Robotics division to be listed in 2026
ABB aims to separate its Robotics & Discrete Automation division and list it as a standalone public company in the second quarter of 2026. A formal proposal will be submitted during the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders that year. If approved, existing shareholders will receive shares in the new entity through a dividend-in-kind structure.
In 2024, the robotics division generated revenue of 2.3 billion USD, accounting for approximately 7 percent of ABB’s total turnover. Operational EBITA reached 329 million USD, with a margin of 12.1 percent. The division employs around 7,000 people. ABB sees limited synergy between robotics and its other business segments, such as electrification and process automation, and expects the spin-off to lead to greater focus, transparency, and investment flexibility.
Over the past few years, the robotics division has invested globally in production facilities, including a 67,000 m² factory in Shanghai and a new site in Auburn Hills, Michigan. This infrastructure supports local manufacturing of robots, including collaborative robots and autonomous mobile systems. The spin-off will enable accelerated investment in emerging technologies such as AI integration, smart automation, and robotic safety.
AppStudio democratizes robot operation through no-code functionality
Parallel to its strategic decision to pursue a spin-off, ABB is also innovating technologically with the launch of AppStudio: a no-code platform for developing user interfaces for robots. This software tool is designed to allow both novice users and experienced integrators to quickly and easily create control panels without the need for programming skills.
With an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, AppStudio provides access to a comprehensive cloud library containing preconfigured modules, icons, buttons, and navigation components. The tool supports over twenty languages and is fully compatible with ABB’s OmniCore control platform. For advanced users, further customization is possible through an integrated JavaScript framework.
AppStudio also enables automatic migration of existing user interfaces from the older IRC5 platform to OmniCore. According to ABB, this can accelerate the development process by up to 80 percent. Designed interfaces can be deployed on physical robots or used in digital twins within the RobotStudio simulation environment. The software is freely available through ABB’s online platform and complements previously launched tools such as Wizard Easy Programming.
Synergy between strategy and technology
The spin-off of the robotics division and the introduction of AppStudio are closely intertwined. While the spin-off is aimed at operational scaling and accelerated innovation, AppStudio is focused on the end-user who values simplicity, speed, and usability. By lowering the technological barrier, ABB increases the accessibility of robotics in sectors where specialist knowledge is limited, such as SMEs and logistics.
At the same time, the independent position of ABB Robotics enhances its ability to respond to market demands, attract capital for targeted innovation, and compete more directly with established players such as Fanuc, KUKA, and Yaskawa. The combined strategy positions ABB Robotics as a scalable, accessible, and future-proof player in the rapidly evolving field of industrial automation.
Conclusion
With the combination of a strategic spin-off and the launch of AppStudio, ABB is clearly defining its course. The focus is shifting toward scalable innovation, customer-centricity, and technological simplification. By simultaneously differentiating organizationally and innovating from the user’s perspective, ABB lays a solid foundation for continued growth in a world where robotics and digitalization are increasingly converging.
