ABB’s Drive Wins iF Design Award – Design Combines Modularity with a Strong Brand Identity

ABB’s ACS380-E drive has won the prestigious iF Design Award 2026 in the Product Design category — one of the world’s most significant recognitions in the field of design. The jury particularly praised the drive’s high level of customization, advanced connectivity features, and modular structure, which together position it as a solution for controlling the next generation of machines.

The product design was developed by Edea Design, ABB’s long-term design partner for several decades. This enduring collaboration has shaped a strong industrial design legacy where visual distinctiveness and practical functionality go hand in hand. The ACS380-E award continues this internationally recognized design tradition.

The ACS380-E embodies ABB’s distinctive design language. Its iconic five-corner front panel and carefully refined chamfered side surfaces create a clear and recognizable visual identity. While maintaining continuity with its predecessor, the new model presents a more modern and premium appearance. The glossy black interface area reinforces the premium feel and reflects the product’s high technological standards, including robust cybersecurity capabilities.

At the core of the design is a modular architecture that enables customers to select features and add-ons even after delivery. Stackable modules and an adjustable cover increase flexibility while supporting lifecycle thinking and reducing environmental impact. Modularity is not merely a technical solution but an integrated element of the overall design concept.

Usability has been refined based on user feedback. Ethernet and USB-C ports are positioned at the front corner for easy access. The display and keypad modules are now optional, and the visual clarity of the user interface has been enhanced: symbols are supported with text, contrast has been increased, and the viewing window enlarged. A new intelligent ejection mechanism allows for safe and effortless module handling.

The iF Award highlights the strategic importance of industrial design within the technology industry. The ACS380-E demonstrates how design can simultaneously strengthen brand identity, improve user experience, and respond to demands for sustainability and adaptability.

Photo: ABB / Edea