Robot Programming Archives

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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FACILITATING ROBOT PROGRAMMING IN MEDIUM SIZED COMPANIES WITH SRCI

In an industrial environment where automation is a growing necessity, robot programming has become a challenge for many companies. The shortage of skilled professionals in this area has led to the search for innovative solutions. One such solution is the Standard Robot Control Interface (SRCI), which allows easy programming directly on the programmable logic controller (PLC), eliminating the need for specialized knowledge in robot systems.

A Breakthrough in Industrial Automation Robert Bürkle GmbH, specializing in pressing and coating technologies for the wood industry, has adopted SRCI to facilitate the programming of its Yaskawa robots. The handling of heavy parts in its production process has made the use of industrial robots indispensable, and with the SRCI interface, programming can be done directly on the PLC without relying on expert robot programmers.

SRCI provides a series of predefined function modules, known as libraries, that simplify the programming of robotic tasks. This initiative, driven by Siemens in collaboration with Profibus & Profinet International (PI), has allowed companies like Robert Bürkle to optimize their processes without significant investments in specialized training.

Key Benefits for Medium-Sized Companies One of the major benefits of SRCI is its accessibility for medium and small companies, which can integrate robots into their processes without the complexity of learning specialized programming languages. In the case of Robert Bürkle, the use of SRCI has facilitated the commissioning of new robotic systems, allowing its PLC programmers to work in a familiar environment and optimize operations without relying on external specialists.

The integration of digital twins has been another key factor in the implementation of SRCI. Thanks to this technology, the company can simulate processes and correct potential errors before launching the systems, reducing costs and adjustment times.

A Promising Future for Robot Programming As automation continues to expand in the industry, the demand for tools like SRCI will increase. Although there are other solutions like MotoLogix, mainly used by large manufacturers, SRCI offers an accessible and efficient alternative for companies looking to incorporate robots without making significant investments in specialized training.

The case of Robert Bürkle demonstrates that the combination of innovation and collaboration with technology providers can be key to staying competitive in a constantly evolving industrial environment. With the advancement of automation, tools like SRCI will continue to play a fundamental role in optimizing robotic programming.