Sevensense was founded in 2018 as a spin-off of ETH Zurich and offers AI-supported 3D vision navigation technology for autonomous mobile robots (AMR). The 3D mapping technology enables mobile robots to navigate autonomously in complex, dynamic environments both indoors and outdoors and in close proximity to humans. In 2021, the startup entered into an innovation partnership with ABB, under which ABB had already acquired a minority stake in Sevensense through its venture capital unit ABB Technology Ventures. The acquisition has now followed. Following pilot projects with customers in the automotive and logistics sectors, ABB will integrate Sevensense's technology into its AMR portfolio.

The market for mobile robots is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20 percent from USD 5.5 billion to USD 9.5 billion by 2026. ABB's AI-powered 3D vision technology is expected to play a leading role here, according to the company.

The 3D mapping technology

The navigation technology combines AI and 3D image processing, enabling AMRs to make decisions and distinguish between fixed and moving objects in dynamic environments. After one-off manual guidance, mobile robots use Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) technology to create a map that enables them to operate independently. The maps are continuously updated and shared across the fleet, enabling immediate scalability without interrupting operations and greater flexibility compared to other navigation technologies.

Already today, this AI-powered navigation technology is transforming the automotive and logistics industries, where it is creating value through faster and more efficient operational processes. At car manufacturer Ford, ABB's AMR with Visual SLAM technology will increase efficiency at production sites in the US, while Michelin will use the technology in intralogistics at its plant in Spain. Other car manufacturers will introduce the technology in the UK, Finland and Germany.