Tag: collaborative robots

Universal Robots to Power Next-Gen Laser Welding, Finishing and Plasma Cutting at FABTECH 2025

Universal Robots Unveils Advanced Cobot Solutions for Industrial Automation

Universal Robots (UR), a global leader in collaborative robotics, is set to redefine factory automation at FABTECH 2025 in Chicago, IL, from September 8–11. The company will showcase new robotic systems designed for welding, plasma cutting, and surface finishing, highlighting UR’s role in modern industrial automation and control systems.“Cobot welding has progressed tremendously over the past decade,” said Jean-Pierre Hathout, UR President. “Our latest robot control features and partner ecosystem innovations now handle applications previously considered too complex for collaborative robots. FABTECH offers the perfect stage to demonstrate these advancements in industrial fabrication workflows.”

Debut of UR’s Next-Generation Welding Robot

UR will introduce a brand-new robot engineered for demanding welding applications. It provides exceptional reach, stability, and precision, allowing consistent performance on long seams, intricate components, and repetitive passes.This next-generation robot will make its first appearance at UR’s booth (#B13045) and partner booths, including Hirebotics, THG Automation, and Vectis Automation. Attendees will gain firsthand experience with the capabilities of UR’s industrial automation solutions in welding.

Enhancing Fabrication Efficiency with Robotic Plasma Cutting

Robotic plasma cutting is transforming industrial fabrication by producing weld-ready parts with higher precision than manual cutting. By reducing inconsistencies, these systems streamline downstream welding, improving quality and throughput.Hirebotics will demonstrate its Cobot Cutter at booth #B13051, delivering fast and accurate cuts on steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. The solution also features multipass welding, through-the-arc seam tracking, and AI-driven weld recommendations.Vectis Automation (#B13031) advances robotic cutting further with the Vectis Shape Tool, which projects complex patterns onto curved surfaces. Its ClarityData Insight Dashboard provides real-time production metrics, while advanced software supports AI-based path optimization and intricate weld prep. Hypertherm, a recognized leader in plasma cutting, will also highlight collaborative solutions at booth #A4513.

Mainstream Adoption of Cobot Laser Welding

Laser welding is now entering mainstream industrial automation, overcoming past safety and complexity concerns. The UR-based URW-2LF Collaborative Laser Welding System, featured by THG Automation (#B13053), integrates an IPG fiber laser with advanced robot control to produce precise, clean welds with minimal heat distortion.Additional features include laser-based pre-cleaning and discoloration removal, simplifying production workflows while maintaining aesthetic quality. This demonstrates how industrial automation can reduce manual labor and improve product consistency.

Automated Grinding, Finishing, and Material Handling

UR’s collaborative robots also enhance surface finishing. PushCorp integrates the UR30 robot with an STC2002 servo spindle and AFD120 active force device, allowing automated and uniform finishing that adapts to part variations. Ferrobotics will demonstrate its ACK-F active force control for robots handling payloads above 8 kg, supporting up to 15 interchangeable finishing tools.Material handling automation is equally critical. The UR15, combined with Schmalz’s FMG matrix area gripper, provides efficient picking, stacking, and palletizing. Its air-saving design reduces compressed air consumption by up to 80%, optimizing energy use in sheet metal fabrication.

Expert Insights on Automation Trends

FABTECH attendees can also benefit from presentations by Will Healy III, Teradyne Robotics’ global leader for metal fabrication. Sessions will cover practical automation implementation, industrial welding automation, AI-driven metal fabrication, and process transformation in stamping and production management.

Industry Impact and Author Commentary

The rapid adoption of collaborative robots in welding, plasma cutting, and finishing demonstrates a shift toward more flexible and efficient industrial automation. Companies embracing UR cobots can achieve higher quality, lower rework, and enhanced safety while remaining competitive in a dynamic manufacturing environment. Moreover, integrating AI-driven insights and advanced control systems ensures that factories can scale automation intelligently.

Application Cases and Solutions

• Automated Welding Lines: Multipass welding with UR robots ensures consistent seam quality on high-volume production.
• Precision Plasma Cutting: Weld-ready components with minimal human intervention, reducing scrap and rework.
• Surface Finishing: Active force-controlled grinding adapts to part irregularities for uniform surface quality.
• Material Handling: Energy-efficient, automated picking, stacking, and palletizing of sheet metal parts.