Process Overview

This portable arc welding solution utilizes the Rainbow Robotics RB3-730 cobot to automate welding operations in narrow, confined shipyard environments, developed in collaboration with welding system partner JCT. Traditional carriage welding systems are incapable of operating across multiple directions within constrained shipyard structures. By integrating an ultra-lightweight magnetic base and dedicated welding software, this system enables effortless portability, simple pendant-based parameter setup without direct teaching, and high-precision automated welding across tight spaces. 

The Challenge

Shipbuilding environments often involve extremely narrow, confined, and structurally inconvenient compartments. Conventional carriage welding equipment lacks the directional flexibility to operate effectively under these restricted conditions. Furthermore, relying on manual welding ("Work by Hands") in tight quarters places heavy physical strain on workers and leads to inconsistent weld quality. To overcome these spatial and directional constraints while ensuring uniform, defect-free welds, shipyards required a flexible, highly portable robotic welding system capable of quick deployment and precise torch alignment.