Earlier this month, ABB launched Automation Extended, a strategic evolution of its distributed control systems (DCS) designed to help industries modernize without disruption. The new program allows operators to progressively deploy next-generation automation capabilities while safeguarding existing investments and ensuring uninterrupted operations.
Modernization Without Downtime
Industrial operations today face increasing volatility, mounting cybersecurity threats, tighter regulatory frameworks and a rapidly evolving workforce. Automation Extended addresses these challenges by enabling agile innovation without halting production.
The program builds on ABB’s extensive DCS installed base. It provides a structured, low-risk pathway to modernization, combining system integrity with the flexibility and scalability required for industrial performance.
Operators can continue to rely on proven ABB platforms such as ABB Ability System 800xA, ABB Ability Symphony Plus, and ABB Freelance, while gradually integrating advanced technologies including analytics, AI and the IIoT. This approach ensures service continuity while opening the door to new digital capabilities.
In a press release, Peter Terwiesch, President of ABB’s Automation division commented:
“In the industries we serve—many operating vast, complex infrastructures delivering essential resources—our customers depend on modernization without interruption. Automation Extended is built precisely around that need: integrating future-ready capabilities into the systems they know and trust, with security and interoperability at the core.”
A Modular, Open Automation Ecosystem
At the heart of Automation Extended is a modern, open and modular ecosystem designed for interoperability, scalability and seamless cross-industry integration.
The architecture is based on a clear separation of concerns, with two distinct yet securely interconnected environments:
- Control environment – A software-defined domain ensuring robust, reliable and deterministic control of critical processes.
- Digital environment – Securely connected to the control layer, this environment supports advanced applications, edge data processing and real-time analytics. Leveraging AI and machine learning, it enables enhanced decision support without interfering with proven control structures.
This separation protects core control functions while enabling large-scale deployment of new digital services—minimizing operational risk and maintaining process integrity.
Cloud-Native and OPC UA-Enabled Architecture
Automation Extended incorporates advanced technologies such as an OPC UA (Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture) infrastructure and a cloud-native architecture to manage both environments. The ecosystem for example supports proactive detection and correction of process anomalies, continuous condition monitoring of critical assets but also maintenance strategies.
The result is a scalable and agile automation framework capable of evolving at the customer’s pace, while maintaining high performance and cybersecurity standards.
Access to Automation Extended will be enabled through upcoming releases of ABB’s process automation systems, including System 800xA, Symphony Plus and Freelance.
