The Challenge
Automating painting tasks has always been seen as “too difficult.”
AkzoNobel’s customers raised common concerns:
- Inconsistent quality due to staff turnover and skills gaps
- High-mix, low-volume production requiring frequent changeovers
- Programming bottlenecks — even simple tasks could take days to reprogram
- Skilled craftsmen shortages — training takes months, but demand is rising
The question AkzoNobel asked:
👉 Can Mimic really automate a painter’s hand movements through a no-code solution?
The Solution: Mimic + UR Cobot
In partnership with SE Automation, AkzoNobel installed a Mimic-enabled spray painting station at their Malmö offices:
- Universal Robots cobot integrated with Nordbo’s Mimic software
- Wireless IR tracker to record operator hand movements
- Operators demonstrate painting motions — Mimic translates them into robot code instantly
This setup allowed AkzoNobel to test the most difficult aspects of painting automation:
- Variable parts
- Tight angles (e.g., window frames)
- Consistency demands
The Results
Tim Bouvry, Technical Services Manager at AkzoNobel:
“It’s very easy to program without coding. We do our regular movements and the program mimics that perfectly.”
- ✅ Angles and motions that were hardest to code became easy to teach
- ✅ Craftsmen’s expertise was transferred directly to the robot
- ✅ Setup took minutes instead of days
- ✅ Enabled consistent, repeatable quality in high-mix production
Human Skills + Robotic Precision
Mimic bridges the gap between craftsmen (who know the art of painting) and robots (who deliver precision and repeatability).
- Craftsmen can teach robots directly, without coding
- Robots repeat those demonstrations with 100% consistency
- Quality now reflects “Best Practice” on every part
As Tim concluded:
“The Mimic software really offers a possibility to bring automated spraying to every level of customer.”
Video Testimonial
🎥 Watch AkzoNobel’s team test Mimic in Malmö and share their impressions.
Conclusion
AkzoNobel’s test shows that Mimic can unlock painting automation even for high-mix, low-volume processes — turning what was once “too difficult” into an accessible, scalable solution.