Surface finishing cell slashes programming times by up to 90%
1 May 2026 
ABB Robotics has launched its first automated sanding and polishing cell, designed to allow SME manufacturers to automate surface finishing tasks. It says that the plug-and-play OmniVance Collaborative Surface Finishing Cell will slash programming times by up to 90%, resulting in rapid ROIs without needing any robotics expertise.
By automating repetitive sanding and polishing tasks, the cell is said to increase throughput and reduce scrap and reworking, saving time, effort and costs. High throughputs cut processing times and costs compared to manual finishing, while the cell’s automated operation frees skilled workers to focus on more valuable tasks.
Surface finishing is a critical step is almost every industry, but businesses are facing dual pressures of more complex production demands and a shortage of skilled personnel, according to ABB.
The new cell is intended to bridge the gap between customised automation systems and entry-level tool kits. It uses an ABB GoFa cobot (collaborative robot) to perform precision surface finishing, without needing robotics expertise.
The self-contained cell is delivered as a plug-and-play system, including the cobot and safety components. It does not need any extra engineering to switch on and start production. Tools and accessories can be added, allowing it to adapt to high-mix environments.
Integrated dust extraction helps to maintain a clean, healthy work environment while further enhancing the quality of finished products.
The CE-certified cell complies with the EU Machinery Directive and is delivered with the required Declaration of Conformity for EU markets
“A growing number of companies are looking to automate processes such as sanding and polishing, but many smaller businesses lack in-house robotics expertise,” explains Craig McDonnell, managing director of business line industries at ABB Robotics. “While they need to deliver perfect quality every time, until now, many have not had a solution that fits their needs.
“Many businesses are wary of investing in complex, bespoke automation, while off-the-shelf tools lack the scalability and capability they require,” he adds. “With our new OmniVance Collaborative Surface Finishing Cell, we’re introducing industrial-grade robotics in a simple, affordable, and scalable solution.”
“Intuitive” software supervises the finishing process. It has a tablet-style interface that is easy to use for those without robotics expertise, and avoids the need for custom programming. Functions such as lead-through 3D path recording, 2D preset path creation, and intuitive path editing, integrated into Wizard Easy Programming blocks, can cut programming times by up to 90%, according to ABB.
