ABB PixelPaint Delivers Paint Finish Precision, Exclusivity to Mercedes-Benz Models

Mercedes PixelPaint. Source | ABB

Electrification and automation company ABB’s (Zürich, Switzerland) PixelPaint technology has been deployed at the Mercedes-Benz Sindelfingen plant in Germany, where it complements the site’s conventional painting processes by enabling the precise and efficient application of intricate paint designs. The sustainable and resource-saving technology began operation in 2025 as the luxury manufacturer develops new personalized options for its most exclusive models.

“PixelPaint uses a paint head similar to an inkjet printer that can apply large areas of color as well as precise details with complete accuracy,” explains Joerg Reger, managing director of ABB Robotics Automotive Business Line. “In an entirely automated process that requires no manual intervention, the technology opens new possibilities for vehicle manufacturers as they look to increase personalization in response to rising consumer demand while also reducing emissions.”

The success of the project was possible due to the close cooperation between ABB, the high-quality paint supplier, PPG and the Mercedes-Benz project team

PixelPaint consists of a paint head with more than 1,000 tiny, individually controlled nozzles, mounted on an ABB robot such as the IRB 5500 paint series. Combined with ABB’s 3D vision system and coordinated by ABB’s RobotStudio planning and programming software, the head tracks very closely to the vehicle body to ensure that 100% of the paint is applied to the car with no overspray or airborne misting. This eliminates the need for labor-intensive masking and repeat trips through the paint shop, ABB says, resulting in zero waste, reduced environmental treatment requirements and lower emissions overall.

The technology can recreate even the most intricate designs with high precision. ABB’s 3D vision system enables a high degree of repeatability. This ensures that each painted panel appears identical to the next.

Mercedes-Benz will first use PixelPaint on the Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series. To further enhance the exclusivity of this model, the obsidian black hood is available upon request with an intricate Maybach pattern in contrasting graphite gray. This striking design would be impossible to achieve with a traditional process, ABB contends.