RobotPlusPlus Demonstrated HighMate Series at SMM 2026
The firm showcased robotic coating systems designed for high-risk industrial steel structures.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Robotics
Live Poll
Do you believe replacing manual labor with robots in hazardous industrial roles improves worker safety?
RobotPlusPlus debuted its HighMate AP-F-CO and AP Ex Series robots at the SMM 2026 event in Germany. These specialized machines utilize permanent magnets to attach to steel, automating coating tasks in high-altitude or hazardous environments.
Why it matters
Traditional manual coating methods rely heavily on individual painter skill while exposing workers to significant health risks and paint waste. These robots aim to mitigate these dangers while increasing operational efficiency through automated VOC recovery.
The HighMate AP-F-CO system handles curvatures with a 3m radius while processing 300 to 500 square meters per hour. The ATEX Zone 1 certified AP Ex Series manages 40+ square meters per hour.
The players
RobotPlusPlus
An robotics technology firm founded by Tsinghua University PhDs that holds over 480 patents.
SMM 2026
An international maritime trade fair held in Hamburg that serves as a platform for industry innovation.
The details
The robots feature an integrated VOC recovery module that collects overspray, significantly reducing environmental impact compared to standard methods. By using permanent magnets to secure themselves to vertical steel surfaces, the units eliminate the need for human personnel to perform dangerous high-altitude work.
Timeline
RobotPlusPlus was founded in 2015.
The company shifted its focus toward intelligent special-purpose robots in 2017.
The HighMate series was demonstrated at SMM 2026 on September 23, 2026.
The Tech Race
The introduction of the HighMate AP Ex Series marks a shift toward specialized compliance in automated industrial maintenance. It follows the safety pattern set by ATEX Zone 1 certification to ensure operational reliability in volatile maritime and industrial environments.
The adoption of these robots could lead to safer working conditions for maritime industrial staff and faster turnaround times for vessel maintenance. However, companies may face hurdles regarding the initial investment and the required technical training for onsite operators.
The takeaway
Automated coating systems represent a significant evolution in industrial safety and environmental compliance. Businesses looking to adopt these technologies should prioritize systems with verified certification to ensure long-term regulatory alignment.
Further reading
Explore more innovations in the Robotics sector to understand how automation is transforming industrial maintenance.
More information
Find technical specifications and company details on the RobotPlusPlus corporate website.
Live Poll
Do you believe replacing manual labor with robots in hazardous industrial roles improves worker safety?
