Automation of the Welding Process by Use of Industrial Robots

Abstract

The development of robotic technology, owing to the advancement of digital technology, is evolving each year, resulting in increased representation of industrial robots. We are currently in the fourth industrial revolution, referred to as “Industry 4.0” by the Germans. The implementation of the fourth technological revolution depends on a series of new and innovative technological achievements, most of which are applied in robotic technology. Automation of production processes, including automation of the welding process, must include industrial robots. This paper demonstrates the representation of industrial robots in the world continents, and four top countries: China, Japan, North America and Germany. An analysis was conducted of the annual representation of industrial robots in the welding process worldwide and on continents of Asia/Australia, Europe, and Americas, for the period 2010–2016. As it is known that industrial robots are most represented in the automotive industry, a tendency of their representation was depicted in the automotive industry for the same period, as well as the percentage in all industrial branches by 2016. Industrial robots are most widely used in two welding processes: arc welding and spot welding, so an analysis of their representation in these two welding processes for the period 2010–2016 was conducted. A comparative analysis of the annual production of vehicles in four countries was made: China, Japan, USA and Germany, as well as the presence of robots in these countries in the welding processes. The paper also includes the analysis and possibilities of future industrial robot representation in this area.