A new AI-driven painting and decorating robot capable of undertaking large-scale housing projects has been showcased, which its creators believe will help tackle the severe skills shortage in the sector.
PACO is a collaborative project undertaken by chemical company, AkzoNobel, and French robotics start-up, Les Companions, and takes its name from an abbreviation of ‘painter companion’.
The robot is designed to work alongside professional painters, taking care of the more straightforward yet time-consuming tasks and allowing skilled workers to focus on the more complicated aspects of the job.
In the UK, demand for tradespeople has increased by 50% since 2020, with 83% of painters and decorators experiencing increased homeowner demand in 2021. It demonstrates an urgent need for support, which Les Companions and AkzoNobel believe can be met through adopting innovative technology.
The painting system works by scanning a room to build a 3D image of the space. By incorporating AI, PACO can differentiate between walls and other elements in the room such as windows and navigates its way around them.
AkzoNobel’s collaboration with Les Companions started three years ago following its innovation competition named ‘Paint the Future’. This invited start-ups, inventors, designers and engineers to come up with solutions to address industry-wide issues, such as the shortage of skilled workers.
Ted Szuman, senior incubator lead at AkzoNobel, said: “The skills shortage is having a huge impact; tradespeople and developers need additional support, and that’s where PACO can help. PACO is about empowering people and businesses to stick to their schedules and get the work that needs doing done.”
Antoine Rennuit, founder of Les Companions, added: “Over the past three years, we’ve been on an amazing journey with AkzoNobel. Their early faith in our team and our vision for PACO was a true game-changer. It’s brilliant to showcase PACO in the UK and help this industry and its people as best as we can.”
