9 Welding Robots to Watch From Fabtech 2021

Collaborative robot providers demonstrated new and improved features for arc welding and other industrial processes in Chicago.

By Phil Britt    September 17, 2021         

9 Welding Robots to Watch From Fabtech 2021

Business Wire

Hirebotics' Cobot Welder can perform collaborative arc welding using Universal Robots' UR10e arms.

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9 Welding Robots to Watch From Fabtech 2021

Business Wire

Hirebotics' Cobot Welder can perform collaborative arc welding using Universal Robots' UR10e arms.

CHICAGO -- Fabtech 2021 here this week provided robotics and other automation companies with the first chance to display their latest fabrication technologies and upgrades to an in-person audience, many for the first time in a couple of years.

Attendance may have diminished since 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, but exhibitors at Fabtech 2021 reported strong engagement with manufacturers. With shortages of skilled labor, it's no suprise that interest in automation continues to grow.

The global market for robotic welding and peripherals could experience a experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6%, growing by $2.3 billion (U.S.) between 2021 and 2025, according to Research and Markets. Similarly, Markets and Markets projected a 10.5% CAGR, with the market growing from $7.1 billion (U.S.) in 2021 to $11.7 billion by 2026.

Robotic welding market opportunities
Source: Markets and Markets

Cobot welders add features

Among the features that collaborative robot providers demonstrated at this year's event were increased reach, vison-based guidance, and interfaces for ease of use. Vendors also touted cable management, new sensors, and greater payload capacities for arc welding and other industrial processes.

“For 40 years, robotic arc welding evolved incrementally,” said Joe Campbell, senior manager of applications development and strategic marketing at Universal Robots. “Collaborative arc welding is the first disruptive technology to hit the robotic arc-welding market since the introduction of DC servo-powered robots."

He attributed the rapid market traction to several key drivers including a significant shortage of welders, increase in high-mix/low-volume production, and the fact that cobot welders are easy to deploy, quickly producing parts with improved quality and consistency.

See the slideshow for some of the more compelling arc-welding cobots and related technologies on display at Fabtech 2021, in alphabetical order by company.

Preview of Fabtech 2021.

About the Author
Phil Britt, Owner

Phil Britt

Owner

Britt owns S&P Enterprises and is a technology writer who lives in the greater Chicago area. In addition to Robotics 24/7, he has written for financial services and business publications, including magazines, newsletters, conference dailies, and Web sites.

More about Phil Britt

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Artificial Intelligence   Machine Vision   Industrial Automation   Collaborative Robots   Components   Sensors   Cameras   Software   Cloud and Edge   News   ABB   Collaboration   FABTECH   FANUC   Hirebotics   Inspection   Kawasaki   Metalwork   Path Robotics   Trumpf  

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