ABB has revealed plans to initiate proceedings to recommend to its 2026 Annual General Meeting the full separation of its Robotics division. The proposed timeline envisions the new entity beginning operations as an independent publicly traded company by Q2 2026.

The board is confident that establishing ABB Robotics as an independent entity will enhance value creation capabilities for both organizations. This strategic move would enable sharper focus on governance and capital deployment while allowing ABB to maintain its strategic emphasis on electrification and automation leadership.

ABB Chairman Peter Voser

ABB Robotics stands as a technological innovator delivering intelligent automation solutions that empower global clients to boost productivity, adaptability, and operational simplicity. The division addresses critical challenges like workforce constraints and sustainability demands through its comprehensive robotics platforms featuring Autonomous Mobile Robots, advanced software, AI integration, and specialized domain knowledge across diverse industrial sectors. Over 80% of its product portfolio incorporates software/AI capabilities.

As a market leader in robotics, the division demonstrates minimal operational or technological overlap with ABB’s other business units due to distinct market dynamics and demand patterns. This structural separation will unlock value potential for both the ABB Group and the standalone robotics entity.

ABB CEO Morten Wierod

The Robotics division has consistently delivered strong financial performance. Operating under ABB’s decentralized model, it has maintained double-digit profit margins in most quarters since 2019. Following market stabilization after periods of supply chain disruption and order pattern normalization, the business will enter its next phase with robust capitalization, healthy cash flow, and a localized manufacturing footprint across Europe (Sweden), Asia (China), and the Americas (United States).

With approximately 7,000 employees, the division generated $2.3 billion in revenue during 2024 – accounting for 7% of ABB Group’s total revenue – and achieved an Operational EBITA margin of 12.1%.

Effective Q1 2026, the Machine Automation division will transition from the Robotics & Discrete Automation segment to the Process Automation business area. This reorganization aims to strengthen technology synergies in software and control systems for hybrid industries. The Machine Automation unit maintains market leadership in high-end solutions encompassing PLCs, IPCs, servo motion systems, industrial transport solutions, and vision/software technologies. Divisional management will retain strategic decision-making authority under ABB’s established operational framework.

Important notice about forward-looking information

This announcement contains forward-looking statements regarding the proposed robotics business separation. These projections reflect current assumptions about market conditions and industry trends affecting ABB’s major markets. Such statements often include terms like “believes”, “anticipates”, “intends”, or “plans”. Actual outcomes may vary significantly due to numerous risk factors beyond our control, including global economic volatility and geopolitical uncertainties. While ABB Ltd considers its forward-looking statements reasonable, there is no guarantee these expectations will materialize.

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