ABB’s EXPLAIN Project Wins ITEA Award for Pioneering Industrial AI Transparency
International Recognition for AI Innovation
ABB’s Corporate Research Centers in Germany and Sweden received the ITEA Award of Excellence 2025. The ceremony took place in Portugal on September 16, 2025. This prestigious award recognizes the EU-funded EXPLAIN project’s groundbreaking work in artificial intelligence transparency.
Bridging Research and Industrial Applications
The project successfully demonstrates how advanced AI research translates into practical industrial solutions. ABB’s research teams showcased exceptional capabilities in managing complex AI technologies. Moreover, they established effective pathways from laboratory research to real-world implementation.
Human-Centered AI Approach
EXPLAIN focuses on making artificial intelligence transparent and understandable for industrial operators. This human-centered approach enables workers to trust, interact with, and provide feedback to AI systems. Consequently, AI becomes a reliable daily tool rather than just a technical novelty.
Mining Industry Implementation
ABB collaborated with Boliden to develop AI solutions for flotation processes. The project targeted higher harmonization and operational efficiency. Boliden’s program manager confirmed the project delivered concrete, applicable results for mining operations.
Pulp and Paper Applications
In partnership with Södra, ABB worked to improve pulp quality stability in digester processes. The focus remained on explainability and user-centered design. Södra’s development engineer emphasized how the project created better conditions for trust and robustness.
Energy Sector Solutions
ABB developed an AI-based anomaly detection system with energy company LEAG. The solution not only identifies issues but explains what’s happening and why. This transparency helps power plant operators understand and trust AI predictions.
Project Scope and Achievements
The EXPLAIN project involved 15 partners across Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands. From 2022 to 2025, the consortium developed new XAI methods and industry-tested prototypes. The project generated over 70 scientific contributions and a public guidebook for explainable AI.
Future Industrial Impact
The next phase focuses on scaling these results across broader industrial environments. This expansion will enable more efficient data-driven operations throughout process industries. The award validates ABB’s approach to combining technological excellence with practical application.
Industry Perspective: Trustworthy AI
Industrial AI requires both technical excellence and operational trust. The EXPLAIN project demonstrates that transparency is crucial for AI adoption in critical processes. Furthermore, user-centered design principles significantly enhance system reliability and operator confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does EXPLAIN stand for?
EXPLAIN represents EXPLanatory Interactive Artificial Intelligence for Industry. The project focuses on making AI systems transparent and understandable.
Which industries benefited from this project?
The project delivered solutions for mining, pulp and paper, and energy sectors. Each application focused on specific operational challenges within these industries.
What makes explainable AI different?
Explainable AI not only provides results but also clarifies the reasoning behind decisions. This transparency builds operator trust and enables better decision-making.
How long did the project run?
The EXPLAIN project operated from 2022 through 2025, involving multiple research cycles and industrial validations.
What are the practical benefits for operators?
Operators gain systems that explain anomalies and recommendations. This understanding enables faster response times and more informed decision-making in critical processes.
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