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Innovation is the foundation of our success. Patents, trademarks, and copyrights are essential in protecting groundbreaking ideas, ensuring companies can continue to invest in cutting-edge research. Our intellectual property portfolio safeguards our R&D investments, fosters competitive advantage, and accelerates the development of sustainable, energy-efficient solutions.
Just recently, we were ranked by the European Patent Office as the second top Swiss company for patent applications in 2024 and 36th globally. Our leap to second place is powered by our R&D experts in 30 countries and our strong IP community, demonstrating a commitment to transforming industries through world-class technology.
R&D investment in 2024
revenues invested in R&D in 2024
R&D employees
priority patents filed in 2024
Granted patents
Pending patent applications
venture investments in 2024
venture investments in 2024
secondary patents filed in 2024
Since 2020, we have increased our research and development (R&D) spending by 40%, reinforcing our commitment to innovation. In 2024, $1.5 bn on R&D was invested and we focus on electrification, automation, and digital solutions that help industries transition toward cleaner energy and smarter operations. More than half of ABB’s customer offerings are linked to electrification and automation, areas where we excel in driving progress.
ABB’s latest technological advancements are redefining industry standards:
Developed in collaboration with Microsoft, this generative AI-powered assistant enhances asset performance management, helping industries optimize operations.
A groundbreaking innovation, developed in partnership with Komatsu, to electrify mining trucks and support sustainable mining practices.
A next-generation open software platform integrated into ABB drives, allowing customers to create, validate, and implement customized industrial solutions.
AI-powered, high-accuracy fast picking technology, developed by ABB, increases efficiency, reduces labor dependency, and integrates seamlessly into existing systems for rapid deployment
Acquired through Sevensense, this AI-powered vision navigation system is transforming robotics and automation.
An innovative sensing technology that “probes” the MCB remotely, to determine breaker open/closed status, thus eliminating the need for costly and time consuming modifications of existing cabinets.
These innovations are helping industries outrun, leaner and cleaner - through solutions that enable greater efficiency, resilience, and performance.
Some of our innovations have been recognized by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Green Technology Book. This book highlights over 200 innovative energy solutions aimed at addressing climate change by putting technology and innovation at the forefront. The 2024 edition focuses on rural and urban areas, hospitals, supermarkets, and data centers. Our SynRM motor, for the water utulities segment, is part of ABB’s EcoSolutions portfolio, emphasizing sustainability with third-party-verified environmental declarations. Our ACQ80 solar pump was also featured as it ensures efficient water management by seamlessly blending solar DC and grid AC inputs, even during low sunlight.