<p>Universal Robots presented welding cobots designed to move beyond the traditional cart at FABTECH, according to a Hirebotics report published on October 11, 2024. The systems shown target awkward joints, multi-sided parts and confined industrial spaces where stopping to reposition the workpiece can interrupt the process.</p><h2>Welding cells gain more range and movement</h2><p>The cobots extend beyond air-cooled MIG equipment mounted on carts. The demonstrations covered TIG, laser and spot welding, along with plasma and oxyfuel cutting. That gives a UR-based cell access to a broader set of tasks, although the report does not provide a common performance figure across these different processes.</p><p>Universal Robots’ MotionPlus package adds two-axis coordination through the cobot controller. A rotary positioner or linear rail can synchronize with the robot in milliseconds, allowing the cobot and workpiece to move together. The stated use case is precise: parts that previously required a manual stop and repositioning, or welding carried out in two stages. Vectis Automation’s Revo Dual Axis system launched at FABTECH as one of the first UR partner systems to use MotionPlus.</p><p>The multi-axis approach is intended for complex, multi-faceted parts and joints that need to remain positioned relative to gravity. With QuickTeach, an operator teaches points and refines paths at the torch. AI Path Optimization then applies user-defined work angles, push or pull angles and smoothed transitions while keeping the path aligned with the procedure specifications. The operator still defines the process rules that shape the trajectory, so this is guided automation rather than an independent welding decision-maker.</p><h2>Portable platforms bring the robot to harder workspaces</h2><p>Hirebotics describes portable cobot deployments in shipbuilding and construction as a way to reduce the time welders spend in uncomfortable positions while reaching a joint. Inrotech-Crawler uses a UR3 mounted on a cart that runs along a flexible rail fixed to the workpiece. It performs butt and multipass welds across changing shapes and orientations, continuously adjusting parameters according to its position, including when working around a tube.</p><p>Hyundai Welding showed another portable cobot system for confined ship sections, including interior welding inside hull blocks. These examples make mobility and positioning part of the workcell itself. The robot is not simply installed beside a fixed workstation; the platform and rail determine how it reaches the work.</p><h2>Programming extends beyond welding</h2><p>Beacon is integrated into the PolyScope X pendant and is also available on iOS, Android and web devices. Hirebotics says it provides embedded help and instructional videos, and can help operators teach complex welds in minutes. The demonstrations also included THG-Multi-Op, with separate all-in-one systems for MIG/TIG and cutting/welding, each equipped with a tool changer.</p><p>Other applications broadened the same platform’s role in industrial production. Mid Atlantic Machinery’s AutoTend uses a UR10e to feed a press brake forming 304 stainless steel. Cohesive Robotics’ Smart Finishing Workcell combines machine vision and AI to scan and program a finishing cobot on the fly. Advanced Laser Restoration presented robotic integration for laser cleaning to remove rust and coatings.</p><p>Those applications show how cobots can be combined with rails, positioners, tool changers, vision systems and operator guidance. They do not, however, establish cycle time, defect rate, uptime, staffing impact or safety-validation results. Those measurements are still needed before a specific workcell can be assessed for production performance or workplace risk.</p><p>The FABTECH demonstrations therefore point to greater capability and deployment flexibility, not a universal performance guarantee. Multi-axis motion, portable rails and guided programming can address harder jobs, while the absence of shared production and safety data limits the conclusions to the systems and demonstrations described.</p><section class="media-fleet-sources"><h2>Official sources</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.hirebotics.com/newsroom/universal-robots-expands-beyond-the-welding-cart-at-fabtech-2024">Official source: hirebotics.com</a></li></ul></section><aside class="media-fleet-related"><h2>Related reading</h2><ul><li><a href="https://rentbuyrobot.com/article/figure-helix-laundry-demo-humanoid-capability-not-deployment">Figure Helix Laundry Demo Humanoid Capability Not Deployment</a></li><li><a href="https://rentbuyrobot.com/article/hirebotics-smaller-auto-suppliers-welding-cobots">Hirebotics Smaller Auto Suppliers Welding Cobots</a></li></ul></aside>