Global technology leader ABB has joined forces with Austria-based Zumtobel Group in a strategic partnership aimed at advancing smart building solutions and direct current (DC) industrial product applications.
he collaboration is expected to deliver integrated, sustainable solutions for the commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors, creating significant value through energy-efficient and user-friendly environments.
The partnership will combine Zumtobel Group’s expertise in lighting management systems with ABB’s building automation and electrification solutions, ABB said in a press release.
This will enable the development of sensor-based lighting systems that optimize energy usage, improve occupant comfort, and enhance the effectiveness of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) controls.
“Our partnership approach enables us to better address innovation, standardization, and sustainability and continue to pioneer new technologies,” said Lucy Han, ABB’s Executive Vice President for Building and Home Automation Solutions.
She highlighted that the partnership focuses on ensuring ease of use for customers through standardisation efforts in KNX, Matter, and Thread technologies.
“By combining our strengths with partners like the Zumtobel Group, we can offer customers more comprehensive and innovative solutions for smart buildings and industrial applications.”
Both companies will also focus on driving the adoption of direct current (DC) technology in full-scale industrial applications.
This shift toward DC technology aims to support a resource-saving society by improving the efficiency of renewable energy integration, reducing resource consumption, and enhancing grid stability.
ABB and Zumtobel are both active members of the Open Direct Current Alliance (ODCA), promoting open systems and industry standards.
Oliver Vogler, Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy and M&A at Zumtobel Group, expressed optimism about the collaboration.
“Collaborating with ABB allows us to expand our building management offering around sensor-based lighting, especially in DALI and KNX applications. Together, we can drive innovation in the rapidly evolving fields of smart buildings and smart energy solutions.”
The partnership will focus on joint development of smart building systems, particularly integrating Zumtobel’s LITECOM lighting system and TECTON DC luminaire with ABB’s DC protection devices and i-bus KNX system.
The companies also plan to explore opportunities in prefabricated building solutions and emerging technology standards, such as the cross-manufacturer Matter standard and Thread network protocol.
