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ABB Collaborates With Engineering Software Steyr To Enhance Automotive Paint Shop Efficiency And Sustainability
ABB has partnered with Engineering Software Steyr GmbH (ESS) from Austria to create advanced simulation tools for automotive paint shops. This collaboration aims to cut costs by up to 30% and speed up commissioning by a month. ABB will also invest in ESS, though financial specifics remain undisclosed.
The partnership will integrate ESS's technology into ABB’s RobotStudio®, a leading offline programming and simulation tool for robotics. Available on desktop, cloud, and AR platforms, this integration promises enhanced efficiency in automotive paint processes.
ESS is known for its hybrid simulation software that automates the meshing pre-processing step. Their innovative methods combine mesh-free and grid-based techniques to optimize paint shop operations. With headquarters in Steyr, Austria, ESS employs over 40 people from nearly 20 nations and has subsidiaries in Poland and India.
Marc Segura, President of ABB Robotics division, stated: "Delivering faster and more energy efficient solutions for the paint process is the final piece of the puzzle in digitalizing the manufacturing transition in the automotive industry." He highlighted that these innovations could reduce vehicle development time by a month and save manufacturers up to 30% in costs.
The collaboration between ABB and ESS also focuses on environmental benefits. A manufacturer producing 300,000 vehicles annually could potentially cut CO2 emissions by nearly 17,000 tons. This reduction is comparable to flying an airliner around the Earth 19 times.
A typical automotive paint shop involves over 20 steps, including degreasing, electrocoating, sealing, spraying, and baking. Each step requires testing and optimization of parameters like material viscosity and drying time before production begins.
Accessibility for All Manufacturers
Dr. Martin Schifko, CEO of ESS, emphasized the importance of accessible digital tools for companies of all sizes. He said: "We recognize how crucial it is for all players — large, medium and small companies — to have access to the right digital tools for innovation." The aim is to make simulation technology available to all manufacturers so they can innovate faster while reducing their environmental impact.
ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation supports customers across various sectors including automotive, electronics, and logistics. They offer a comprehensive portfolio covering robots and machine automation solutions designed by value-creating software.
Advanced Automation Solutions
The partnership will allow customers to benefit from ABB Robotics’ expertise in smart automation solutions like PixelPaint. This inkjet-style vision-controlled paint head reproduces precise details efficiently. Additionally, the RB1000i-S atomizer achieves up to 99% transfer efficiency, reducing paint usage significantly.
ABB is a global leader in electrification and automation with over 140 years of history. The company employs more than 105,000 people worldwide with shares listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB).
This strategic collaboration aims at transforming automotive paint shop operations through innovative simulation tools while enhancing competitiveness and sustainability within the industry.
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