AkzoNobel is a Dutch multinational paint and coatings business supplying sustainable and innovative products that are relied on by customers and communities across the world. Headquartered in Amsterdam, the company is active in more than 150 countries, with a world class portfolio of brands such as Dulux, Dulux Trade, Cuprinol, Hammerite, Polycell and many others. The R&D facility in Slough, UK is a major R&D hub for paints in the UK and Europe, where the laboratory features wall to wall robotic systems supplied by Labman.
The relationship between AkzoNobel and Labman spans ~20 years and has led to the delivery of three generations of automated systems to the Slough site since 2008. Each new generation has incorporated the latest technology and innovations to keep pace with AkzoNobel’s growing needs for automation and quality data.
High-throughput, low-volume
The systems in the lab feature a variety of modules, performing a number of processes. The formulation systems perform accurate liquid and powder dispensing, homogenisation, drawdown and automated washing and drying of equipment. The analysis systems perform processes such as spectrophotometry and profilometry, capturing all data to the LIMS.
One of the most significant benefits gained from automating these processes is the ability to conduct a much higher throughput of experiments in less time. The team can now rapidly test multiple formulations in parallel and include more variants, significantly speeding up their R&D cycle.
In addition to the speed and scale of testing, this has enabled them to drastically reduce the amount of raw materials used in each experiment. By mixing small samples of paint instead of large batches, AkzoNobel can achieve the same level of testing while using only a fraction of the materials. The reduction in waste not only saves on costs but also contributes to a greener production process, helping to lower the environmental impact and align with sustainability goals.
Data driven science
Data drives virtually all decisions made in the commercialisation of AkzoNobel’s products. The quality of data is therefore of critical importance. The ability to process a higher number of samples has significantly improved the accuracy of the data; by running experiments with smaller, controlled batches, the robots can precisely manage variables and ensure consistent results across multiple tests. With more precise data at their disposal, the R&D teams can confidently identify which formulations are most effective, make informed adjustments, and optimise their next round of tests. This accuracy and data integrity ensures that each innovation brought to market is backed by robust, reliable research.
AkzoNobel are continuing to invest in this area, by training and recruiting specifically for data analysis. Marie Pommereau-Layne is the first apprentice Data Analyst at Slough, who has been working with the systems for six months:
Streamlining sites globally
As AkzoNobel continue to push the boundaries of paint and coating technologies, the role of robotics and automation in their R&D processes is expected to grow .
This is evident in the fact that copies of some of the robots developed are now being introduced at other AkzoNobel R&D sites globally. This not only highlights the truly bespoke nature of the systems, tailored precisely to their operational needs, but also ensures more streamlined activities across sites. By standardising processes worldwide, this enhances consistency and efficiency in R&D activities, promoting better alignment of future operations across the globe.
The human element
Given the critical role of automation in AkzoNobel’s day-to-day operations, a robust support and maintenance contract is essential. While the robots themselves are impressive, the success of the partnership between AkzoNobel and Labman can be attributed to the strong relationship between the two companies.
Labman have a base in the South of the UK at Jealott’s Hill, Syngenta’s largest R&D site. From here, a team of dedicated Labman engineers provide support and maintenance to any customers based in the region, or anywhere in the South of the UK.
Having this team in close proximity has reinforced the support service for AkzoNobel. They benefit from a close working relationship, rapid response times, and continual improvement of their systems, ensuring they remain state-of-the-art and fully operational. This strong collaboration has been key to keeping processes running efficiently, allowing the company to focus on what it does best - innovating high-quality, sustainable paints and coatings.