BASF Coatings is shaping the future of automated paint application in bodyshops through robotics-enabled automotive refinish by collaborating with OEMs and automation partners and combining application process know-how, coatings expertise and digital colour management.
According to the news release, BASF is utilizing its experience in repair processes and connected digital workflows to support customers in implementing robotics-enabled solutions for “more consistent, scalable and future-ready repair operations.”
Automation is rising in significance in the collision repair industry, leading BASF to work closely with industry partners, pilot customers and robotics suppliers to help customers with “validated process expertise and practical implementation guidance for robotics-enabled repair environments,” stated the news release.
BASF not only focuses on testing and validation but actively contributes to future application standards, scalable process frameworks and the integration of robotics into bodyshop operations.
While BASF does not develop robotics hardware, the company sets itself apart through its comprehensive insight into coatings, application processes and system integration within automotive refinish.
For BASF, robotics is a natural extension of its end-to-end digital colour process, as its Refinity ecosystem already supports consistent and efficient repair processes through digital colour scanning, matching, mixing and workflow management. Robotics takes this a step further “by connecting digital process control with physical paint application,” noted BASF’s news release.
“Robotics brings together digital colour management and physical application in a single connected process,” said Chen Liu, global head of technology automotive refinish coatings, in BASF’s news release. “The true differentiation lies not in the robot itself, but in how BASF integrates coatings, process and application expertise to deliver consistent quality in real-world bodyshop environments. By combining these strengths, we are shaping scalable and repeatable application standards that will define the future of automotive refinish.”
Since initial robotics applications focus primarily on standardized primer, basecoat and clearcoat applications on complete vehicle parts, repeatability, throughput and material efficiency are the driving forces. As technology evolves, robotics applications are expected to shift from broader use to specific processes, such as blending or interior painting.
“We see robotics as an important future topic for automotive refinish and want to help customers navigate this evolving environment with confidence,” said Roar Solberg, vice president automotive refinish coatings EMEA, in the news release. “Our approach is to provide orientation, validation and close collaboration so customers can make informed decisions about future-ready repair processes.”
BASF strives to support the development of future-ready repair operations globally.
