PixelPaint is initially getting used for the Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Collection. The obsidian black hood of this
unique mannequin is on the market with a Maybach sample upon buyer request. | Supply: ABB Robotics
Mercedes-Benz AG has deployed ABB Robotics’ PixelPaint expertise at its Sindelfingen plant in Germany. The system enhances the manufacturing unit’s typical portray processes by enabling the exact and environment friendly software of intricate paint designs.
ABB claimed that the expertise is each sustainable and resource-saving. The firm started operation within the facility earlier this yr and has helped Mercedes-Benz adapt to its new customized choices for its most unique fashions.
“PixelPaint makes use of an award-winning paint head just like an inkjet printer that may apply giant areas of coloration in addition to exact particulars with full accuracy,” mentioned Joerg Reger, managing director of ABB Robotics Automotive Enterprise Line.
“In a completely automated course of that requires no handbook intervention, the expertise opens new prospects for car producers as they appear to extend personalization in response to rising shopper demand whereas additionally decreasing emissions. We’re delighted to have been capable of work with Mercedes-Benz to assist them make these extraordinary design visions a actuality.”
Mercedes gives distinctive designs with PixelPaint
PixelPaint consists of a paint head with greater than 1,000 tiny, individually managed nozzles, mounted on an ABB robotic such because the IRB 5500 paint sequence. Mixed with ABB’s 3D imaginative and prescient system and coordinated by its RobotStudio planning and programming software program, the pinnacle tracks very carefully to the car physique to make sure that 100% of the paint is utilized to the automobile with no overspray or airborne misting.
This eliminates the necessity for labor-intensive masking and repeat journeys by way of the paint store, mentioned the corporate. This leads to zero waste, diminished environmental therapy necessities, and decrease emissions general, in keeping with ABB.
The expertise can recreate even essentially the most intricate designs with unprecedented precision, it added. The 3D imaginative and prescient system allows a excessive diploma of repeatability so that every painted panel seems similar to the subsequent.
Mercedes-Benz will first use PixelPaint on the Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Collection. To additional improve the exclusivity of this mannequin, the obsidian black hood is on the market upon request with an intricate Maybach sample in contrasting graphite gray. The automaker mentioned this design can be unattainable to attain with a standard course of.
“With PixelPaint, we’re setting a brand new benchmark in portray expertise,” mentioned Arno van der Merwe, head of manufacturing planning at Mercedes-Benz. “The mix of the best design and high quality precision with modern technological options is a milestone for the portray of our top-end fashions on the Sindelfingen website. This forward-looking expertise raises us to a brand new stage in particular person coatings. It allows unique product outcomes for our demanding clients.”
ABB Robotics touts improvements
ABB’s different portray techniques embody the RB1000i-S digitally-enabled atomizer. The corporate mentioned it could actually obtain as much as 99% switch effectivity, utilizing much less paint and supplies. ABB mentioned each techniques are a part of its objective to make producers extra sustainable, environment friendly, and aggressive.
ABB’s product line features a full vary of industrial robots, collaborative robotic arms, and autonomous cellular robots (AMRs). In January 2025, it introduced its “no-code” AppStudio for creating consumer interfaces and partnered with Agilent Applied sciences on laboratory automation.
In March, ABB launched the RoboMasters robotic coaching instrument, and final week, it upgraded its Flexly Mover AMR. ABB Robotics is likely one of the high RBR50 winners of all time, incomes recognition yearly within the innovation award’s historical past.
Final month, ABB Group introduced that it might be spinning off its complete robotics division. It intends for the enterprise to start out buying and selling as a individually listed firm within the second quarter of 2026.
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