Welding robots are industrial robots that perform welding (including cutting and spraying). According to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) definition of industrial robots, which includes standard welding robots, an industrial robot is a multi-purpose, reprogrammable, automated control manipulator with three or more programmable axes used in industrial automation. To adapt to different applications, the mechanical interface of the robot's last axis, typically a connecting flange, can be fitted with different tools or end effectors. Welding robots are industrial robots with welding clamps or welding (cutting) guns attached to the flange of their last axis, enabling them to perform welding, cutting, or thermal spraying.
On August 11, 2025, the first batch of domestically developed intelligent welding robot equipment systems for flexible manufacturing in marine engineering was integrated and completed in Tianjin, entering the testing and acceptance phase. This marks a significant breakthrough in my country's flexible manufacturing technology for marine oil and gas equipment. Flexible manufacturing intelligent welding robots possess visual recognition capabilities and are characterized by high flexibility and environmental adaptability, making them suitable for various types of customized welding work in complex environments. In addition, research and development is focused on building humanoid welding robots with a "cerebellum" motion control system, aiming to solve pain points in the industrial field such as welder shortages, low precision and efficiency of traditional welding, replacing high-risk manual welding, and adapting to complex industrial scenarios. The project team also utilized welding robot technology in the Xiangyang City Dengcheng Avenue Guangcai Road intersection interchange reconstruction project, which was completed and opened to traffic on December 31, 2025. Fujian Mawei Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. also adopted intelligent welding robot technology in the construction of car carriers. China's welding robot exports are growing at a rate exceeding 60%.
