ABB’s innovative PixelPaint technology has been deployed at the Mercedes-Benz Sindelfingen plant in Germany, where it complements the site’s conventional painting processes by enabling the precise and efficient application of intricate paint designs. The sustainable and resource-saving technology began operation in 2025 as the luxury manufacturer develops new personalized options for its most exclusive models.
“PixelPaint uses an award-winning paint head similar to an inkjet printer that can apply large areas of color as well as precise details with complete accuracy,” said Joerg Reger, Managing Director of ABB Robotics Automotive Business Line. “In an entirely automated process that requires no manual intervention, the technology opens new possibilities for vehicle manufacturers as they look to increase personalization in response to rising consumer demand while also reducing emissions. We’re delighted to have been able to work with Mercedes-Benz to help them make these extraordinary design visions a reality.”
PixelPaint consists of a paint head with more than 1,000 tiny, individually controlled nozzles, mounted on an ABB robot such as the IRB 5500 paint series. Combined with ABB’s 3D vision system and coordinated by ABB’s RobotStudio® planning and programming software, the head tracks very closely to the vehicle body to ensure that 100 percent of the paint is applied to the car with no overspray or airborne misting. This eliminates the need for labor-intensive masking and repeat trips through the paint shop, resulting in zero waste, reduced environmental treatment requirements, and lower emissions overall.
“PixelPaint uses an award-winning paint head similar to an inkjet printer that can apply large areas of color as well as precise details with complete accuracy,” said Joerg Reger, Managing Director of ABB Robotics Automotive Business Line. “In an entirely automated process that requires no manual intervention, the technology opens new possibilities for vehicle manufacturers as they look to increase personalization in response to rising consumer demand while also reducing emissions. We’re delighted to have been able to work with Mercedes-Benz to help them make these extraordinary design visions a reality.”
PixelPaint consists of a paint head with more than 1,000 tiny, individually controlled nozzles, mounted on an ABB robot such as the IRB 5500 paint series. Combined with ABB’s 3D vision system and coordinated by ABB’s RobotStudio® planning and programming software, the head tracks very closely to the vehicle body to ensure that 100 percent of the paint is applied to the car with no overspray or airborne misting. This eliminates the need for labor-intensive masking and repeat trips through the paint shop, resulting in zero waste, reduced environmental treatment requirements, and lower emissions overall.
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MotorTranscript
00:00Matching our customers' highest demands for design and quality with innovative technological solutions is a milestone for the paint shop of the world's most desirable car brand.
00:22The precision pixel paint technology from ABB, deployed in combination with the know-how of our colleagues in custom paintwork here at the Mercedes-Benz site in Zindelfingen, enables exclusive product results for our demanding customers.
00:41With pixel paint, we can create the intricate design elements that customers desire for the vehicle body with maximum precision in just a few seconds.
00:52This innovative process takes us to a completely new level in the field of individual painting.
00:59High-precision paint quality, even for the most complex motifs, and with complete accuracy and repeatability from hood to hood, expands our range of exclusive customer requests and unique design offerings.
01:13The success of this joint project is due to the close cooperation with technology partner ABB and our dedicated Mercedes-Benz project team.
01:24However, it is only the first joint step into a world of previously unimaginable possibilities for individual painting in the automotive industry.
01:33Pixel paint is revolutionary, with this technology, everything from large areas of color to the smallest details can be painted with the utmost precision.
01:47The process is fully automated and requires no manual intervention.
01:52Pixel paint is also highly sustainable because 100% of the paint is applied directly to the vehicle's surface, reducing emissions.
02:00We are extremely proud that Mercedes-Benz has chosen to implement its unique designs with our sustainable pixel paint technology, especially for its most exclusive models.