In the heart of Melfi, Italy, where tradition meets technological excellence, Stellantis is setting a new benchmark in automotive artistry. The company’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility has been selected to integrate ABB’s revolutionary PixelPaint technology—an award-winning innovation that’s reshaping the future of precision paint application. And its first muse? The all-electric DS N°8, a flagship vehicle from DS Automobiles that encapsulates French savoir-faire with cutting-edge sustainability.
A New Standard in Automotive Finishing
What once required painstaking manual masking, multiple paintshop passes, and considerable environmental cost can now be achieved in a single, seamless step. ABB’s PixelPaint replaces the inefficiencies of traditional painting with a fully automated, high-precision system that dramatically reduces energy use and eliminates paint waste.
At the core of PixelPaint lies a high-tech paint head equipped with more than 1,000 individually controlled nozzles, mounted on ABB’s IRB 5500 robotic arm. Guided by 3D vision technology and orchestrated by ABB’s powerful RobotStudio® software, the robot traces the contours of the vehicle with remarkable accuracy. The result is a flawless, duo-tone finish with 100% paint transfer efficiency—no overspray, no airborne mist, and no waste.
Crafting DS N°8: The Art of French Luxury, Reimagined
Scheduled to enter ramp-up production in the latter half of 2025, the DS N°8 is poised to redefine electric luxury mobility. Its commanding silhouette is accentuated by a dramatic black upper section that flows from roof to grille, underscoring the brand’s hallmark blend of elegance and innovation.
“PixelPaint is increasingly being recognized by some of the world’s leading automotive designers who are seeking to create extraordinary finishes for their customers,” said Joerg Reger, Managing Director of ABB Robotics Automotive Business Line. “Its precision and efficiency are not just game-changing from a production standpoint—they represent a giant leap forward for sustainable manufacturing.”
Silvio Licitra, Head of Paint Process Engineering at Stellantis, echoed this sentiment: “ABB’s PixelPaint enables this meeting of design and sustainability, an expression of technological excellence fused with the refined aesthetics synonymous with our avant-garde heritage. DS N°8 redefines the French Art of Travel.”
Collaborative Innovation with a Sustainable Future
This strategic partnership between ABB, Stellantis, and paint supplier Nippon Paint represents more than a technological integration—it’s a manifesto for the future of automotive production. Introduced to the global stage at the SURCAR Europe conference in Cannes, the collaboration was recognised with the coveted Innovation Award, a testament to its transformative potential.
PixelPaint’s contribution to sustainability is as striking as its visual output. By eliminating overspray and minimising energy consumption, it not only reduces operational costs but also helps brands meet ambitious environmental targets—a crucial consideration in an era defined by climate accountability.
Engineering to Outrun: ABB’s Vision
With over 140 years of engineering expertise and a global workforce of more than 105,000 employees, ABB continues to redefine the limits of electrification and automation. PixelPaint is a shining example of how ABB’s commitment to digitalisation and sustainability is helping industries not just evolve—but excel.
From Melfi to the world, this collaboration is proof that innovation doesn’t have to compromise artistry—and that the path to a cleaner, smarter future is one of precision, partnership, and inspired design.
