The ABB process automation system built on the Red Hat open source platform will be able to achieve safer and more modular containerized control application deployment for process industries
Customers can benefit from the gradually introduced innovations, helping to ensure strong cybersecurity while maintaining operational integrity and protecting existing investments
The cooperation between the two sides has bridged the gap between information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT), enhanced predictive insights and real-time monitoring capabilities, and thereby improved asset performance and operational visibility
ABB and Red Hat announced today (June 6th) the expansion of their cooperation, aiming to develop automation systems for future industrial information technology, thereby enabling process industries to deploy control applications in a safer and more modular way. This collaboration is based on ABB’s leading position in the field of automation and Red Hat’s industry-leading enterprise open source platform, combining industrial innovation with digital capabilities including data analysis and artificial intelligence to help pave the way for autonomous operations.
ABB’s process automation system architecture consists of two environments that are both interconnected and distinct:
A powerful and secure control environment: ensuring stable and real-time management of key processes.
Digital environment: Aimed at flexibly and scalable introduction of digital solutions.
Previously, ABB and Red Hat collaborated on digital environment infrastructure to deploy advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and cloud-based applications more quickly and scalable without interfering with core control operations. Nowadays, these two companies are expanding the scope of their cooperation and incorporating the control environment as well, thereby providing higher operational consistency and stability to meet the most stringent safety and process requirements.
The dual architecture built on Red Hat platforms such as Red Hat Device Edge and Red Hat OpenShift will help customers gradually introduce innovative technologies, ensure operational integrity and existing investments, and maintain a high level of network security at the same time. In addition, Red Hat’s various technologies also provide reliable and secure system life cycle guarantees for process automation systems.
Stefan Basenach, Senior Vice President of Process Automation Technology at ABB, said: “Continuous industry cooperation is crucial for shaping the future of automation.” We are working hand in hand with Red Hat to promote modular and scalable solutions that conform to the global framework and bring long-term value to customers in the process industry sector. The two-tier architecture constructed based on the open-source platform has laid a solid foundation for the development of process industries towards autonomous operation. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Red Hat, constantly promoting an open, flexible and secure automation process, and providing strong support for the industry both now and in the future.
Francis Chow, Vice President of Red Hat and General Manager of Automotive Operating Systems and Edge Business, said: “Expanding the scope of cooperation with ABB is an important milestone for the entire industry because we provide manufacturers with the tools and solutions they need to help them achieve transformation and better cope with the various demands of today’s increasingly complex industrial landscape.” Red Hat’s platforms, including Red Hat Device Edge and Red Hat OpenShift, provide a solid and consistent foundation for process automation and industrial control, and help meet the strict safety and uptime requirements in industrial applications. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with ABB to jointly promote modern automation solutions empowered by open-source technologies.
ABB’s collaboration with Red Hat complies with global industry standards and frameworks, supporting the safe adoption of relevant technologies in a multi-vendor environment and enabling customers to drive digital transformation with greater confidence.
