In 2016, ABB launched a smart sensor solution, which connects low-voltage electric motors to the Industrial Internet, allowing them to be monitored continuously via a smartphone or web app.
Easily affixed to almost any motor, the ABB AbilityTM Smart Sensor transmits data on, for example, vibration, temperature, loads and power consumption to the cloud, to be analyzed. Alerts are generated as soon as any of the parameters deviates from the norm, allowing the operator to take preventive action before the motor malfunctions.
Early indications are that the smart sensor solution leads to a reduction in downtime of motors by up to 70 percent and extends their lifespan by up to 30 percent. Acting on the data to optimize the motor’s performance reduces energy consumption by as much as 10 percent.