BASF Coatings Advances Automated Paint Repair for Modern Body Shops

BASF Coatings is reinforcing its position in robotics-driven automotive refinish by bringing together its specialist knowledge in coatings, digital colour management and paint application processes. Working closely with vehicle manufacturers and automation partners, the company is helping to guide the development of automated paint application for body shops.

Drawing on its expertise in repair procedures and connected digital systems, BASF Coatings supports customers as they introduce robotics-based solutions designed to improve consistency, increase scalability and prepare repair operations for future demands.

As automation becomes more important in collision repair, BASF Coatings is collaborating with robotics suppliers, pilot customers and wider industry partners to provide validated process expertise and practical support for introducing robotic systems into repair environments. Its contribution goes beyond testing, with the company also helping to shape future application standards, scalable operating frameworks and the practical use of robotics in day-to-day body shop activity.

Although BASF Coatings does not manufacture robotic hardware, it brings value through its strong understanding of coatings technology, paint application methods and system integration within automotive refinish.

Robotics as the Next Step in Connected Refinish

The company views robotics as a logical extension of its connected digital refinish process. Through the Refinity ecosystem, body shops already benefit from digital tools for colour scanning, colour matching, paint mixing and workflow management, all of which support more efficient and reliable repair work. Robotics adds a further layer by linking digital process control directly with the physical application of paint.

Chen Liu, Global Head of Technology Automotive Refinish Coatings, said robotics creates a connection between digital colour management and physical application within one integrated process. He explained that the true point of difference is not the robot itself, but the way BASF combines coatings expertise, process knowledge and application capability to achieve dependable quality in real body shop conditions. He added that this combination is helping to establish scalable and repeatable standards that are likely to influence the future of automotive refinish.

Improving Efficiency and Consistency

Early uses of robotics are mainly centred on standardised applications of primer, basecoat and clearcoat across complete vehicle parts. In these scenarios, repeatability, throughput and material efficiency are the main priorities. As the technology develops further, wider use in areas such as blending and interior paint work is expected.

Roar Solberg, Vice President Automotive Refinish Coatings EMEA, said robotics represents an important future direction for the sector and that BASF aims to help customers approach this changing landscape with confidence. He said the company’s role is to provide guidance, validation and close cooperation so that customers can make well-informed decisions about repair processes suited to the future.

By uniting coatings expertise with digital workflows and practical application knowledge, BASF Coatings is contributing to the development of more efficient, more consistent and better-prepared repair operations around the world.