December 11, 2025
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How Easy It Is to Get Started with ESAB Robotics

Your guide to incorporating ESAB robotic welding solutions into your workflow

Adding robotics to your fabrication process does not have to be complicated. In fact, with ESAB, it is easy.

Whether you are exploring automation for the first time or are an experienced operator looking to expand your operation’s capabilities, ESAB robotic welding solutions can help increase productivity and improve efficiency on repetitive tasks.

But how do you know if robotics is the right addition to your operation? How do you select the solution that best fits your needs and productivity goals? Let’s explore how partnering with ESAB for a tailored traditional setup or plug-and-play cobot solution makes it easy to get started with robotics.

Robotics is Right for You

In the past, robotic welding was mainly associated with mass production of the same parts, like in the automotive industry. However, the robotics game is changing. Companies across a wide range of industries and of all sizes are incorporating robotics into their welding workflows.

Today, every welding operation can benefit from robotics. The real question is not if robotics is right for you, but what solution best fits the unique needs of your specific applications.

Find Your ESAB Solution

There are many options and suppliers to choose from when implementing robotic welding into your workflow. So how do you get started and find the right solution?

At ESAB, we typically see two types of customers: those who are already experienced with robotics and know the exact requirements of their operation, and those who are just starting with automation and have no idea where to begin.

When you decide to invest in robotics with ESAB, our team takes a hands-on approach to partner with you. We will visit your facility to understand your current process, production goals, and any future expectations before recommending a complete robotic solution for your workflow.

The first step in this evaluation process is to determine which solution best meets your operation’s needs — a traditional robot setup through an integrator or a collaborative robot (cobot) system.

The Traditional Robot Solution

When you think of robotic welding, you likely picture a traditional robot setup. These systems are designed for consistency and precision at a large scale.

While a traditional robot system requires more upfront setup and programming expertise, it is an ideal solution for low-mix, high-volume environments where repeatability and productivity are critical.

Choosing a traditional robot solution requires answering a few key questions:

  1. What is your level of investment?
  2. Are my welders already skilled in programming? If not, am I willing to invest in training?
  3. Am I producing high volumes of the same part, or do I need flexibility for frequent changes?

A traditional robot solution may be the right fit for your operation if your production goals and the skill level of your welders match the investment required.

If you opt for a more traditional robot solution, the ESAB team will work with our integrator partners to equip your robot with our advanced robotic welding systems, including power sources, wire feeders, robotic torches, and welding software.

But how can you incorporate robotics if your team lacks programming experience or if you mainly work in smaller production runs?

The Cobot Solution

If you need fast results without investing in complex training or a traditional robot system, a cobot may be the right fit for your operation.

Cobots, like the ESAB ROBBI, are an ideal entry point into automation when programming expertise is limited. Companies with a high-mix, low-volume production still see an increase in productivity without investing in a full traditional robot system.

Training and operation are simple. Operators can easily reposition and reprogram the cobot for new parts or tasks with minimal downtime and without needing a separate operator. This means you can increase parts production without adding new welders to your workforce. It also improves ergonomics by minimising the amount of time your welders spend welding in awkward, uncomfortable, or hazardous positions.

Just how easy is it to learn to operate a cobot? The ESAB ROBBI includes multiple setting options on a simple-to-program, walk-through menu and through the Teach Tool.

The Teach Tool requires only three buttons for operation:

  1. Freedrive – easily pull the robot around
  2. Linear – create a new linear segment
  3. Circular – create a new circular segment

With these intuitive controls, operators of any skill level can easily start welding with a cobot.

Plug-and-Play Simplicity

This ease of use does not start in operation; it begins with product selection and setup. And nothing makes getting started in robotics easier than a plug-and-play cobot system.

When ESAB delivers a cobot welding package, it features everything you need to get started.

For example, a standard ROBBI kit from ESAB includes:

  • The cobot
  • A welding power source
  • Cell integration
  • A wire feeder

The ESAB team will also provide insight into which filler metal best meets your application needs and ensure your ROBBI system is optimized from day one.

Everything you need to start welding with ROBBI is available on delivery in this plug-and-play system.

A True Partnership

Whether you choose a traditional robot setup or a cobot setup, ESAB delivers more than just equipment. Our team is here to be your trusted partner and guide you through every step of the process — from initial consultation to setup and aftermarket technical support.

Robotics does not have to be complicated. The key is finding the system that complements your team’s capabilities, your operation’s production needs, and your long-term productivity goals.

Get Started with ESAB Robotics

With 120 years of experience in welding innovation, ESAB robotic solutions combine cutting-edge hardware and software to deliver a complete robotic welding system.

Ready to take the next step? Get started with ESAB Robotics today.