ABB expects global robot sales to grow from $80 billion today to $130 billion by 2025. China is the world's largest robot market. In 2021, the number of robots installed in China accounted for 51% of the global total, and the number of robots in operation exceeded 1 million.
The Gigafactory connects the physical world with the digital world, creating a digital manufacturing ecosystem that leverages virtual planning and production management systems to improve performance and productivity by collecting and analyzing data. The new plant ditches traditional, fixed assembly lines in favor of flexible, modular production units that are digitally connected and serviced by intelligent, autonomous mobile robots. Ai robotic systems can perform tasks such as screw tightening, assembly and material handling, freeing people from those tasks for more valuable work.
The new 8,000 square meter research and development center at Gigafactory will accelerate innovation in artificial intelligence, digitization and software, focusing on autonomous mobility, digital twinning, machine vision and low-code programming software to make robots smarter, more flexible, safer and easier to use.
ABB will collaborate with partners and customers to develop innovative solutions in the new Open Innovation Center to unlock more possibilities for flexible automation in new areas such as logistics, healthcare, food and beverage. Since 2005, ABB has trained more than 1 million students in robot-related courses in China through partnerships with vocational schools and universities. Gigafactory will continue to cultivate skilled talents for its partners and end users, and jointly embrace the vigorous development of the new era of automation.
The Shanghai Gigafactory is another key project of ABB Robotics and Discrete Automation, following ABB Mechanical Automation's Global Innovation and Training Center, which opened in Austria in July, and the Learning Factory 4.0, which opened in Berlin in September.
With more than 15,000 employees in more than 130 cities in China, China is one of ABB's most important research and development and production bases. The Shanghai Gigafactory, one of ABB Robotics' three global production bases, will replace the existing factory to support customers in Asia. The plant in Westeros, Sweden, and Auburn Hills, Michigan, will continue to serve customers in Europe and the Americas.