ABI Research

ABI Research is a technology intelligence and advisory firm headquartered in New York City. The company provides research, market data, and strategic guidance on emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, telecommunications, robotics, and cybersecurity.

History

ABI Research was founded in 1990 in New York City, by Tim Archdeacon. The company initially focused on providing market intelligence for the wireless technology sector and semiconductor components, which were then in their early stages of commercial development.

Over the subsequent decades, the firm expanded its coverage to include a broader scope of technology areas such as Extended Reality (XR), digital security, the Internet of things (IoT), and supply chain management.

Business operations and services

ABI Research operates as a subscription-based advisory firm. The company segments its services into four primary categories:

End Markets: Analysis of technology adoption in vertical industries (e.g., retail, healthcare, manufacturing).
Enabling Platforms: Research on core technologies that support digital transformation.
Strategic Technologies: Coverage of emerging and disruptive tech trends.
Custom and Consulting: Tailored research projects and strategic marketing support.

Platforms

In 2024, the company launched two new platforms:

Innovators Network: Launched in May 2024, this community platform is designed for technology implementers (end-users) to facilitate peer collaboration, strategy development, and access to analyst insights.
ABI DataStream: Introduced in November 2024, this is a Data-as-a-Service (DaaS) platform that provides clients with direct API access to the company's proprietary data and forecasts.

Competitive rankings

The firm publishes Competitive Rankings, which assess vendors within specific technology domains (such as Grid Technology or Enterprise PKI). These rankings utilize a matrix that scores companies based on two main criteria: Innovation and Implementation.

Research Coverage

As of 2025, ABI Research maintains coverage of approximately 32 technology sectors. Key areas of research include:

Telecommunications: 5G, 6G, Open RAN, and Telco API platforms.
AI & Robotics: Generative AI, Agentic AI, and warehouse automation.
Automotive: Autonomous driving, Electrification (EVs), and digital cockpits.
Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 7, Ultra-wideband (UWB), and Satellite IoT.
Digital Security: Cybersecurity, Quantum Safe Technologies, and identity management.
Industrial Markets: Smart manufacturing, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), and Supply Chain technologies.

Reception

Research and data from ABI Research have been cited in various general and technology news outlets. The firm has been referenced regarding trends in the metaverse by Forbes, and retail technology trends by The Wall Street Journal.

More recent citations include commentary on consumer technology trends in CNN and warehouse automation in The Boston Globe.