Ask the Expert Question-and-Answer Archive

by Ron Joseph

May, 2006

Can I Use a Paint Robot in a Body Shop?

Q. I read your article on robots and automation of refinishing process. I am in the process of designing a very lean body shop. I am searching for robotic painting for the body shop. Have you seen any solutions?

A. Robots are not intended to be used in body shops where every car is different. Robots are used on automotive assembly lines where only a handful of models are painted daily. The robots must be "taught" to paint each model car, and this is an expensive ongoing exercise. Moreover, all of the application parameters must be closely monitored and controlled; temperature, humidity, speed of the conveyor line, viscosity of the paints, and much, much more.

Best wishes,

Ron Joseph