Constantly active in building a sustainable future for people and the environment, ABB stands out not only for its cutting-edge technologies but also for its strong commitment to engaging schools and universities to educate future generations. The company does not see education as merely a means of imparting knowledge, but as a key to open the doors of progress, innovation and responsibility.
"We believe that in order to generate real change in society and embrace the paradigms of sustainability, efficiency and energy transition, companies have a very important role and must lead by example. - said Sara Saltalamacchia, Sustainability Champion Motion Italy - It is important to raise awareness of these issues and to promote initiatives that involve young people so that they understand the challenges that await them."
This is precisely the starting point that kicked off an ABB initiative aimed at involving elementary school pupils. At the end of 2023, in fact, the Vittuone office welcomed 65 students from Lissone's A. Moro Primary School to inspire and guide them toward greater knowledge of technology combined with environmental awareness and excellence in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) subjects.
Educating with innovation
ABB's approach aims to create an engaging educational experience. Children were taken along a journey into the world of sustainable technologies, exploring how innovation can become a powerful ally in the fight against climate change.
"Elementary school students are a little different from our traditional customers, but no less interested and hungry for knowledge. This was a good challenge for everyone: first and foremost for the children, who need to understand how technologies such as motors, drives and robots not only change the way we live, but also our impact on planet Earth. - told Sara Saltalamacchia - But it was also a wonderful experience for us at ABB, who found ourselves talking to listeners who are already sensitive to environmental and social issues."
Interactive presentations on sustainability and climate change, engaging games, and fun quizzes made this first event an enjoyable and inspiring experience for all.
But how to explain the concept of sustainability in simple words? Starting from the experiences that we all, young and old, live daily: how to care for our common home, the Earth. "Imagine a world where energy is clean, the environment is respected and your daily actions help preserve the beauty of our planet: we are here today as we want to build a sustainable future together with you," was the opening sentence of the meeting.
Interactive games have proven to be a powerful tool for engaging children and encouraging their creativity. Climate Fresk Kids, a serious game used in the adult version as ABB Motion's in-house training, made it possible to explain and analyze the problem of climate change in a more active and immediate way, without long and complex presentations. There was great curiosity about the quizzes, which caught even some of the accompanying adults unprepared: for example, how many engines are there in the world? Where are they used? How powerful are they compared to a fireball like a Ferrari?
From elevators and air-treatment machines in buildings to the pumps that give us water every morning, from trains to electric vehicles, the little players discovered how motors are everywhere in the world and, all the more reason why using them correctly and efficiently is an important first step toward a more sustainable world.
At ABB's Vittuone headquarters, children and teachers were also able to learn about the innovative technologies that make this path to efficiency and sustainability possible. They saw at work in the OEM HUB high-efficiency motors and drives that, if massively applied, would lead to a saving of 10 percent of the electricity consumed today worldwide; they learned about the excellence of ABB Motion Service, which is at the forefront of the production of explosion-proof medium-voltage motors and is capable, with its technologies and expertise, of giving a more efficient second life in a circular economy perspective to motors and drives already present in plants today; and they met Yumi, ABB's collaborative robot capable of interacting with people and supporting them in production processes.
The key role of STEM subjects
In this educational journey, ABB highlighted the importance of STEM subjects. Science, technology, engineering and mathematics are the foundations of innovation. ABB actively collaborates with colleges and universities to promote courses and initiatives that encourage students to explore the potential of these disciplines, opening doors to careers in a wide variety of fields. Pursuing these disciplines is indeed the key to facing and meeting the challenges of the future..
The future is in the hands of the younger generation
Educating children about sustainability, climate change, and STEM subjects not only prepares them to face the challenges of the future, but also guides them in becoming the true protagonists of a more conscious and sustainable society. Therefore, community involvement is an essential element of this initiative.
It is precisely through collaboration with elementary schools that ABB wants to bring about a full understanding of the value of sustainable technology-oriented education, contributing to the progress of schools and the creation of more inspiring educational environments. In addition, of course, to training future citizens and professionals who can make a difference.
"ABB is certainly a pioneer in technology and automation, but that alone is not enough to shape a vision into a reality. The future is in the hands of the new generations, and we are putting our best efforts to show how it is possible to build a better world through everyone's contribution," Sara Saltalamacchia concluded.
That is why ABB, with this project, wants to raise awareness among an extremely important group: that of tomorrow's adults, those who will make the choices that will make a difference for a truly sustainable future. And it is precisely the youngest children, those who have recently begun the adventure of schooling, who have the greatest potential to dream big and learn more and more. Because each of them brings with them a vital building block for building a future in which respect for the environment is foremost in our thoughts..
