Maharashtra CM, ABB CEO discuss ways to partner on AI

AI

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Chief Executive Officer of Swiss-Swedish engineering and power major ABB Group, Ulrich Spiesshofer, met on the sidelines of NASSCOM Technology & Leadership Forum 2019 in Mumbai to discuss ways for building a partnership to deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digitalisation technologies for the economic development of the state.

“Maharashtra has been a forerunner in AI technology in India and ABB, as a pioneering technology leader in digital industries, is ready to support it in developing its digital economy,” said Spiesshofer.

“By rapidly adopting advanced technologies, Maharashtra can expand its role as an export hub and strengthen India’s competitive position in global markets,” he added.

According to the CEO of ABB Group, headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, which is operating mainly in robotics, power, heavy electrical equipment and automation technology areas, almost 50 percent of the cars manufactured in the auto hub of Pune has ABB automation and robotics involved in its processes.

The company is already working with government think-tank NITI Aayog to digitalise key sectors of the Indian economy and explore new opportunities in AI, big data and connectivity.

Maharashtra has been looking to exploit the potential of AI to address various issues concerning citizen programmes, crop yields and innovation. The state recently concluded its first blockchain pilot study to demonstrate the use of new technology in the areas of organ transplant, land records, rationing and digital certification.