ABB has expanded its partnership with Electric Torque Machines (ETM), a subsidiary of Graco Inc to develop and commercialise motors based on ETM’s patented Transverse Flux Motor (TFM) technology for data centre cooling applications. The motors will be marketed under the ABB brand.
The technology is designed to deliver high torque at low speeds, making it suitable for large cooling fans, pumps and heat rejection towers used in data centres. These systems play an important role in maintaining operating temperatures as computing facilities increase their processing capacity and rack density.
The partnership comes as demand for data centre infrastructure rises alongside the growth of artificial intelligence. Global data centre electricity demand increased by 17% in 2025, while electricity demand from AI-focused facilities grew by 50%, according to the figures cited by the companies. The higher computing loads are increasing the need for cooling systems that can operate continuously while managing energy consumption and maintenance requirements.
Justin McMahon, Executive Vice President, Global Business Line, NEMA Motors Division at ABB, said data centre operators were seeking cooling solutions that reduced energy use, system complexity and downtime. He said the expanded agreement with ETM would bring a new motor technology to address these requirements.
Mark Sheahan, Chief Executive Officer of Graco Inc., said ABB’s global presence and expertise in electrification would support the commercialisation of TFM technology in applications where reliability and energy efficiency are important. The TFM motor uses a direct-drive architecture that can reduce the need for mechanical transmission components and associated conversion losses. This design can also lower operating noise and maintenance requirements, while reducing the total cost of ownership over the equipment’s operating life.
The motors will complement ABB’s existing range of high-efficiency motors, variable speed drives and liquid cooling solutions. ABB’s drives and motor portfolio will allow customers to select cooling systems suited to different data centre infrastructure requirements.
The collaboration extends ABB’s work in cooling technologies as data centres respond to increasing heat loads from high-performance computing and AI applications. The companies will focus on developing and commercialising the motor technology for large-scale cooling requirements.
ABB Motion develops motors, drives and related services for industrial and commercial applications. The business has more than 23,000 employees across 100 countries and draws on over 140 years of experience in electric powertrain technologies. Electric Torque Machines is a wholly owned business of Graco Inc. (NYSE: GGG). ETM develops and licenses patented Transverse Flux Motor technology for high-torque, low-speed direct-drive applications and works with industrial manufacturers to commercialise its technology.
