Swiss-Swedish engineering and power major ABB has been looking to expand its business in India, be it partnering engineering colleges for pilot projects, supplying robotics or bringing its EV charging solutions to India.

Today ABB's CEO Ulrich Spiesshofer met the chief minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis on the sidelines of the three-day NASSCOM Technology & Leadership Forum 2019 in Mumbai.

The discussion between Spiesshofer and the Fadnavis focused on how a partnership with ABB could be created to deploy artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalisation technologies to meet the state’s requirements, including using AI to take skills development to the next level. The two leaders also discussed the state’s focus on becoming an export hub and how ABB could help enhance India’s role in the global value chain.

“Maharashtra has been a forerunner in AI technology in India and ABB, as a pioneering technology leader in digital industries, is ready to support it in developing its digital economy,” said CEO Ulrich Spiesshofer. “By rapidly adopting advanced technologies, Maharashtra can expand its role as an export hub and strengthen India’s competitive position in global markets."

”One out of every two cars manufactured in the auto hub of Pune, the second-largest city in Maharashtra, has ABB automation and robotics involved in its processes, in addition enhancing the state’s presence as a robotics hub was also discussed.

ABB says it is already working with NITI Aayog to digitalise key sectors in India and to realise the potential of AI, big data and connectivity. Today’s talks come at a time when the government of Maharashtra is exploring the potential of AI to address various issues surrounding crop yields, innovation and citizen programs. Its initiatives on electric mobility for cars, buses and three-wheelers were also discussed at the meeting.

In 2018, ABB launched the world’s fastest electric vehicle charger – capable of providing enough charge in eight minutes for 200km range, and the company also has solutions for flash charging solutions for bus stops.

Image courtesy: Ulrich Spiesshofer/Twitter