ABB B&R Beverage Automation Drinktec 2025

ABB and B&R Showcase Integrated Beverage Automation at Drinktec 2025

MUNICH, Germany, September 4, 2025 – ABB and its automation division B&R Industrial Automation will present unified brewery and beverage technologies at drinktec 2025. The September 15-19 event at Munich’s Trade Fair Center highlights how integrated automation solutions optimize beverage production from raw materials through packaging.

Unified Automation Platform

ABB and B&R solutions combine into a single interoperable platform spanning process control, adaptive manufacturing, and digital optimization. This integrated approach enhances operational safety, improves quality control, and reduces resource consumption while increasing production flexibility and innovation speed.

Exhibition Highlights

Booth 472/480 in Hall C5 will demonstrate the ABB Ability BeerMaker solution built on System 800xA DCS alongside B&R’s adaptive automation for packaging. The exhibition showcases complete production optimization from raw material conversion to final packaging within a unified automation ecosystem.

BeerMaker Technology Deployment

The modular BeerMaker solution optimizes brewing processes while reducing energy and water consumption. The technology debuts alongside its implementation in a South American facility of a global brewing company, expanding an existing System 800xA installation through an experienced system integrator.

Industry Leadership Perspective

“We demonstrate complete brewery automation coverage through ABB and B&R collaboration,” stated Marcello Gulinelli, ABB’s Global Head of Food & Beverage. “For the first time at drinktec, beverage industry stakeholders will see interoperable systems supporting the entire value chain under one automation umbrella.”

Interactive Technology Demonstration

The ATEMI exhibit features live interoperability demonstrations combining drive, control, safety, and vision technologies. Visitors can operate the interactive display via joystick, observing seamless integration between ABB components including electrification systems, drives, visualization, and grippers.

Adaptive Manufacturing Solutions

B&R showcases scalable automation including ACOPOStrak, ACOPOS 6D, and robotics solutions enabling rapid changeovers and reduced machine footprints. These technologies help producers manage product personalization and SKU proliferation through flexible, adaptive manufacturing systems.

Market Dynamics Response

“The beverage market demands unprecedented dynamism,” explained Wlady Martino, B&R Global CPG Industry Segment Manager. “Our combined capabilities deliver agile automation for rapid changeovers, productive systems maximizing throughput, and intelligent solutions creating competitive advantages from operational data.”

Digital Integration Advancements

The exhibition introduces Modular Type Package concepts to brewing, enhancing engineering efficiency and integration speed. Additional digital enablers include Energy Management Systems, Advanced Process Control, Knowledge Manager, and Connected Workforce solutions supporting responsive, sustainable production models.

Industry Perspective

From my analysis of food and beverage automation, integrated control systems typically reduce engineering effort by 25-40% while improving production flexibility. The convergence of process and discrete automation addresses fundamental industry challenges around product variety and production efficiency.

Implementation Benefits

Beverage producers implementing unified automation platforms typically achieve 15-30% faster changeovers, 20-35% reduced engineering costs, and 10-25% lower utility consumption through optimized process control and energy management.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where is drinktec 2025?

September 15-19, 2025 at Munich’s Trade Fair Center Messe in Germany.

What is ABB Ability BeerMaker?

A modular brewing optimization solution built on System 800xA DCS that reduces energy and water consumption while improving production scalability.

Which technologies will B&R exhibit?

ACOPOStrak, ACOPOS 6D, robotics, and adaptive automation solutions for packaging and production line flexibility.

What are the key benefits of integrated automation?

Unified platforms reduce engineering complexity, improve production flexibility, and optimize resource utilization across beverage operations.

Where can visitors see the demonstrations?

Booth 472/480 in Hall C5 at the Munich Trade Fair Center.

Corporate Background

ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation with 140 years of industry experience and approximately 110,000 employees worldwide. The Process Automation business serves energy, water, materials, and goods production industries with digitalization and automation solutions.

B&R, an ABB division headquartered in Austria, provides complete machine and factory automation solutions including motion control, HMI, and safety technology. The company drives industrial automation innovation through OPC UA, POWERLINK, openSAFETY standards, and Automation Studio software.