ABB Plans to Spin Off Robotics Division in 2026

Swiss industrial giant ABB will spin off its robotics division, aiming to create the world’s second-largest robotics company after Mitsubishi Electric Automation. Fanuc, based in Japan, ranks third with $1.38 billion in revenue.

The robotics unit, which has 7,000 employees and generated $2.3 billion in revenue in 2024, will begin trading as a separate listed company in the second quarter of 2026. ABB will present the proposal at its 2026 Annual General Meeting, expecting the spin-off to align with a recovery in the electronics market.

ABB has expanded its robotics business through key moves—acquiring ASTI in Spain in 2021, investing in Sevensense Robotics, and securing major deals with Italvolt and Morrow to serve battery gigafactories. It currently operates manufacturing hubs in Sweden, China, and the U.S.

The robotics market has begun to stabilize after a period of volatility and high inventory levels. ABB CEO Morten Wierod noted that the robotics unit has little overlap with the rest of ABB’s divisions, which face different market demands. He believes the spin-off will unlock value for both ABB and the new standalone robotics company.

As part of the transition, ABB will move the Machine Automation division—currently under Robotics & Discrete Automation—into its Process Automation business, which specializes in high-end solutions involving PLCs, IPCs, motion control, vision systems, and software.