ABLOY launches its 120th anniversary year with the introduction of AI-generated Mr Henriksson
As Abloy approaches its 120th anniversary in 2027, the company is introducing an AI-generated digital recreation of Emil Henriksson, whose 1907 invention ultimately laid the foundation for ABLOY. Through Mr Henriksson’s journey, ABLOY will explore the ideas and innovations that could help shape the next 120 years.
In 1907, Finnish engineer Emil Henriksson noticed that the rotating disc mechanism inside a mechanical cash register could be adapted into a secure lock. That observation led to the invention of the disc detainer lock and ultimately to the founding of ABLOY.
Over the past 120 years, the world around us has changed dramatically. Buildings have become smarter, access increasingly digital, and security more interconnected than ever before. Yet one principle has remained constant: what people depend on must be built to last.
Throughout the anniversary year, Mr Henriksson will investigate the technologies, systems and ideas shaping security today, from digital identities and intelligent access solutions to connected infrastructure and emerging technologies.
Emil Henriksson saw an opportunity to solve a fundamental challenge: how to secure what matters most and earn people's trust. More than a century later, that challenge remains just as relevant. While technologies evolve, the need for solutions that solve real problems, create lasting value and stand the test of time remain unchanged. Mr Henriksson gives us a unique way to continue that conversation, says Johanna Varis, Director and Head of Marketing and Segment Development at Abloy Oy.
A digital recreation, created transparently
Mr Henriksson is a digital, AI-assisted recreation. All content is created, reviewed and approved by a dedicated team. AI is used as a production tool within that process, supporting quick and agile content production, while final responsibility for every film, post and interaction remains with people.
Rather than a historical reenactment, Mr Henriksson was developed as part of ABLOY’s anniversary year celebrations, drawing inspiration from the curiosity, analytical thinking and engineering mindset associated with ABLOY's origins.
Throughout the anniversary year, Mr Henriksson will appear across digital channels and events, exploring new innovations, technologies and the people behind them.
Mr Henriksson will serve as a recurring guide throughout the journey, helping to connect ABLOY's pioneering heritage with the ideas and innovations shaping the future of trust, says Johanna Varis.
We encourage all Abloy employees to follow Mr Henriksson on LinkedIn and help amplify anniversary year content by liking, commenting on and sharing posts within your own networks. Your engagement will help bring our anniversary year stories to wider audiences and showcase ABLOY's heritage and expertise around the world.
An anniversary year logo has also been created and will be featured throughout the year across ABLOY's communications, materials and events. More detailed guidelines for the use of the logo will be published at a later date.
If you have questions about Mr Henriksson or the anniversary year content, please contact Head of Marketing and Segment Development Johanna Varis at johanna.varis@abloy.com or the marketing team at marketing@abloy.com.