ABB has partnered with Engineering Software Steyr GmbH (ESS) of Austria to develop advanced simulation tools for automotive paint shops. The goal of this collaboration is to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs by up to 30% while also accelerating commissioning time by a month.
As part of the agreement, ABB will be investing in ESS, although the exact financial details have not been disclosed. The integration of ESS’s technology into ABB’s RobotStudio, an offline programming and simulation tool for robotics, will be available on desktop, cloud, and AR platforms. This integration aims to streamline and optimize automotive paint processes.
The collaboration will introduce innovative solutions like PixelPaint, an inkjet-style, vision-controlled paint head for precise detailing, and the RB1000i-S atomizer, which can achieve up to 99% transfer efficiency. These solutions will address the various steps involved in an automotive paint shop process, such as degreasing, electrocoating, sealing, spraying, and baking, by optimizing parameters like viscosity, adhesion, and drying time.
Traditionally, the automotive paint process has been costly and time-consuming. ABB robotics division president, Marc Segura, highlighted the significance of delivering faster and more energy-efficient solutions for the paint process to digitalize the manufacturing transition in the automotive industry. The innovative solutions developed through this partnership have the potential to cut vehicle development time by up to a month and generate cost savings of up to 30%.
By utilizing these solutions, manufacturers can become more competitive, efficient, and resilient. Additionally, the environmental benefits are substantial, as manufacturers producing 300,000 vehicles could potentially reduce CO2 emissions by nearly 17,000 tons annually.
ESS CEO, Dr. Martin Schifko, emphasized the importance of providing digital tools for innovation to all players in the automotive industry, regardless of their size. The aim is to make simulation technology accessible to all manufacturers, enabling them to innovate faster, reduce environmental impact, and stay competitive in a demanding industry.
Overall, the partnership between ABB and ESS signifies a commitment to revolutionizing the automotive paint shop process through cutting-edge simulation tools and advanced robotics technology. This collaboration is poised to drive significant improvements in efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability within the automotive manufacturing sector.
