Global automation giant ABB has partnered with China's largest printing machinery manufacturer to help support smart manufacturing and accelerate digital upgrading of China's printing machinery sector, the company announced Tuesday.

ABB signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement with Beiren Intelligent Equipment Technology Co. to offer the latter comprehensive intelligent solutions including smart sensors, low voltage products and systems, switchgears, control systems and drive systems.

The two parties will also explore approaches to value-added business by leveraging machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies.

"With the advance of the new technology revolution, Internet, big data and artificial intelligence are deeply integrated with the real economy, and intelligent manufacturing has become the major direction of China's manufacturing upgrade drive," said Gu Chunyuan, chairman and president of ABB (China) Limited.

Beiren, established in June 2017, was formerly known as Beiren Group, which was founded in 1952 as one of the pioneers in China's printing machinery sector.

"Along with the wide application of Internet and digital technologies, Beiren is now striving to further optimize its business structure, improve its core competence and create more value by shifting from a pure printing equipment manufacturer to a digital, intelligent and green printing solution provider," according to Beiren general manager Li Yanfeng.