Swiss-based ABB acquires 10% stake in Dutch-based Samotics; partners to expand condition monitoring services

Zurich-based ABB, a tech company, announced on Thursday that it has entered a strategic partnership with Leiden-based Samotics, an AI predictive maintenance platform, to provide enhanced condition monitoring services. 

As a part of the partnership, ABB will acquire a 10 per cent stake in Samotics. The financial terms of the agreement have not been disclosed.

Condition monitoring (CM) is a critical process that indicates machine health and safety by combining machine sensor data that measures vibration and other parameters (in real-time) with advanced machine monitoring software.

The Swiss company will now integrate Samotics’ SAM4 plug-and-play monitoring solution into its digital portfolio alongside the ABB Ability Condition Monitoring. 

ABB’s Ability Condition Monitoring service for powertrains is a sensor-based solution that analyses the health and performance of rotating equipment. 

On the other hand, SAM4 (Smart Asset Monitoring) technology, based on Electrical Signature Analysis (ESA), does not rely on mounting sensors in the field. Consequently, SAM4 can be deployed on machines in harsh and submerged environments.

Developing a system that uses both datasets will provide industrial operators with a more detailed view of asset health to make better decisions to optimise maintenance, boost reliability and reduce downtime.

SAM4 is already operating across the wastewater, water, steel, and chemical sectors, and has established a fast-growing base with thousands of assets monitored. 

ABB plans to roll out Samotics’ technology to customers before the end of 2022 as part of its growing service portfolio for rotating equipment.

ABB: What you need to know

ABB is a technology company pioneering in power grids, electrification products, industrial automation, and robotics and motion, serving customers in utilities, industry, and transport & infrastructure globally. 

Adrian Guggisberg, President of ABB Motion Services, says, “Our strategy is to build an ecosystem with leading service providers who can contribute to our customer’s overall success. With Samotics, we share the ambition to co-develop digital services that offer even greater insight across a wider range of applications to help our customers make better decisions. The partnership will also create value from digital service solutions to grow our annual recurring revenues.”

Samotics: What you need to know

Based out of the Netherlands, Samotics provides real-time actionable insights to optimise AC motors’ and rotating equipment’s performance and energy efficiency. 

The company has developed an AI-driven platform that supports global industrial companies in reducing energy waste and unplanned downtime.

Jasper Hoogeweegen, CEO of Samotics, says, “Entering into a strategic partnership with ABB will open doors with potential customers around the world and help us scale our business. At the same time, we share a mindset and commitment to help solve reliability and energy efficiency challenges.”