AI-powered welding: How cobots are transforming metal fabrication

Caren Dripke, head of Robotics Development at Lorch Schweißtechnik GmbH, describes AI‑enabled cobot welding like working with an apprentice who already knows the basics. Instead of programming every detail, the operator simply defines the task, and the AI helps the cobot figure out the rest.

Traditional welding robots require extensive setup, making automation impractical for high-mix/low-volume jobs. With skilled welders in short supply globally, the stakes are high: Shops need solutions that reduce complexity and accelerate deployment.

AI welding solutions vary from guided programming to seam tracking and automated path planning but share one advantage: they remove programming as a barrier to adopting welding automation.

• Cohesive Robotics: Argus OS uses vision and AI to auto-program weld paths, removing the need for manual teaching.

• Hirebotics: Beacon acts as a “copilot,” guiding welders through setup and optimizing parameters based on hundreds of real-world deployments.

• Lorch Schweißtechnik: SeamPilot eliminates waypoint programming, enabling quick automation even for small lot sizes.

• Vectis Automation: AI features adjust torch angles and detect corner transitions, embedding best practices into every weld.

• Setup time reduction: Up to 70% faster vs. traditional programming | Source: Lorch

• Skill gap mtigation: AI transfers expert knowledge to new operators | Source: Vectis

• Automation feasibility: High-mix/low-volume jobs now viable | Source: Cohesive Robotics

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