ABB and Ericsson have strengthened their partnership to provide enhanced connected services, industrial IoT and artificial intelligence technologies in the future.

The partners signed a Memorandum of Understanding at Hannover Messe 2019 in Germany this week, establishing their joint vision for future flexible production with automation and wireless communication.

The collaboration in an era of Industry 4.0 era and 5G connectivity will allow businesses to achieve increased productivity through automation and digitalisation.

The MoU confirms a partners’ agreement to continue a strong research collaboration.

Under the new agreement the companies will explore improvements in manufacturing processes and automation to deliver new business opportunities for the industrial ecosystem.

Flexible robotics cell solution

The two partners are already fast-tracking the introduction of a new generation of intelligent factory technologies, with Ericsson deploying an intelligent automation system at its manufacturing facilities in Tallinn, Estonia.

ABB has provided a fully automated flexible robotics cell solution that assembles 5G radios for Ericsson.

“We are very excited to extend our partnership with Ericsson as the world moves closer to the era of 5G technology,” said ABB CEO Ulrich Spiesshofer.

“ABB’s leadership in digital industries combined with Ericsson’s pioneering work in connectivity will open up new opportunities for customers to enhance productivity and competitiveness by digitalizing their businesses.”

Börje Ekholm, President and CEO, Ericsson said Ericsson and ABB already have a strong collaboration in research for 5G and Industrial IoT technologies.

“With this MoU, we strengthen our partnership to accelerate the industrial ecosystem and realize the full potential of flexible automation, unlocking new business opportunities enabled by combining 5G and Industry 4.0.”

At the Hannover Messe 2019, ABB and Ericsson are exhibiting their latest and most innovative technologies.

Visitors are learning how these technologies are enabling the “factory of the future” with the latest flexible robotics, wireless technologies, 5G, Industrial IoT and motion control technology.

ABB CEO Ulrich Spiesshofer and Börje Ekholm, President and CEO, Ericsson