ABB’s Robotics & Discrete Automation division reported a mixed second quarter for 2025, as growth in its core robotics business was offset by a slowdown in the Machine Automation unit. Despite this, the company moved ahead with its strategic roadmap, launching new robot models and confirming the timeline for the division’s planned spin-off.
In its financial report published Thursday, ABB noted that the Robotics & Discrete Automation division experienced sales growth in the robotics segment. However, the overall division’s performance was hampered by weaker results from Machine Automation, which faced a more challenging comparison to a strong order backlog in the previous year.
The robotics business benefited from continued demand in key markets. To support this momentum, ABB introduced three new robot families – Lite+, PoWa, and IRB 1200 – aimed at mid-sized manufacturers in sectors such as electronics, food and beverage, and metals. These robots, developed and manufactured in ABB’s Shanghai facility, are designed for fast deployment and lower total cost of ownership, with prices ranging from $20,000 to $100,000.
The company also confirmed that the planned spin-off of the Robotics & Discrete Automation division remains on schedule. ABB intends to distribute shares in the standalone robotics company to its shareholders through a dividend in kind by the second quarter of 2026. The move is part of a broader strategy to streamline ABB’s portfolio and give the robotics unit more autonomy to grow independently.
Across ABB’s entire business, Q2 2025 saw a 16% year-on-year increase in orders, reaching a record $9.8 billion. Group revenues rose by 8% to $8.9 billion. Operational EBITA increased by 9% to $1.71 billion, with the group margin improving to 19.2%.
While ABB did not provide a breakdown of EBITA for the robotics segment, the overall Robotics & Discrete Automation margin was under pressure, largely due to lower volumes in the Machine Automation business. Still, management indicated that robotics margins remained in the double digits.
The robotics market continues to be a strategic focus for ABB, particularly in Asia, where demand for automation solutions is being driven by labour shortages, rising wages, and industrial modernization. ABB’s investments in its Shanghai campus – described as the most advanced robotics facility in the company’s history – underscore its commitment to growth in the region.
Looking ahead, ABB plans to continue expanding its robotics product line and customer base, with further updates expected as the spin-off process advances. Despite short-term challenges in adjacent automation segments, the company remains confident in the long-term prospects for its robotics business.
