AkzoNobel has always known spray painting is a highly skilled craft, and manufacturers are increasingly challenged by access to talent. So when customers started discussing skills shortages and the limitations of using robots to paint products, the Sikkens Wood Coatings team looked for and found an innovative solution in Nordbo Robotics’ Mimic robotic software.

Rasa Pamedytyte, UX and Market Growth Manager at Nordbo Robotics, explained that whilst robots are good at repetitive movements in defined or static positions, spray painting around the bends, corners and curves of an object requires more complex, fluid, often subtle gestures. Programming robots to mimic these types of movements can stop production for days, every time a new, often small, bespoke batch of goods is needed. The associated costs for these delays are beyond most manufacturers’ reach.

However, as Rasa demonstrated, Mimic software enables the re-programming of painting robots in a fraction of the time by staff who have no coding or programming skills; they merely show the robots what to do using a wireless handheld tracker mounted on their existing tool. Taught by experienced craftsmen, the robots can deliver the same high-quality finish as their ‘human handlers’. 

Nordbo Robotics’ team believes that rather than feeling threatened by robots, their technology helps employees to feel included in the evolving high-tech world. Mimic technology recognises that the skill of the craftsman is integral to successfully automating these processes.

The use of Nordbo Robotics’ technology can also help manufacturers align with the EU’s 2024 sustainability directives and three of the UN’s Sustainability Goals (SDGs), specifically: SDG8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure and SDG12 Responsible Consumption and Production.

As Mimic accelerates industry’s use of robotic painters, places such as paint shops – where workers handle and spray potentially hazardous chemicals – become safer. The risk associated with dangerous and physically demanding jobs falls, and alignment with SDG 8 – Supporting Economic Growth and Decent Work, rises.

Training robots using Nordbo Robotics’ software prevents the production line from remaining idle for days, making production methods more sustainable and efficient. This aligns with SDG – 9 Fostering Sustainable Industrialization and Innovation. It also helps reduce waste during training and in manufacturing processes like sanding and painting, which contributes to achieving SDG 12 – Promoting Sustainable Consumption and Production.