RobotPlusPlus Demonstrated Automated Coating Robots
The HighMate series aims to replace manual labor in high-altitude steel environments using magnetic adhesion.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Robotics
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At SMM 2026, RobotPlusPlus demonstrated its new HighMate AP-F-CO and AP Ex Series robots for automated industrial coating. These robotic systems are designed to navigate steel structures and reduce human exposure to hazardous materials during high-altitude painting tasks.
Why it matters
Manual industrial coating currently relies heavily on individual painter skill and results in significant paint loss and worker exposure to hazardous environments. These automated systems seek to improve safety and operational efficiency by replacing human intervention in high-risk zones.
The HighMate AP-F-CO system processes 300 to 500 square meters per hour, while the ATEX Zone 1-certified AP Ex Series reaches 40+ square meters per hour. Both platforms utilize permanent magnets for structural adhesion and accommodate surface curvatures with a 3m radius.
The players
RobotPlusPlus
A developer of specialized industrial robotics founded by Tsinghua University PhDs that maintains a portfolio of over 480 patents.
SMM 2026
An international maritime trade fair held in Hamburg, Germany, that serves as a platform for demonstrating industrial technology advancements.
The details
The robots utilize permanent magnets to secure themselves to vertical steel structures, allowing them to maneuver without mechanical anchoring. The coating process features an integrated VOC (volatile organic compound) recovery module, a system designed to capture and contain overspray to prevent environmental contamination. By automating the application, the system replaces manual spraying techniques that are prone to paint loss and inconsistency.
Timeline
2015: RobotPlusPlus was founded.
2017: The company shifted focus toward specialized intelligent robotics.
September 23, 2026: RobotPlusPlus demonstrated the HighMate series at SMM 2026.
The Tech Race
The development of the HighMate AP Ex Series marks a shift toward standardizing explosive-environment safety for heavy-duty industrial robotics. This move follows the broader industry move toward mandatory ATEX Zone 1 compliance for equipment operating in hazardous maritime and steel-processing work sites.
Heavy industry operators can expect to integrate these robots to improve coating consistency and reduce the physical risks associated with high-altitude manual work. Availability and specific procurement details for the international market are expected to follow the SMM 2026 demonstration.
The takeaway
RobotPlusPlus is scaling its automated coating technology into the international market, signaling a transition toward robotics for high-altitude steel maintenance. Industry stakeholders should watch for upcoming deployment timelines and official performance benchmarks from early industrial trial sites.
Further reading
For more information on the latest automated industrial systems, visit Robotics.
More information
For technical specifications and product inquiries, visit the RobotPlusPlus corporate website.
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Do you believe replacing manual labor with robots in hazardous industrial roles improves worker safety?
