This challenge is part of ABB’s innovation ecosystem. A previous challenge led to the acquisition of Sevensense, a Swiss-based startup and provider of AI-enabled 3D vision navigation technology for autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), in January 2024. ABB Robotics' latest challenge seeks to foster innovation and collaboration between ABB and pioneering startups and scaleups worldwide.

"Innovation has been at the heart of ABB since the foundation of our robotics business 50 years ago and we recognise the immense potential of startups and scaleups in driving technological advancement," said Marc Segura, President of ABB Robotics. "The ABB Robotics AI Startup Challenge is an opportunity for us to partner with the most creative and forward-thinking minds in the field, as we work together to shape the future of robotics and automation."

The ABB Robotics AI Startup Challenge invites participants to submit groundbreaking ideas and solutions in three key areas: natural language programming, skill learning, and autonomous decision-making. By harnessing the power of AI, ABB aims to develop the next generation of robots that are more intuitive, adaptable, user-friendly, and efficient, transforming industries to enhance company resilience and make work more rewarding for employees.

Participants in the challenge will have the opportunity to collaborate closely with ABB's world-class engineers, access cutting-edge robotic technologies, and connect with the company's global network of customers and partners. The winning team will be awarded a cash prize of $30,000 and the chance to establish a long-term partnership with ABB, exploring joint go-to-market strategies and investment opportunities.

The ABB Robotics AI Startup Challenge is now open for applications. Startups and scaleups with expertise in AI and robotics are encouraged to submit their proposals by 12th June 2024. For more information about the challenge, including eligibility criteria and application details, please visit the website.

The Robotics AI Startup Challenge is part of ABB’s wider Innovation Ecosystem, which is driven by collaboration and the transformative potential of emerging technologies. Through initiatives designed to identify, support, and scale up promising startups across all industries, ABB partners with pioneering businesses to accelerate innovation. These collaborative efforts bring new solutions to market, advancing ABB’s mission to create a more sustainable and productive future.