ABB and Red Hat extend collaboration on process automation systems

ABB and Red Hat have announced an extended collaboration to develop automation systems for the future of industrial IT, enabling more secure and modular deployment of control applications for process industries.

The collaboration builds on ABB’s automation capabilities and Red Hat’s enterprise open source platforms, combining industrial innovation and digital capabilities including data analytics and artificial intelligence to help pave the way towards autonomous operations.

ABB’s process automation system architecture consists of two interconnected but distinct environments: a robust and secure control environment that helps ensure stable, real-time management of critical processes, and a digital environment designed for flexible and scalable introduction of digital solutions.

ABB and Red Hat previously collaborated on the digital environment infrastructure for a more rapid scalable deployment of advanced analytics, artificial intelligence and cloud-based applications, without disrupting core control operations. Now, they are expanding their collaboration to include the control environment, delivering enhanced operational consistency and stability to meet the most demanding security and process requirements.

This dual approach will allow customers to introduce innovations incrementally, protecting operational integrity and existing investments while maintaining high levels of cybersecurity. Red Hat technologies also provide a reliable and secure foundation for system lifecycle services within the process automation system.

Stefan Basenach, Senior Vice President, Process Automation Technology, ABB, said:“Ongoing industry collaboration is essential to shaping the future of automation. Together with Red Hat, we’re advancing modular, scalable solutions that align with global frameworks and deliver long-term value to customers across process industries.

”The dual-layered architecture, built on open source platforms, creates a robust foundation for the industry to progress towards autonomous operations. We look forward to building on this momentum together as we continue to drive open, resilient and secure automation that supports industry both now and in the future.”

Francis Chow, vice president and general manager, Red Hat In-Vehicle Operating System and Edge, said:“This extended collaboration with ABB marks a significant milestone for the industry at large, as we empower manufacturers with the tools and solutions they need to transform to better meet the demands of today’s increasingly complex industrial landscape.”

“Red Hat platforms, including Red Hat Device Edge and Red Hat OpenShift, provide a durable and consistent foundation for process automation and industrial controls, helping to address the strict security and uptime requirements of industrial use cases. We look forward to continuing our work with ABB to deliver modern automation powered by open source technologies.”