Most large technology companies have an investment arm that is different from their normal business development and mergers and acquisitions groups. In ABB's case, that would be ABB Technology Ventures, which has been actively pursuing interesting small companies in the automation, power and data industries.
One of ABB's core businesses, until they were forced to sell it off when they were in financial trouble was the water division. This group was one of the largest vendors of water metering devices and software, and ABB has always regretted the necessity of divesting it. It is no surprise then to find them investing in a water distribution monitoring company.
Here's the press release.
ABB invests in water network monitoring company
TaKaDu monitoring solutions enable high network efficiency and help reduce water losses
The investment gives ABB access to a field-proven monitoring system that complements its automation portfolio for the water sector. This includes a range of power and automation products and integrated solutions that allow customers to produce, transport, distribute, treat and utilize water efficiently, reducing energy consumption, minimizing losses and improving reliability.
TaKaDu provides a software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution that can detect and alert in real-time on water network faults, leaks, bursts, network breaches, faulty meters, and other inefficiencies. The solution is based on sophisticated cloud-based data analysis and requires no network changes, additional devices or capital expenditure. It leverages multiple data sources including inputs from network operations, online sensor based flow and pressure data and other external influencers such as weather and calendar events. This data can all be securely accessed over the internet.
Among its many benefits, this technology can deliver significant reductions in water losses, often referred to as Non-Revenue Water (NRW). The World Bank estimates global water loss at 25 to 30 percent, representing a $20 billion cost savings opportunity. The problem is further exacerbated by the continued increase in demand for water around the world and aging infrastructure.
"TaKaDu’s innovative solution enables commercial water network operators to monitor their distribution networks efficiently and reduce losses” said Franz-Josef Mengede, head of ABB’s Power Generation business within the company’s Power Systems division. "Water is a key focus area for ABB and this investment will further strengthen our power and automation offering for the sector.”
TaKaDu’s solutions have been rolled out by leading water utilities in ten countries and have earned international recognition as an environmentally friendly technology including the Technology Pioneer award from the World Economic Forum in 2011.
“This strategic investment will facilitate marketing and technical synergies with ABB, a global leader, and help us to pursue our vision of making water networks smarter through advanced technology” said Amir Peleg, Founder and CEO of TaKaDu."TaKaDu’s innovation in the water space is a great match to ABB’s market position and approach.”
ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 135,000 people.
