Mahindra & Mahindra Integrates ABB Robotics’ PixelPaint for Custom EV Finishes
Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd (M&M), a frontrunner in India’s SUV market, is set to revolutionize its electric vehicle (EV) paint facility by incorporating ABB Robotics’ state-of-the-art PixelPaint technology. This pioneering move marks M&M as the first original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in India to utilize PixelPaint for applying distinctive roof and pillar colors.
ABB’s award-winning PixelPaint technology, akin to an inkjet printer, will commence serial production in 2025. Joerg Reger, Managing Director of ABB Robotics Automotive Business Line, highlights the transformative impact of this innovation: “PixelPaint technology can precisely apply large uniform color areas and intricate details without interrupting the production flow or requiring manual adjustments. This fully automated process will enable Mahindra to deliver sophisticated finishes, such as contrasting roof and pillar treatments, on its new EV line.”
The PixelPaint system features a paint head equipped with over 1,000 individually controlled nozzles mounted on an ABB IRB 5500 series robot. Coupled with ABB’s advanced 3D vision system and coordinated by the RobotStudio® planning and programming software, this setup ensures meticulous paint application directly onto the vehicle body, eliminating overspray and airborne mist. This precision negates the need for labor-intensive masking and repeated paint shop visits, leading to zero waste while maintaining high detail accuracy.
The increasing consumer demand for personalized vehicles has driven ABB to develop technologies like PixelPaint, positioning Mahindra’s products within the luxury segments. The implementation also includes 42 robots from ABB’s IRB 5500 family, reinforcing M&M’s leadership in adopting advanced manufacturing technologies.
Complex procedures such as interior painting and sealing are fully automated, with ABB’s systems ensuring precise paint application only where necessary. This eliminates manual masking, saves time, and reduces material usage. Additionally, ABB’s RB1000i digitally-enabled paint atomizers enhance transfer efficiency by 10 percent and decrease waste by over 30 percent, significantly reducing airborne paint loss.
For further details on ABB’s PixelPaint technology, please visit: ABB Robotics PixelPaint.
