Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd (M&M) has selected ABB Robotics’ cutting-edge PixelPaint technology to enhance its new electric vehicle (EV) paint facility. Starting in 2025, M&M will be the first original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in India to implement this state-of-the-art technology for painting contrasting roofs and pillars on its latest EV models.
ABB’s PixelPaint revolutionizes the painting process with an innovative paint head that functions similarly to an inkjet printer. This technology allows for the application of large areas of uniform color as well as intricate details with unparalleled accuracy. “Our PixelPaint technology applies finishes with no need for manual intervention, enhancing both quality and efficiency while minimizing waste,” said Joerg Reger, Managing Director of ABB Robotics Automotive Business Line.
The PixelPaint system features a paint head equipped with over 1,000 individually controlled nozzles, mounted on ABB’s IRB 5500 robots. This setup, combined with ABB’s 3D vision system and RobotStudio® software, ensures precise paint application directly on the vehicle body, eliminating overspray and airborne misting. The result is a zero-waste process that faithfully reproduces detailed designs without the need for labor-intensive masking or additional trips through the paint shop.
This collaboration underscores the growing demand for personalized vehicle options and demonstrates how ABB’s advanced technologies are supporting Mahindra in positioning its products within the luxury market segment. The deployment includes 42 IRB 5500 robots, marking a significant milestone as M&M becomes the first Indian OEM to use PixelPaint technology for sophisticated paint applications.
In addition to PixelPaint, ABB’s RB1000i paint atomizers further enhance efficiency by improving paint transfer by 10% and reducing waste by over 30%. These advancements ensure that paint is used effectively and that excess material is minimized, contributing to a more sustainable production process.
For more details on ABB’s PixelPaint technology, visit ABB PixelPaint.