At the Fix Auto Dorval shop, one of the painters is a robot. We went to check it out.

The Fix Auto Dorval collision repair shop is part of Groupe Zaidane, which operates seven locations, including an automotive glass specialist. Leading the group is Karim Zaidane, an entrepreneur and innovator who embodies the cutting edge of modern collision repair. Always on the lookout for new technologies to improve his shops’ performance, Zaidane also stands out for his human-centric approach toward his employees and peers.

It is therefore no surprise that the first PaintGo painting robots sold in Canada by Chinese firm ONEW Technology are in service in two of his shops and in a Fix Network corporate facility.

The painting robots were installed in February. Nicolas Labre, General Manager of the group and our guide during the visit, indicates that the deployment went off without a hitch. “We didn’t encounter any problems,” he states. “For now, we have to scan the vehicles to upload their exact dimensions into a cloud-based database, but eventually, we won’t need to do that anymore as the database populates and grows with every single scan.”

This shop has two paint booths. In one of them, the robot, equipped with its articulated arm, moves along its rail around the vehicle. In the other booth, a human painter has pre-mixed the paint and programmed the areas to be painted using a digital tablet. The robot applies the clear coat or paint to the designated area, moving up and down with steady pacing and optimal spraying distance, while avoiding masked sections.

Precision work

The robot can repaint an entire vehicle, specific sections, and can even be programmed to paint individual parts.

According to the system’s manufacturer, the PaintGo robot uses about 12% less paint than the best human painter. It also applies the product in strict accordance with paint manufacturer guidelines. Its cycle is fully optimized, allowing the articulated arm to coat the roof and the rocker panels in one sweeping motion. For a human technician, matching that kind of coverage would be an absolute athletic feat.

But is it faster than an experienced painter? It is hard to say at the moment, as the system and the operator are still fine-tuning their collaboration. “What we are noticing, however, is the consistency of the results,” explains Labre.

Discussing the benefits of the technology, PaintGo’s Montreal-based Marketing Director, Emna Derouiche, explains that automation offers a powerful solution for body shops struggling with skilled labor shortages, rising overhead, and the constant demand for fast, high-quality results.

Another factor that tipped the scales in favor of this automation is that a paint booth remains a place where humans are exposed to paint fumes and chemicals. The robot, on the other hand, is immune to this exposure.

As for the price, it is difficult to get a definitive answer. “The price is discussed during client consultations,” explains Derouiche, “as it depends on several factors, including the booth configuration, equipment needs, the choice of robot model, and the length of training required.”

However, the supplier notes that based on feedback from collision shops in other markets, owners can expect a return on investment within two to three years, depending on the volume of vehicles processed.

Derouiche also notes that the company’s operations are backed by a 24/7 after-sales service, and a parts inventory is stored in Montreal to minimize downtime.

 

Wow effect

One of the positive outcomes of this investment is the image it projects within the collision repair ecosystem. “Insurers came to see the robot at work,” explains Labre. “They were very impressed. It projects a great high-tech image for our clients, but also for our employees. Our painter continues his work while becoming a programmer and spending less time inside the paint booth.” Labre says he is particularly proud to work for a tech-forward employer that not only boosts shop performance but also provides a healthier working environment for all staff members.

“For us, it’s an extension of the continuous optimization of our operations,” Labre adds. “We already use state-of-the-art technology for damage estimating and hold several OEM certifications. Integrating the robot means resolutely steering toward the future.”

Various robotic technologies exist worldwide for automotive refinishing tasks. It was fascinating to see one in action, especially since these represent the first concrete applications of automation for such delicate painting operations.

Automated paint mixing stations are already hitting the market and will undoubtedly be paired with painting robots in the near future.