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• Extension Pack model enables customers to adopt new capabilities incrementally without upgrading base software;
• Features web browser-based Operations Client, providing a zero-install interface for monitoring and controlling process operations within ABB Ability™ System 800xA® distributed control system;
• Aligns with ABB’s Automation Extended program, combining proven control system reliability with future-ready digital innovation.
The first Extension Pack (xP0) features a web browser-based Operations Client, which allows operators and automation teams to securely access, monitor, analyze and control industrial processes via HTML5 web technology.
Extension Packs are a modular software delivery approach that allows customers to stay on their base software while adopting new capabilities independently and without disrupting operations. By decoupling innovation from core system upgrades, they reduce the need for large-scale upgrade events, minimize risk and lifecycle costs, and protect existing engineering investments, all while enabling customers to adopt new digital capabilities at their own pace.
Available as an optional extension to ABB Ability™ System 800xA® version 7 systems, the first Extension Pack introduces a modern user experience with streamlined navigation, flexible multi-pane displays and full support for existing operator graphics. Critical operational data, including alarms, events and trends, is presented within a unified interface, helping teams improve productivity, situational awareness and operational efficiency.
Designed for both brownfield modernization and greenfield automation projects, the zero-installation client can be deployed without requiring upgrades to the System 800xA base control system software.
This Extension Pack also introduces a new infrastructure server node hosting ABB’s Core Control Operating System (CC OS), representing an important milestone in ABB’s Automation Extended program. This new infrastructure also lays the foundation for the efficient and reliable orchestration of containerized control and digital applications, supporting ABB’s vision for a more flexible and modular automation environment. Announced in February 2026, Automation Extended outlines ABB’s long-term approach to enabling industrial innovation with continuity through a modern, open and modular automation ecosystem.
Built around a “separation of concerns” architecture derived from NAMUR Open Architecture (NOA) principles, Automation Extended distinguishes between a secure control environment dedicated to mission-critical process control functions, and a digital environment focused on monitoring, optimization and advanced applications. This approach enables technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and advanced analytics to be introduced incrementally, without compromising the resilience or availability of core plant operations.
“Industrial operators need to modernize while maintaining the stability and availability their operations depend on,” said Stefan Basenach, Senior Vice President, Process Automation Technology, ABB. “With the first Extension Pack for the latest version of our System 800xA, ABB is introducing a new way to deliver functionality into running systems. New and existing automation customers can introduce modern web-based operations and digital capabilities without disrupting existing control environments or compromising operational reliability. With Extension Packs and Automation Extended, ABB is redefining how innovation is delivered into mission critical automation environments.”
ABB Ability™ System 800xA® is ABB’s flagship distributed control system, widely used across process industries worldwide. Known for its high availability, scalability, and integration capabilities, System 800xA enables customers to operate safely, efficiently, and reliably while supporting long term modernization strategies.
ABB (abb.com) is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’. The company has over 140 years of history and around 110,000 employees worldwide.
ABB’s Automation business automates, electrifies and digitalizes industrial operations that address a wide range of essential needs from supplying energy, water and materials, to producing goods and transporting them to market. With its ~26,000 employees, leading technology and service expertise, Automation helps process, hybrid and maritime industries outrun leaner and cleaner.
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