ABB has announced a strategic collaboration with Austria-based Engineering Software Steyr GmbH (ESS) to revolutionize automotive paint shop operations through advanced simulation tools. The partnership aims to reduce operational costs by up to 30% and significantly cut carbon emissions, supporting manufacturers in enhancing efficiency and competitiveness.
As part of the agreement, ABB has taken a minority stake in ESS, although the financial terms were not disclosed. The collaboration focuses on integrating ESS’s simulation technology into ABB’s RobotStudio, a leading programming and simulation tool for robotic applications.
Automotive paint shops involve more than 20 steps, from degreasing and electrocoating to sealing and baking, each requiring optimization to ensure efficiency and quality. The new solutions developed by ABB and ESS aim to digitalize these processes, reducing the need for costly and time-intensive manual testing.
Marc Segura, President of ABB’s Robotics division, emphasized the transformative potential of the partnership:
“By cutting vehicle development time by up to a month and reducing costs by 30%, we’re enabling manufacturers to stay resilient. Additionally, these solutions can help a manufacturer producing 300,000 vehicles annually reduce CO2 emissions by nearly 17,000 tons, equivalent to flying an airliner around the Earth 19 times.”
Accessibility and Innovation for All Manufacturers
Dr. Martin Schifko, CEO of ESS, highlighted the importance of making advanced digital tools accessible to manufacturers of all sizes:
“Smaller companies often struggle with the complexity of existing tools. Our collaboration with ABB ensures that all manufacturers can leverage digital solutions to innovate, minimize environmental impact, and remain competitive.”
The partnership will enhance ABB’s existing smart automation solutions, such as:
- PixelPaint: A vision-controlled inkjet paint head that reproduces intricate details with high precision.
- RB1000i-S Atomizer: A digitally-enabled device achieving up to 99% paint transfer efficiency, reducing material waste.
By integrating ESS’s simulation technology, ABB aims to refine its automation offerings, enabling manufacturers to achieve energy savings, waste reduction, and operational efficiency.
The joint solutions promise to advance sustainability in the automotive industry by aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon footprints and enhance resource utilization. ABB’s investment in ESS underscores its commitment to fostering innovation that addresses both industry and environmental challenges.
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