Mr. Rommelfanger, ABB's portfolio of robots is very extensive - it ranges from industrial robots to cobots and autonomous mobile robots. Where are the growth rates currently highest and what are the current focal points of further development?

We are seeing the strongest growth in general industry and SMEs. Small, affordable and user-friendly robots such as cobots play an important role here. Our robots can work alongside humans, share tasks and learn using machine vision and AI, which facilitates intelligent automation. In addition, we expect the next growth spurt to be at the interface with the end consumer, for example in restaurants and retail. We are constantly expanding and optimizing both hardware and software as well as the integration capability of our entire portfolio - for example with Robotstudio in the cloud or new cobots, which we will present at automatica 2023. We develop and integrate flexible and scalable automation solutions that enable customers to achieve sustainable production and transition to a circular economy. The shortage of skilled workers is also a challenge. To counteract this, engineers and employees need to be retrained. Schools and universities need to teach additional skills to train the necessary skills to program, operate and maintain robots for an automated future. We recently presented a new solution for this, which will also be on show at the upcoming automatica.

The topic of sustainability has arrived in most industrial sectors and will play a primary role there in the future, which will also change production. What role do robots play in this and what does this mean for ABB Robotics?

Both robotics manufacturers and operators play an important role in achieving greater sustainability. Increased efficiency and process innovations are important drivers here, which ABB supports with its comprehensive robotics and AMR solutions. They have a direct impact on sustainability, for example through energy consumption and direct emissions. ABB supports the improvement of sustainability through the networking of systems and machines, data-supported real-time decisions, product innovations and partnerships. Thanks to energy-saving regenerative technology and brake energy recovery, our robots consume up to 20% less energy. This enables companies to reduce their energy consumption and improve their ecological footprint. Another example is our remanufacturing program, with which we buy back decommissioned or used robots, refurbish them and give them a second life. And with Pixelpaint, we also have a solution for the highly energy-intensive car painting process that not only enables individual designs, but also applies 100% of the paint to the body surface - without waste.

The Swifti CRB 1100 is one of the cobots in the ABB portfolio. © ABB

In the best case scenario, automation and sustainability go hand in hand. Flexibility and scalability are very important here in order to do justice to every type of company and its future planning. What requirements do your customers have of you?

Our customers want robots that can be integrated quickly and easily. They should also reduce the complexity of operating processes that require high precision and repeat accuracy. We have already come a long way in this respect: many of our robots require no prior knowledge or special training. Our cobots can be installed, commissioned and programmed straight out of the box - just like a tablet or smartphone. With the help of our intuitive Wizard Easy Programming software, anyone can easily program robots without writing a single line of code. In addition, Robotstudio software enables companies to reduce the time and cost of physical testing and commissioning, as well as avoid malfunctions. System integrators and engineering teams work together in real time to plan, create and optimize robotic automation solutions.

An industry that was already highly automated and already has many robots in use is changing more than many others: The automotive industry is making its way towards electromobility. How is ABB supporting this transition?

ABB is a leader in the development of intelligent manufacturing processes and technologies for the automotive industry, which is undergoing one of the most significant periods of transformation. This transformation will lead to more robots being used in combination with other technologies such as AMR and AI. Our customers are already benefiting from our automation solutions for the entire value chain: press, body construction, battery production, powertrain, painting, parts production and final assembly. Automation generally creates more resilience, efficiency and speed. It is therefore hardly surprising that the demand for our robots for electric vehicle production is increasing. However, according to an ABB survey, 59% of respondents believe that converting production purely to electric vehicles is not feasible within the current legal deadlines.