ABB Robotics Unveils OmniVance Autonomous Surface Finishing Cell

ABB Robotics stated that this finishing cell aims to bridge the gap between custom automation and entry-level toolkits. | Source: ABB Robotics

ABB Robotics recently introduced its first fully automated sanding and polishing cell. The Zurich-based company announced that the OmniVance Collaborative Surface Finishing Cell can automate essential surface finishing operations like sanding and polishing.

Surface finishing is a crucial manufacturing step across nearly all industries. However, companies are grappling with dual challenges: increasingly complex production requirements and a persistent shortage of skilled workers. Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute forecast that 1.9 million manufacturing positions could remain unfilled by 2033.

“A rising number of firms are seeking to automate processes such as sanding and polishing, yet many smaller businesses lack in-house robotics expertise. While they must ensure flawless quality consistently, until now, a suitable solution for their specific needs has been elusive,” explained Craig McDonnell, Managing Director of Business-Line Industries at ABB Robotics.

“Many companies are hesitant to invest in intricate, custom-built automation, while standard off-the-shelf tools often lack the necessary scalability and capability,” he added. “With our new OmniVance Collaborative Surface Finishing Cell, we are delivering industrial-grade robotics in a simple, cost-effective, and scalable package.”

OmniVance designed to be self-contained, easy to deploy

ABB explained that the OmniVance Collaborative Surface Finishing Cell is a turnkey solution designed to fill the void between customized automation and basic tool kits. It utilizes a GoFa collaborative robot to perform high-quality, precise surface finishing.

The cell is completely self-contained, delivered as a ready-to-use plug-and-play system that includes the GoFa robot and all necessary safety components. ABB noted that the fully CE-certified cell requires no additional engineering to start up and begin production. The company also highlighted that adding new tools and accessories is straightforward, making the system highly flexible for diverse, high-mix production environments.

By automating repetitive sanding and polishing tasks, the cell can boost production throughput and minimize traditional scrap and rework, saving time, labor, and costs, according to ABB. Integrated readiness for dust extraction helps maintain a clean and safe workspace while further improving the quality of finished products. Automation also lessens physical strain on workers and allows skilled personnel to focus on higher-value activities, stated ABB Robotics.

The company developed its software to be intuitive for easy setup and to manage the entire finishing process. ABB stated that a tablet-style interface is user-friendly for operators without robotics experience and requires no custom programming.

Features like lead-through 3D path recording, 2D preset path creation, and intuitive path editing—integrated into Wizard Easy Programming blocks—can cut programming time by up to 90%, the company claimed.

Finishing cell joins growing ABB Robotics portfolio

ABB is a global leader in robot manufacturing. The company's portfolio spans industrial automation, collaborative robots, and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for various sectors, including automotive, electronics, and logistics.

In October 2025, ABB Group revealed plans to sell its robotics division to SoftBank Group for $5.3 billion. ABB Robotics employs approximately 7,000 people, with its U.S. headquarters and manufacturing facility located in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

Last month, ABB launched its new PoWa family of force- and power-limited robots. PoWa expands ABB's collaborative robot offerings with industrial-grade performance, featuring six payload categories ranging from 7 to 30 kg (15.4 to 66.1 lb.) and achieving top speeds of up to 5.8 m/s (13 mph).