Types of Robots Used in Arc Welding

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Arc welding is one of the most common applications for industrial robotics, and several distinct types of robots have been developed to meet different production needs. Understanding these types helps manufacturers choose the right solution for their specific welding requirements.

Articulated Robots

The articulated robot is by far the most widely used type for arc welding. These robots feature multiple rotating joints—typically six axes—that mimic the range of motion of a human arm. The six-axis design provides exceptional flexibility, allowing the robot to reach complex angles, weld inside confined spaces, and position the torch optimally for every joint type.

Major manufacturers offer extensive articulated robot lines specifically optimized for arc welding. FANUC’s ARC Mate series, for example, includes models with payloads ranging from 7 kg to 25 kg and reaches from 911 mm to over 3,000 mm. ABB’s IRB 1410 is another proven example, offering a 5 kg handling capacity with an additional 18 kg for equipment on the upper arm, plus outstanding repeatability of just 0.025 mm. Yaskawa Motoman’s AR1440 features a slim profile and contoured arm specifically designed to access tight spaces while avoiding fixture interference.

Articulated robots are the go-to choice for high-volume production lines where speed, precision, and repeatability are paramount. They excel in automotive, heavy equipment, and general fabrication environments.

Collaborative Robots (Cobots)

Collaborative robots, or cobots, represent a newer category designed to work safely alongside human operators without safety fencing. This capability fundamentally changes how welding automation can be deployed, particularly in small and medium-sized shops.

Cobots for arc welding typically feature force-limiting sensors, rounded edges, and speed restrictions that stop the arm upon contact with an obstacle. ABB’s GoFa cobots, for instance, are specifically designed for high-quality collaborative welding and come with pre-installed safety apps that simplify setup. FANUC offers collaborative arc welding cobots like the CR-15iA and CR-7iA/L, which share the same proven technology as their ARC Mate industrial robots but with collaborative operation added.

The key advantage of cobots is intuitive programming. Many models allow hand-guided teaching, where an operator physically moves the arm through the desired weld path. This enables skilled welders with no robotics experience to set up new jobs quickly—ideal for high-mix, low-volume production.

CLOOS has expanded cobot welding further by making their ArcBoT solution compatible with Universal Robots, supporting functions like seam search via arc sensor, TouchSense for seam start detection, and multi-layer technology for demanding jobs.

SCARA Robots

SCARA (Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm) robots are less common in arc welding but serve specific niche applications. Unlike articulated robots, SCARA designs have a simpler mechanical configuration—typically three axes of motion with a rigid arm that moves in the horizontal plane.

SCARA robots are most suitable for planar welding tasks—trajectories that remain within a flat plane, such as circular or straight-line paths on flat workpieces. Research has demonstrated their effectiveness for welding circular paths when combined with proper control systems. However, their limited flexibility in out-of-plane motions means they cannot handle complex three-dimensional weld joints or parts with varying contours.

Key Selection Considerations

Choosing between these types depends on several factors. Articulated robots are best for high-volume, complex, three-dimensional welding where maximum speed and precision are required. Cobots excel in low to medium volume environments with frequent changeovers, limited floor space, and where existing welders will do the programming. SCARA robots are limited to planar welding tasks and rarely represent the optimal choice for most operations.

Leading manufacturers—including FANUC, ABB, Yaskawa Motoman, Panasonic, and CLOOS—continue to advance both articulated and collaborative welding robots, integrating features like seam tracking, weaving, and vision systems to improve weld quality and ease of use. The growing availability of cobots is particularly notable, as they lower the barrier to automation for smaller manufacturers who previously found traditional industrial robots cost-prohibitive or too complex to implement.