expertise, leadership, and innovation, ABB is positioning itself as a stronger, more agile partner for industries seeking intelligent, sustainable automation solutions.