Robotic Painting: Programming, Commissioning & Digital Twin
YPF Gas · Mercedes plant · Automated painting cell
Automated robotic painting cell for LPG cylinders and tanks at YPF Gas, Mercedes. The work covered robot and PLC programming, system integration and commissioning, supported by a RoboDK digital twin used to evaluate the application before and during productive trials.
Featured project video
A combined view of the production cell and digital-twin simulation work.
Engineering challenge
Coordinate two robots, product identification, conveyor movement, paint-gun operation and safety signals in an existing production line.
Engineering contribution
Programming and commissioning of the robotic painting cell and PLC/HMI interfaces. Integration of product detection, robot status, conveyor control, spray-gun commands, alarms and safety-state monitoring. A RoboDK digital twin with imported 3D models and custom Python software supported virtual testing and performance evaluation before and during productive trials.
Cell architecture & controls
- 2 × KUKA KR 16 L6 robots · KRC4 controllers
- Schneider Modicon TM251MESE PLC · Magelis HMI
- Product sensors · conveyor · spray guns
- Guarded cell · access interlocks · emergency-stop and safety relays
Digital twin & performance simulation
Several RoboDK simulation tests preceded evaluation in the real production environment. The digital twin helped review the application and improve implementation and commissioning efficiency.
This case describes an individual professional contribution. Detailed plant layouts and control schematics are not reproduced here.