AkzoNobel recently released an update on its partnership with Apellix, Jacksonville, Florida, which won the 2019 Paint the Future challenge, for their collaboration on a computer-controlled spray-painting drone.
According to the company, Apellix’s custom-built drone is tethered to the ground for its power and coating supply, however, its flies autonomously.
The drone uses “unique software flight control,” which the companies say can more accurately apply coatings and capture painting data.
While drones fly really well, robots perform repetitive tasks easily, Apellix has been able to combine the best of both worlds.
“Building upon our software-controlled robots that make contact with a structure to take steel and paint thickness measurements, we’ve attached a specially designed spray-painting system to a custom drone controlled by computers, commented Robert Dahlstrom, Apellix Founder and CEO.
The application aims for benefits such as reduced application time and less waste, as well as increases safety.
“Developing a drone is easy,” said Michael Hindmarsh, AkzoNobel Venture Lead. “Spraying paint is relatively easy too. But developing a computer-controlled drone that can spray paint is actually quite challenging. A lot of skill and expertise has to go into getting the drone to apply a good quality coating in a consistent and reproducible manner. That’s where our collaboration comes in.
