• ABB’s latest investment will accelerate research and development capabilities in software engineering and artificial intelligence-based applications, including machine learning and vision.
• The acquired company will serve as a new R&D center to accelerate the development of artificial intelligence solutions for ABB's Machinery Automation Business Unit (B&R), focusing on industries such as logistics and manufacturing.

ABB announced on January 18 that it had agreed to acquire a majority stake in software service provider Meshmind to expand its research and development capabilities in the fields of artificial intelligence, industrial Internet of Things and machine vision. Through this acquisition, ABB will integrate engineering talent, artificial intelligence and software knowledge to form a new global R&D center to further accelerate the development of innovative automation solutions for its Machinery Automation Business Unit (B&R).

An Shiming, President of ABB Group's Robotics and Discrete Automation Division, said: "Artificial intelligence-driven robots and automation can drive industry change and provide enterprises with greater flexibility and intelligence amid key global trends and workforce challenges. Through this acquisition , we will further accelerate the development of software and artificial intelligence solutions to make automation more adaptive and accessible, helping businesses of all sizes become more agile."

About 50 employees of Meshmind will be integrated into B&R to expand the B&R team's R&D project boundaries through collaboration, including machine vision deep learning, AI-enabled engineering tools, and IoT application development. The projects will be conducted out of its offices in Sarajevo, Bosnia, which will also serve as B&R’s new global center for artificial intelligence and software development. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2024, and its financial details have not been disclosed.

Joerg Theis, President of ABB's Machinery Automation business, said: "This acquisition builds on our successful collaboration with Meshmind and creates a new global R&D center for B&R. As our team includes universities, partners and start-ups, Part of a wider ecosystem, this latest investment will strengthen our capabilities and expertise to create solutions that make it easier and more convenient for customers, helping them shape the future of their industry."

The investment coincides with ABB’s recent acquisition of Sevensense, a leading provider of artificial intelligence 3D vision navigation technology for autonomous mobile robots. The two acquisitions jointly highlight ABB and B&R's strategic investment focus on innovative artificial intelligence and software solutions to provide value to customers through the most efficient technology.