Introduction
Welding automation has become essential for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to stay competitive in today’s fast-paced market. In 2022, the welding market was valued at USD 23.75 billion, projected to reach USD 34.18 billion by 2030. (Source) Asia-Pacific leads the market, accounting for 73% of new industrial robot installations, driven by China, Japan, and India, while North America and Europe also contribute significantly, propelled by automotive industries and automation needs. (Source) The demand for welding automation rises due to a global shortage of skilled welders; in 2023, the U.S. faced a shortage of 375,000 welders, expected to increase to 400,000 by 2024. (Source) Europe also faces a shortfall of 300,000 welders, especially in automotive and manufacturing sectors, largely due to an aging workforce and fewer young workers entering the field.Automation with collaborative robots (cobots) is emerging as an effective solution, helping SMEs bridge the labor gap by automating repetitive tasks,
allowing human welders to focus on complex operations. In 2023, the global cobot market exceeded $1 billion in revenue. (Source) For SMEs, cobot welding provides a scalable, adaptable solution to today’s welding challenges.
Cobots’ compact, lightweight design allows easy mounting in various locations, offering flexibility for redeployment across tasks and spaces. Cobots work safely alongside human operators, automating repetitive and hazardous tasks while complementing human skills. With features like hand-guiding and intuitive interfaces, cobots eliminate the need for complex coding, making them accessible to operators without technical expertise. Equipped with advanced sensors and force-limiting features, cobots adapt to operational needs, stopping instantly upon contact with humans to ensure safety. Additionally, cobots are cost-effective—quicker to set up and less expensive than traditional robots, making them ideal for SMEs.
