Robotic Welding with Cobots? Absolutely!

Collaborative robots (Cobots) were introduced to the automation market by Universal Robots in 2008.  In just 15 years, this revolutionary technology has grown into a $ billion global market.  UR alone has shipped over 75,000 cobots!

Early applications focused on material handling applications – the starting point for all new robot companies.  But in 2018, with the introduction of UR’s 4th generation e-Series cobots, the market for cobot welding quickly opened up.  UR+ Ecosystem partners introduced welding torches, software and other accessories specifically designed for welding.  This was followed by the introduction of standardized cobot welding cells and complete welding solutions.

Early applications focused on MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding, which followed the evolution seen in traditional robot welding.  MIG welding is a very flexible process and is easily deployed on a wide range of applications, from thin gauge steel to multi-pass heavy deposition welds on agricultural and construction vehicles.  The introduction of MIG welding cobots was followed quickly by MAG (Metal Active Gas) applications, and control interfaces to all major welding power supply and wire feed brands.

The next phase of the cobot welding evolution saw the introduction of TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) systems.  While MIG is somewhat more forgiving, TIG welding demands a higher level of precision and the ability to manage additional process variables to weld exotic materials such as stainless, titanium, carbon steel, aluminum and others.  Both MIG and TIG welding solutions benefited from the introduction of additional functionality, including weaving, stitch weld programming, automatic voltage control for Z axis tracking, and touch sensing.

Plasma welding and plasma cutting systems also benefited from the inherent cobot advantages of flexibility, ease-of-use, lower total cost and rapid deployment.  Even complex cobot weld cells are routinely going from PO to Production in 3-4 weeks!

In 2021, cobot laser welding systems hit the market.  Laser welding allows for better control, reducing distortion, deformation, undercutting and burn through on thin materials.  It is also significantly faster than TIG welding, which really challenges even experienced welders.  The precise path control of the UR cobot enables the fastest cycle times.  Cobot laser welding cells also benefitted from the introduction of small handheld laser welders, bringing down total systems cost to a level that supports payback of 1 year or less.

And finally, cobots have been used to load and unload resistance welders, also called spot welding, for years in a material handling function.  These applications essentially freed up an operator from manually positioning thin gauge sheet metal parts into a ped (pedestal) welder.  But 2023 saw the introduction of the first cobot spot welder, based on an efficient small footprint weld gun.  These systems not only relieved an operator from a dull and dangerous manual operation, they delivered a significant boost in throughput and productivity.

Getting Started with Cobot Welding

Robotic welding applications open up a whole range of opportunities for companies of all shapes and sizes. Compact, lightweight, and quickly redeployed with relative ease, cobots are designed to fit around existing production equipment and processes. With the right solution from our UR+ and OEM Ecosystem partners, a UR cobot welder can bring immediate positive impact on manufacturing operations.  And for projects that require tooling, fixturing or process development, we have a network of UR Certified Systems Integrators who can deliver complete systems.

Robotic welding applications are helping companies big and small around the world overcome labor shortages and boost their quality and production capacity.   Download the e-book to learn more and be sure to visit the case study section of the UR website for real world examples.  Then if you’re ready to learn how a UR cobot welding system can help your business, contact us to get started.  We’ll connect you with a UR welding partner that is appropriate for your industry and application, who can discuss your specific application and welding processes.  If a proof-of-concept is needed, you can schedule a live in-person or virtual welding demonstration.

Low risk, rapid deployment cobot welding solutions from Universal Robots and our partners – contact us today to see how we can solve your business challenges.