PRESS RELEASE: Beijing, November 20, 2009 – ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has announced that the ABB Powertrain Automation Force Control Robotic Assembly Station won the golden prize at the "2009 China International Industry Fair" held in Shanghai from November 3 to 7. The award-winning robotic system was locally developed in China by the company’s Robotics division and boasts both an innovative design concept and advanced manufacturing technology. With its leading technology, the system represents the latest achievement in ABB’s “In China, for the world” strategy.Tormod Gunleiksrud, Head of the ABB Robotics Division, North Asia Region and China, said: "We are very pleased to receive the highest honor at the CIIF. The award acknowledges our technological and innovative strength as well as our consistent efforts to support industry development through localization. By helping China's various industries to improve productivity with the most advanced technology and products in the world, they will be in a stronger position to cope with the challenges and seize the opportunities brought by a low-carbon economy.”At this year’s CIIF, ABB showcased a range of applications for the Powertrain Automation Force Control Robotic Assembly Station including key components such as auto engine and transmission. The station obviates the need for manual operation or special equipment and shortens the cycle time, thereby reducing production loss and the risk of worker injury. Already, the assembly station has been deployed in production lines for Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Honda, and Volvo as well as various component suppliers. By the end of 2008, ABB Powertrain Automation Force Control Technology had been applied in hundreds of equipment sets around the world.The Robotic Assembly Station’s core technology depends on ABB's patented flexible assembly and machining technology which applies controlled pressure and speed change as well as automatically searches and adapts robot path. ABB robotic force control technology can thus address both production quality and efficiency at the same time. It not only greatly improves product quality and productivity, but also extends the life of the tools through less attrition and reduces overall operation costs. The technology has been extensively applied to robotic precision machining in the metal, plastics, casting, die, and consumable industries and the assembly processes of various automated production lines.As the pioneer and global leader in robotic technology, ABB invented the world’s first industrial robot in 1974. The company currently possesses the broadest range of robotics, technology and services, and has installed more than 160,000 robotic units, making it the leading industrial robotics supplier with the largest robot installation. China has long been a key business area for ABB. The company has located both its Global Robotics headquarters and R&D center in Shanghai. To date, ABB is the only multinational company to research and manufacture industrial robots in China.The China International Industry Fair is the most significant international trade show in China and across the Asian Pacific. The 2009 CIIF was jointly organized by the Shanghai Municipal Government, along with various ministries and state commissions, including the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Education. It is the only tradeshow in China authorized by the State Council to grant awards.At the event, a jury panel comprised of domestic and foreign experts awarded four golden prizes, nine silver prizes, and 14 bronze prizes after a thorough selection process. According to the organizer, the award-winning exhibits adhere to the national development strategy and embody the principles of energy-conservation, environmental sustainability, and the transformation of the economic growth model. They demonstrate future-oriented high-end technology applications, achieve world-class technology standards, and highlight China's outstanding achievements in the advanced equipment manufacturing sector.