ABB chief meets Fadnavis to forge AI partnership

ABB Chief Executive Officer Ulrich Spiesshofer met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis here on Wednesday to discuss how a partnership could be created to deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digitalisation technologies for the state.

They also discussed issues of robotics, e-mobility and to take skills development to the next level using AI, said a spokesperson.

"Maharashtra has been a forerunner in AI technology in India. ABB, a pioneering technology leader in digital industries, is ready to support it in developing its digital economy," said Spiesshofer.

He said that with rapidly adopting advanced technologies, the state can expand its role as an export hub, besides enhancing India's role in the global value chain.

Spiesshofer pointed out that 50 per cent of the cars, or one out of every two, manufactured in the automobile hub Pune has ABB automation and robotics involved in its processes, and discussed with Fadnavis how the state's presence as a robotics hub could be enhanced.

The ABB is also working with NITI Aayog to digitalise key sectors of the Indian economy and realize the potential of AI, big data and connectivity.

Wednesday's discussions came at a time when the state government is exploring AI potential to address issues pertaining to agriculture crop yields, innovation and citizen programmes, besides initiatives on electric mobility for cars, buses and auto-rickshaws.

In 2018, the ABB launched the world's fastest electric vehicle charger, capable of providing sufficient charge in just eight minutes for 200 kms of travel, besides flash charging solutions for bus stops.

ABB is said to be the only company in India with capabilities spanning the entire electricity value chain, from grid infrastructure to automation and power management, electrification including electric vehicle charging.

--IANS

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