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ROBOTIC WELDING: ROBOTS OR INDUSTRIAL ROBOTS? HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST SOLUTION FOR YOUR PRODUCTION

In today’s manufacturing landscape, process automation has become a key driver of productivity, quality, and workplace safety. In the field of welding, the integration of robotics has revolutionized how companies approach this critical operation. However, not all robotic welding solutions are the same. Two main approaches exist: collaborative welding, using cobots, and industrial welding, using high-performance traditional robots. Choosing between them depends on a variety of technical and operational factors.

Collaborative Welding: Flexibility Meets Automation

Collaborative robots, or cobots, are designed to work safely alongside humans without the need for safety fences or enclosures—under controlled conditions. They are particularly well-suited for companies seeking a gradual transition to automation, especially those with low to medium production volumes.

One of the main advantages of cobots is their ease of programming and reconfiguration. Thanks to intuitive interfaces and manual teaching systems, even operators with no prior experience in robotics can quickly learn to use them. This makes it easy to adapt the welding cell to different parts and tasks with minimal changeover time.

Cobots also have a compact footprint and can be easily integrated into existing workshops. They are an ideal solution for manufacturers of custom metal structures, short production runs, maintenance work, or on-demand manufacturing.

Industrial Welding: High-Volume Precision and Productivity

On the other hand, when it comes to repetitive welding processes with high technical demands and large-scale production, industrial robots remain the most efficient option. Equipped with high-load, high-speed, and high-precision arms, these robots are built for continuous operation with minimal downtime.

These systems require a more robust infrastructure, including safety enclosures, offline programming, positioning tools, and often sensors or vision systems. However, the return on investment is justified by the consistency, quality, and productivity they deliver—especially in industries such as automotive, heavy machinery, and mass production.

Which Solution Should You Choose?

The decision between a collaborative or industrial welding robot depends on several factors: production volume, available space, need for flexibility, budget, and staff expertise.

If your company needs a versatile, easy-to-deploy solution with low risk, a welding cobot is an excellent entry point into automation.
If your environment demands sustained performance, extreme precision, and efficiency in large batches, industrial robotic welding is the better choice.
In both cases, the key is to align the robotic solution with your production goals, the types of parts to be welded, and your company’s growth strategy. When implemented correctly, robotics not only enhances the welding process but also boosts competitiveness and adaptability in the face of evolving market challenges.

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FANUC DRIVES AUTOMATION TRAINING AT AUTOMATION UK 2025

FANUC UK reaffirms its commitment to developing skills in robotics and automation by presenting a series of educational demonstrations at Automation UK, which will take place on May 7 and 8, 2025, at the CBS Arena in Coventry. These initiatives aim to inspire new generations to consider careers in manufacturing and improve the skills of the current workforce.

Among the highlighted activities, FANUC will showcase two robotic cells specifically designed for the educational sector. These plug-and-play solutions allow students to gain hands-on experience in programming and operating industrial robots, facilitated by intuitive touch interfaces. One of the cells features the 6-axis ER-4iA robot, while the other showcases the collaborative model CRX-10iA. Both will perform live pick-and-place tasks during the event.

In addition to these educational cells, FANUC’s stand will feature the popular “kicker” robotic cell that plays football and an industrial vision cell capable of selecting various fruits, demonstrating the versatility and precision of their systems. These exhibitions highlight the benefits of automation in sectors such as food and beverage, automotive, aerospace, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), pharmaceutical, and general manufacturing.

Oliver Selby, Head of Sales at FANUC UK, emphasizes the importance of Automation UK in the manufacturing calendar: “Automation UK is a key event in the manufacturing calendar for us here at FANUC UK. By bringing together robot manufacturers, system integrators, end-users, and academia, it is the ideal platform to showcase our latest solutions for both the industry and the educational sector. We look forward to welcoming visitors at stand B70 to learn more.”

This participation in Automation UK is part of FANUC’s broader strategy to close the skills gap in the UK. The company collaborates with WorldSkills UK in the Industrial Robotics competition, operates the accredited FANUC Academy training center in Coventry, and offers industry-specific courses in partnership with Sierra 57. Additionally, it provides educational packages for schools, colleges, universities, and training providers, thereby strengthening the future talent pool in the manufacturing sector.

FANUC’s dedication to skill development is evident in its continuous support for educational initiatives and its effort to integrate automation into the academic curriculum, ensuring that the UK maintains its competitiveness on the global industrial stage.

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KUKA DRIVES FUTURE OF AUTOMATION IN CHINA WITH NEW TRAINING CENTRE IN SHENYANG

Industrial automation continues to evolve rapidly, and KUKA, one of the global leaders in robotics and intelligent solutions, reaffirms its commitment to specialized training. The company has recently inaugurated the KUKA College in Shenyang, China, a state-of-the-art facility designed to train professionals in the use and application of industrial robots across various sectors.

A Center of Excellence for Industry 4.0

The KUKA College in Shenyang becomes a fundamental pillar for the training of engineers, technicians, and operators who seek to specialize in automation and robotics. With laboratories equipped with the latest technology, this center will offer practical and theoretical training on programming, maintenance, and optimization of industrial robots.

China, as the world’s largest robotics market, increasingly demands qualified talent in automation. KUKA responds to this need by providing a learning environment that combines the expertise of its specialists with innovative methodologies to enhance the competitiveness of the Chinese manufacturing industry.

Key Benefits for Industry and Professionals

Advanced Training: Courses adapted to different levels, from beginners to robotics experts.
Practical Focus: Training in real environments with KUKA robots, simulators, and automation systems.
Industry Connection: Strategic alliances with companies and universities to strengthen knowledge transfer.
Innovation Boost: Promotion of the development of new automation solutions for sectors such as automotive, electronics, and logistics.
A Step Forward in Digital Transformation

With this new facility, KUKA strengthens its presence in China and its commitment to talent development in automation. This training center will not only benefit local companies but also contribute to the adoption of Industry 4.0 in the country, preparing the next generations of robotics experts.

The inauguration of the KUKA College in Shenyang marks a milestone in technical education and the advancement of automation in China, consolidating KUKA’s leadership in the sector. With a focus on training and innovation, the company continues to build the future of smart manufacturing globally.

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THE NEW ERA OF INDUSTRIAL ROBOTICS: MBODI AND T-ROBOTICS, VISIONARIES FOR IA IN PRODUCTION PROCESSES

The 2024 ABB Robotics Artificial Intelligence Startup Challenge marked a milestone by highlighting the disruptive potential of Mbodi and T-Robotics. These startups, selected from over 100 global proposals, present solutions that not only simplify human-robot interaction but also promise to transform production lines across various industries.Who are Mbodi and T-Robotics?Mbodi: Redefining Human-Robot InteractionMbodi was born with a clear mission: to eliminate the technical barrier that often accompanies the programming and operation of industrial robots. This American startup, founded in 2021, specializes in developing systems that allow robots to be trained using intuitive methods such as voice commands, human movements, and physical demonstrations.Main Technology:Mbodi employs a continuous machine learning model that processes observations and commands in real-time. Its platform allows even workers without technical experience to teach new tasks to robots quickly and effectively.Industrial Advantages:• Cost and time reduction: By eliminating the need for expert programmers, companies can train robots directly on production lines, speeding up the implementation of new tasks.• Greater flexibility: Real-time learning capability allows robots to adapt to process variations without requiring extensive reprogramming.• Optimization of human resources: Mbodi frees workers from repetitive tasks and allows them to focus on higher value-added activities.Application Example:In electronic product assembly factories, Mbodi has enabled robots to learn quality inspection processes with 30% less training time, improving accuracy and reducing human errors.T-Robotics: Conversational Programming at the Service of IndustryFounded in South Korea in 2020, T-Robotics has focused on simplifying human-robot interaction through physical AI models and natural language processing. Its system allows operators to program industrial robots through conversational commands, making the technology accessible to any worker.Main Technology:T-Robotics’ solution is based on the development of a conversational interface that understands and translates commands in multiple languages, adjusting instructions to the robot’s capabilities and the productive environment in which it operates.Industrial Advantages:• Integration speed: Conversational programming reduces initial setup and update times for robots on production lines.• Universal compatibility: T-Robotics systems are compatible with a wide range of robot brands, from ABB to KUKA, facilitating their adoption in factories with heterogeneous equipment.• Operational efficiency: Thanks to its self-diagnostic capability, robots can foresee technical problems, reducing downtime.Application Example:In automotive plants, T-Robotics has implemented its system for welding robots, allowing supervisors to adjust welding parameters in real-time through voice commands. This has increased productivity by 25% and reduced defects in metal joints.Global Impact and Projects in Production LinesThese startups stand out for their focus on solving real problems within the manufacturing industry:• Adaptation to mass customization: In a market that demands increasingly personalized products, Mbodi and T-Robotics facilitate the reconfiguration of robots for quick changes on production lines.• Efficiency in industrial projects: Their solutions allow for a higher return on investment by reducing implementation costs and increasing productive capacity without the need for prolonged interruptions.• Democratized access to robotics: By making robotic systems easier to use, these startups are opening doors to small and medium-sized enterprises that previously could not afford advanced automation.The victory of Mbodi and T-Robotics in the ABB Robotics challenge not only recognizes their innovations but also highlights the crucial role of artificial intelligence in the evolution of industrial robotics. Their solutions not only promise to transform current production lines but also make automation an inclusive and accessible tool for any industry.By supporting these startups, ABB reinforces its commitment to developing technologies that enhance flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability in globalmanufacturing.

THE NEW ERA OF INDUSTRIAL ROBOTICS: MBODI AND T-ROBOTICS, VISIONARIES FOR IA IN PRODUCTION PROCESSES Read More »

URC AND THE KUKA EDUCATIONAL ROBOTICS PACKAGE: INNOVATION IN INDUSTRIAL TRAINING

In the field of technology and industrial automation, education and training are essential to prepare the next generation of engineers and technicians. URC, a leading company in automation solutions, has developed the KUKA Educational Robotics Package, a comprehensive tool designed to teach students and professionals the skills necessary to operate and program industrial robots.

Technical Specifications of the KUKA Educational Robotics Package
The KUKA Educational Robotics Package from URC includes an educational robotic cell that can contain different models and brands of robots, both new and refurbished. Some of the available models include:
• FANUC LR-Mate 200iC/5L (refurbished)

• KUKA Agilus KR6R700 sixx (new)

• ABB IRB120 M2004 (refurbished)

The package also includes advanced controllers such as the Fanuc R-30iA Mate with iPendant, the KUKA KRC4 compact with SmartPad, and the ABB IRC5 with pendant.

Competitive Advantages
One of the main advantages of the KUKA Educational Robotics Package is its flexibility and adaptability. The educational cell is designed to be highly modular, allowing the integration of different robots and tools according to the specific needs of each client. This includes options such as spindles, gripping clamps, vacuum grippers, and welding torches.

Additionally, URC has established a cooperation with Sprutcam to provide offline programming software with an educational license, facilitating the learning and practice of robotic programming in a safe and controlled environment.

Efficiency Improvement
The use of the KUKA Educational Robotics Package in educational and training environments offers multiple benefits in terms of efficiency and productivity. By providing students and professionals with practical and direct experience with industrial robots, the learning process is accelerated, and the understanding of robotic applications in modern industry is improved.

The educational cell allows for a variety of applications, including palletizing, loading and unloading parts, machining, part handling, polishing, measuring, part assembly, adhesive bonding, and plasma cutting. This versatility ensures that users can acquire a wide range of skills applicable to different industrial sectors.

The KUKA Educational Robotics Package from URC represents a strategic investment in the training and education of the next generation of professionals in industrial automation. With its focus on flexibility, customization, and efficiency, this educational package not only prepares students for future challenges but also contributes to the continuous improvement of productivity and quality in the industry.

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