ABB doubles down on US robot manufacturing with $20M expansion

ABB Robotics has positioned itself as the only major global robotics OEM assembling robots in America for America, operating the largest US assembly operations in the industry from its Auburn Hills, Michigan facility. The company is doubling down on robotics as a growth driver with localization as a strategic priority, targeting US automotive manufacturers facing supply chain pressures and the shift toward electrification.

What you should know: ABB’s Michigan facility produces robots specifically for US automakers and tier suppliers, ensuring faster delivery times and reduced supply chain vulnerabilities.

• The company invested $20 million in 2024 to expand manufacturing capacity by 30% and double its customer training center size.
• The Auburn Hills site can now train up to 5,000 customer employees annually in robotic system operation and maintenance.
• More than 500,000 ABB robots are already deployed globally across automotive operations.

The big picture: ABB offers comprehensive automation solutions spanning the entire automotive value chain, from body shops and paint operations to final assembly and logistics.

• The technology portfolio includes industrial robots, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), and collaborative robots (cobots).
• All systems are unified through digital software providing visibility, control, and adaptability across operations.
• The company serves everyone from EV startups to major OEMs with massive legacy manufacturing footprints.

How their AMRs work: ABB’s autonomous mobile robots are reshaping material flow in US automotive plants using advanced navigation technology.

• The robots feature 3D vision, AI-driven navigation, and Visual SLAM mapping, operating without traditional infrastructure like magnetic tape or QR markers.
• The latest Flexley Mover P603 can carry up to 1,500kg while navigating dynamically and adapting to real-world factory floor changes.
• AMR Studio software makes programming, fleet management, and traffic control intuitive for non-specialists.

Key technology advancement: ABB’s OmniCore control platform, launched in 2024, integrates cameras, AI, cloud computing, and edge computing into a single modular system.

• The platform is designed for speed, precision, energy efficiency, and adaptability to future manufacturing demands.
• Supporting software includes RobotStudio for production line simulation, OptiFact for data-driven operations optimization, and AppStudio for creating custom robotic applications without coding.

What they’re saying: ABB executives emphasize the strategic importance of local manufacturing and digital transformation in automotive robotics.

• “We’re proud to be the only robotic OEM assembling robots in America for America,” says Ed Marchese, US Robotics lead at ABB. “That local footprint is more than symbolic, it means our customers benefit from faster delivery, closer support and technology that’s built right here in the communities we serve.”
• “Digitalisation is no longer optional, it’s essential,” Marchese emphasizes. “With our control platforms and software, US automakers can move faster from idea to implementation while driving efficiency and sustainability.”
• “Automotive manufacturing is undergoing its biggest transformation in a century,” Marchese concludes. “Being close to our US customers, producing robots in America and backing it up with decades of automotive expertise; that is how ABB Robotics is helping this industry build its future.”

Why this matters: The automotive industry faces unprecedented challenges from electrification, supply chain disruptions, and shifting consumer demand, making local robotics production and support increasingly valuable for US manufacturers seeking operational resilience and competitive advantage.