Imagine factories where the machines communicate with each other, are monitored remotely, are integrated into the cloud and save energy and resources, where robots work alongside humans and are able to operate autonomously. Around them stretch green and comfortable cities where you can freely move around in your electric vehicle, with smart buildings automatically adapting to your needs. By taking part in the Industry 4.0 digital revolution, we bring the world closer to this vision with each passing day. Our engineers, researchers and programmers develop ground-breaking technologies in such areas as industrial automation, electrification and drive systems. Thanks to our interdisciplinary competencies, we are able to approach projects from a comprehensive perspective: from the tiniest screw to the largest mechanical and electronic elements, the design, software and connection of the device to the ABB Ability™ digital platform. Our research and development projects result in products and services that enable our clients and partners to operate more efficiently, economically and ecologically. This is how we shape the future of the technologies that matter.
In the field of smart manufacturing, we develop systems and software for production management. Our technologies offer complete control over the manufacturing process, optimising it and making it more efficient. Our system aggregates and analyses data, enabling changes to be made and eliminating costly errors. A well-optimised production line also means less waste and more efficient material usage, transitioning from traditional, paper communication to digital, as well as the ability to make key decisions in real time with the help of the system. All this results in a factory which operates more efficiently and is more environmentally-friendly. Implementing the system in production management makes it possible to implement automatic and semi-automatic production lines. We develop production management systems for the discrete manufacturing, food and petrochemical industries. Our solutions have found use in 150 of the largest factories and manufacturing plants around the world.
How do we work?
• We research trends, our clients' expectations and the challenges they face to develop and adapt our systems to their needs, here and now, over the next quarter or even several years. • We create modern architectures for production management systems. • Our products are tailored to specific industries and solutions, on which we have a tangible impact. • We are highly independent – our teams are free to choose their software development technologies and methods. • We use such technologies and environments as HTML5, ReactJs, Microsoft .NET Framework, SQL server databases, OPC DA and OPC UA. • We work closely with teams developing the 800xA distributed control system, IIoT Edge digital service platforms, Genix AI Suite, Ability, as well as Microsoft – on the development of such applications as Edge and Cloud. • As a member of the OPC Foundation, we influence the development of new control technologies. • We are also technology partners with Intel.
We want our products to be environmentally-friendly, in addition to being durable and reliable. This is why we work on autonomous solutions which do not require frequent servicing – for up to 30 years. Our engineers and researchers achieve this by developing new materials technologies. We study materials to achieve optimal physical, chemical, thermal and electrical properties, depending on their applications. At the same time we work on integrating electronics, including sensors, with the materials, with the goal of extending their lifespan while also increasing efficiency.
How do we work?
• We spend most of our time in the laboratory. • Our ideas quickly become reality – we test and research new ideas in laboratories to develop working prototypes that are later implemented in practice. • We design miniaturised, durable and accurate electronics in partnership with universities, start-ups and manufacturers such as Intel. • We use the best available tools in our field, including Poland's most advanced functional materials laboratory.
It was at the Kraków Technology Centre that we developed the ABB Ability™ Smart Sensor, a smart sensor technology combining mechanical bearings with the Internet of Things. This technology enables constant monitoring and remote diagnostics of critical devices for a wide range of industrial applications. Sensors attached to the bearings transmit data related to vibrations, temperature and other key parameters up to the cloud. This enables preventive and maintenance measures to be taken before a malfunction occurs and depending on actual needs. The result is shorter machine downtime and longer device lifecycles. Learn more about our Smart Sensor technology: https://new.abb.com/mechanical-power-transmission/smart-sensor-for-mechanical-products
— Digital Marine
When a ship is out at sea, hundreds of kilometres away from the nearest port, its safety depends on the decisions made by the captain and the engineering crew. Our Kraków laboratory has for many years been developing technologies and systems to help the crews of ships in making the right decisions. When it comes to solutions for ocean travel and the marine industry, we develop software and integrated systems which enhance the flexibility, reliability and energy efficiency of the vessels. Our solutions combine the Internet of Things, automation and advanced data analytics with software which makes it possible to remotely monitor and diagnose ship performance, maximising its lifespan. Our operational projects involve the monitoring and diagnosing the performance of the devices which make up the electrical and drive systems of vessels. For this purpose we make use of advanced diagnostic algorithms and develop recommendations and technical reports for crews, helping them identify malfunctions and damage. We offer remote support for deck engineers, wherever they are located across the seas and oceans of the world. We also carry out research and development projects, which involve developing critical digital services, solutions for controlling key systems, including electrical drives, as well as a system for remotely monitoring and diagnosing ocean-going vessels. We are currently assembling a team to develop the technologies and systems for operating and controlling autonomous ships and other vessels.
How do we work?
• We are developing a system for remote diagnostics and machine monitoring on ships and other vessels. • Our team is made up of programmers, diagnostics experts, analysts and testers. • We participate in projects carried out across the globe – we can fly a helicopter to a drilling platform if necessary. • We are responsible for our product and its quality. • Our teams are interdisciplinary and international. • As part of our R&D projects, we develop software and systems in the Microsoft Azure cloud, do backend development work in C#, .net and .net.core and frontend work in Angular and .web. • We develop software dedicated for captains and deck engineers, facilitating operational decision-making on ships. This system is a major step towards the development of autonomous ships. Learn more about our projects for the marine industry: https://ability.abb.com/customer-segments/marine-ports/remote-diagnostics-predictive-maintenance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGH2oJEj6V4&t=88s
— E-mobility
Electromobility is the key to sustainable and environmentally-friendly transportation. In this area we are currently working on bus and electric truck charging infrastructures. We specialise in research and development projects involving chargers installed along bus routes and chargers for delivery vehicles.
We also participate in research projects focused on applying artificial intelligence to enable optimal energy storage and use in vehicles utilising high power chargers. Our goal is fast and efficient charging and energy storage, to result in longer battery life cycles.
We also develop pioneer solutions for Formula E, which is currently the testing ground for the latest automotive technologies.
How do we work?
• Our engineers and programmers approach R&D projects from a comprehensive perspective: from designing the mechanical and electrical elements to developing the software and pilot installations on site. • We work closely with such leading bus and truck manufacturers as Solaris and Volvo. • Our technologies and products which are manufactured in ABB factories across the globe. • We work in an interdisciplinary environment comprising mechanical engineers, electricians, electronics engineers and C++ and Java developers.
Regarding smart power, we are also involved in developing energy management technologies for railway traction vehicles. We are the company behind the ground-breaking Enviline™ energy recovery system for train and tram braking systems. It recovers energy from braking and returns it to the AC network. Pilot installations of the system are currently operational in Poland, Turkey, Asia and Australia, as well as other locations.
We are also involved in research and development projects focused on energy distribution, storage and recovery, including for UPS products and renewable energy storage systems (solar panels, for example)
— Smart city
At our Kraków Centre we are developing new technologies for electromobility, effective energy storage and use, as well as smart buildings. The solutions we create help reduce natural resource use, making our environment healthier and more fitting to our needs. Learn more about the projects we are currently working on:
Smart power
Electromobility is the key to sustainable and environmentally-friendly transportation. In this area we are currently working on bus and electric truck charging infrastructures. We specialise in research and development projects involving chargers installed along bus routes and chargers for delivery vehicles. We also participate in research projects focused on applying artificial intelligence to enable optimal energy storage and use in vehicles utilising high power chargers. Our goal is fast and efficient charging and energy storage, to result in longer battery life cycles. We also develop pioneer solutions for Formula E, which is currently the testing ground for the latest automotive technologies.
How do we work?
• Our engineers and programmers approach R&D projects from a comprehensive perspective: from designing the mechanical and electrical elements to developing the software and pilot installations on site. • We work closely with such leading bus and truck manufacturers as Solaris and Volvo. • Our technologies and products which are manufactured in ABB factories across the globe. • We work in an interdisciplinary environment comprising mechanical engineers, electricians, electronics engineers and C++ and Java developers.
Regarding smart power, we are also involved in developing energy management technologies for railway traction vehicles. We are the company behind the ground-breaking Enviline™ energy recovery system for train and tram braking systems. It recovers energy from braking and returns it to the AC network. Pilot installations of the system are currently operational in Poland, Turkey, Asia and Australia, as well as other locations. We are also involved in research and development projects focused on energy distribution, storage and recovery, including for UPS products and renewable energy storage systems (solar panels, for example)
Smart buildings
Our Technology Centre also develops building automation devices and software. These solutions enable the effective management of such buildings as offices, hospitals, hotels, as well as private homes. Our system integrates and makes available data collected from the entire building, including its most important systems – heating, cooling, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, shutters and security systems, as well making it possible to control their functionalities. We also develop software and applications for KNX-based system hardware and the ABB-Free@Home home automation system.
How do we work?
• We create and test the software used to configure and control building automation systems. • Our devices and software meet the requirements of the BACnet/IP protocol and KNX. • We focus a great deal on expanding our cybersecurity knowledge. • Our proprietary ideas and concepts are transformed into products used by people in homes, offices, hotels and hospitals. • We regularly carry out new projects in small, highly autonomous teams.
The number of devices able to transmit and process data is constantly growing, and this applies to every part of our lives, not just industry. By using the latest technologies we can analyse valuable data, which we then use to improve existing products and deliver new services. Our goal is for ABB services and products to have a greater impact on the efficiency, safety and carbon footprint of factories and industrial plants. We tap the potential of artificial intelligence algorithms and machine learning, which are then used by our data scientists and programmers. We develop methods of communication between devices, systems and people. In addition, we develop algorithms and process data collected from sensors installed on rotating equipment and electrical devices. With access to a range of devices from across the globe, we can develop better solutions for remote monitoring, control, optimisation and damage prevention.
How do we work? • We develop analytics and services using the domain knowledge of drive systems, including power inverters, motors, transmissions, pumps and ventilators – devices of critical importance to any industrial plant. • We are an international team using agile methodology. • We use machine learning models, develop and design new algorithms, and then implement them in systems used by our clients. • Our R&D projects affect all ABB devices across the world. • Our skills range from fields such as data analytics to programming, mathematics and statistics. • We work with start-ups, technology partners and research institutions from various parts of the world. • We decide which technology to use, as well as recommending and implementing our own ideas.
