The technology from Sevensense, a company founded in 2018 as a spin-off from ETH Zurich, will enable mobile robots to navigate autonomously in complex, dynamic environments, both indoors and outdoors, and in close proximity to humans.

The partnership with the startup is another important step in ABB's strategy to drive the next generation of flexible automation and expand its range of robotic automation solutions, following the acquisition of AMR manufacturer Asti Mobile Robotics announced in July 2021. ABB has also acquired a minority stake in Sevensense through its venture capital unit ABB Technology Ventures. The transaction is expected to close by the end of November 2021.

"By integrating Sevensense's AI and 3D mapping technology into our AMR offering, we can accelerate the transition from linear production to fully flexible networks. We have a vision for the workplace of the future, where AMR moves materials, parts and finished products between intelligent workstations in increasingly unstructured, dynamic work environments. Our partnership with Sevensense is an important step towards realizing our vision," explains Sami Atiya, Head of ABB's Robotics & Factory Automation business.

Sevensense's navigation technology uses computer vision and AI algorithms to create a 3D map, improving both navigability and cost-efficiency compared to today's laser scan-based 2D solutions. An AMR equipped with 3D Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) technology can correctly interpret its environment, detect people, pallets or other robots and make independent decisions to navigate past these obstacles. This level of intelligence should enable safe interaction between humans and machines and ensure a safe and efficient material flow in factories and warehouses.

ABB will integrate Sevensense's software and hardware technology into its own AMR portfolio. The first customer pilot projects are planned for 2022.