ABB’s $20 Million Expansion: Advancing Robotics and AI in Michigan’s Manufacturing Hub
ABB Ltd. has unveiled a $20 million expansion at its Auburn Hills, Michigan headquarters, increasing floor space by 30% to support new robotics innovations. This move is part of a broader $170 million investment in ABB’s U.S. operations, aimed at enhancing automation and artificial intelligence capabilities across various industries. The expansion includes a customer experience center and training facilities, catering to the growing demand for automation solutions. This strategic investment not only boosts ABB’s product offerings but also creates over 70 high-skill jobs, reinforcing Michigan’s advanced manufacturing sector and addressing critical labor shortages and sustainability needs.
ABB Ltd., a leader in the robotics industry, recently inaugurated an expanded manufacturing and training facility at its North American headquarters located in Auburn Hills, Michigan. This $20 million enhancement increases the center’s floor space by 30%, aligning with ABB’s broader $170 million investment strategy in its electrification and automation sectors throughout the United States. The expansion introduces a new customer experience center, additional training areas, enhanced production capabilities, and upgraded workspaces for employees. It also supports the launch of ABB’s innovative midsize robot arm and the OmniCore controller, offering a 20% improvement in energy efficiency and superior motion capabilities.
This expansion responds to the surging demand for automation and artificial intelligence in various industries, aiming to reduce costs and mitigate the impact of labor shortages. While the automotive sector remains the largest consumer of robots, its share of sales at the Auburn Hills site has decreased from over 80% to about 40%, making room for rapid growth in logistics, warehousing, and the medical field.
Sami Atiya, president of ABB’s Robotics and Discrete Automation Business, emphasized the critical role of robotics and AI in addressing labor shortages, ensuring supply chain localization, and enhancing sustainability. With advancements making robots more accessible, businesses are poised to increase their competitiveness and resilience. Currently, approximately 10% of ABB’s new robots are AI-equipped, a figure expected to climb sharply, especially for applications requiring adaptability to dynamic environments. ABB’s AI expertise was further solidified by acquiring Sevensense Robotics AG, a Swiss company specializing in AI-driven 3D vision navigation for autonomous mobile robots, following an initial investment in 2021.
The facility’s expansion signifies ABB’s dedication to sustained growth in the U.S. market, anticipated to match the global robotics industry’s growth rate of 8% CAGR. The Auburn Hills site manufactures around 90% of ABB’s robots delivered to the Americas. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer highlighted the investment’s role in creating over 70 high-skill jobs, reinforcing Michigan’s position in advanced manufacturing, and contributing to more efficient supply chains and reduced production delays. ABB’s Auburn Hills location will collaborate with three other specialist centers in the U.S. to provide comprehensive support across various sectors and is set to train approximately 5,000 individuals annually, primarily customers’ employees.
In conclusion, the expansion of ABB Ltd.’s robotics center in Auburn Hills, Michigan, represents a significant step forward in the company’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and workforce development in the United States. By investing $20 million to enhance its manufacturing and training capabilities, ABB is poised to meet the increasing demand for advanced robotics and artificial intelligence solutions across various sectors. This strategic investment not only underscores ABB’s dedication to driving technological advancement and operational efficiency but also contributes to the broader goal of reinforcing the U.S. as a leader in the global advanced manufacturing landscape. Furthermore, the creation of over 70 high-skill jobs through this expansion highlights ABB’s role in stimulating economic growth and addressing labor shortages. As the company continues to integrate AI into its offerings and expand its market reach, ABB’s Auburn Hills facility is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of robotics and automation, ensuring that businesses remain competitive in an ever-evolving technological landscape.
