World's First Robot-Painted Art Car Unveiled

Artists are known to show their creativity irrespective of the canvas. Be it paper, a wall or sometimes a car, and you've had some spectacular creations coming to life. However, in a world-first, artists have used not their hands but robots for their latest creations bringing man and machine together in a creative way. ABB Robotics has collaborated with two artists, eight-year-old Indian child prodigy Advait Kolarkar and Dubai-based digital design collective Illusorr, to create the world's first robot-painted art car. The artists have used ABB's PixelPaint technology that helped recreate Advait's swirling, monochromatic design as well as Illusorr's tri-colour geometrical patterns. The paintwork took place on a Volkswagen SUV that was damaged in floods in Germany last year.

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ABB's PixelPaint technology helped recreate Illusorr's tri-colour geometrical patterns on the VW SUV

Speaking on the special creation, Sami Atiya, President of ABB's Robotics & Discrete Automation business area, said, "ABB's PixelPaint technology is more than an evolution - it is a revolution. It's a shining example of how robotic automation and our RobotStudio software can not only pave the way for more sustainable manufacturing but can also perfectly replicate delicate pieces of art that celebrate the originality and beauty of the human spirit. At a time when consumers want more customized products, PixelPaint is a gamechanger and allows any design to be replicated in a manner that is both sustainable and affordable."  

ABB's IRB 5,500 paint robots come equipped with 1,000 nozzles in the print head and were able to complete the complex artworks in less than 30 minutes. The company says its PixelPaint technology demonstrates high precision and speed and is able to capture intricate and elaborate detail, which would be other nearly impossible to achieve by hand.

8-year-old Indian child prodigy Advait Kolarkar's swirling, monochromatic design was also recreated using PixelPaint technology

The PixelPaint technology essentially reimagines the paint application process. The company says the new technology reflects the growing demand for sustainable personalisation in the auto sector, especially when it comes to exterior paint. ABB says its technology allows for detailed, coloured and precise replication of design and does not involve multiple stages of masking and unmasking. The paint can be applied in a single application and is capable of bringing specialised designs to the automotive market.

Explaining more about personalised paint options, celebrated automotive designer Ian Callum, said, "There's something very special about a car. People get emotionally attached to them and the importance of personalisation is becoming stronger and stronger. In fact, I'm working with customers who actually want the whole car designed in a bespoke way. So this paint offering - with all sorts of new levels of individual design for a motor car - is incredible."

ABB Robotics says its PixelPaint technology can create even the more intricate designs, halve the production time and reduce costs by up to 60%

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ABB says the PixelPaint technology also enhances manufacturing sustainability, removing the need for masking materials and extra ventilation. This, in turn, lowers emissions as well as save water and energy. The company also says the technology can halve the production time and reduce costs by up to 60 per cent.