ABB and Red Hat have announced an expanded collaboration to develop next-generation industrial automation systems, enabling process industries to deploy control applications in a more secure and modular manner. By leveraging ABB’s leadership in automation and Red Hat’s industry-leading enterprise open-source platform, this partnership integrates industrial innovation with digital capabilities, including data analytics and AI, paving the way for autonomous operations.
ABB’s process automation system architecture consists of two interconnected yet distinct environments: a robust, secure control environment for real-time critical process management, and a flexible digital environment for scalable deployment of advanced digital solutions.
Bridging IT and OT for Enhanced Operational Efficiency
Previously, ABB and Red Hat collaborated on digital infrastructure to enable faster, scalable deployment of AI, advanced analytics, and cloud-based applications without disrupting core control operations. Now, the two companies are extending their partnership to include the control environment, ensuring higher operational consistency and stability to meet the most stringent safety and process requirements.
Built on Red Hat’s platforms, such as Red Hat Device Edge and Red Hat OpenShift, this dual architecture allows customers to adopt innovations incrementally while maintaining operational integrity, protecting existing investments, and ensuring robust cybersecurity. Additionally, Red Hat’s technologies provide reliable, secure system lifecycle management for process automation.
Strengthening Cybersecurity and Operational Resilience
The collaboration aligns with global industry standards and frameworks, supporting secure technology adoption in multi-vendor environments. This empowers customers to confidently advance their digital transformation while mitigating risks.
Stefan Basenach, Senior Vice President of ABB’s Process Automation division, stated: “Continuous industry collaboration is essential to shaping the future of automation. Together with Red Hat, we are advancing modular, scalable solutions that align with global frameworks and deliver long-term value to process industries. Our open-source-based architecture lays a strong foundation for autonomous operations, and we look forward to further driving open, flexible, and secure automation.”
Enabling Predictive Insights and Real-Time Monitoring
The integration of ABB’s automation expertise with Red Hat’s open-source solutions enhances predictive insights and real-time monitoring, improving asset performance and operational visibility. This synergy bridges the gap between Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT), fostering smarter, data-driven decision-making.
Francis Chow, Vice President and General Manager of Red Hat’s In-Vehicle Operating System and Edge Business, commented: “Expanding our collaboration with ABB marks a significant milestone for the industry, as we equip manufacturers with the tools needed to navigate today’s complex industrial landscape. Red Hat’s platforms provide a stable, consistent foundation for process automation and industrial control, meeting the high-security and uptime demands of industrial applications.”
Supporting Sustainable and Efficient Industrial Operations
ABB, a global leader in electrification and automation, is committed to enabling a more sustainable and efficient future. By combining engineering expertise with digital solutions, ABB helps industries optimize operations, enhance energy efficiency, and drive sustainability.
Red Hat, the world’s leading provider of enterprise open-source solutions, delivers trusted, consistent, and scalable technologies for transformative IT and AI innovation. From data centers to edge environments, Red Hat’s portfolio—including cloud, AI, Linux, automation, and application platforms—empowers organizations to build, secure, and manage IT infrastructures effectively.
Conclusion
The expanded collaboration between ABB and Red Hat represents a major step forward in industrial automation, combining open-source innovation with industrial expertise to deliver secure, scalable, and future-ready solutions. By integrating IT and OT, enhancing cybersecurity, and enabling predictive insights, this partnership helps process industries accelerate digital transformation while maintaining operational excellence.
