Sensors in robotic arc welding to support small series production

Purpose – Aims to present general concepts and framework for increasing the flexibility in robotic arc welding with respect to use of sensors and small series production. Design/methodology/approach – Presents a conceptual model with a framework that integrates existing tools and needed developments and research to increase the usefulness of sensors in robotic arc welding. The conceptual model is based on research within the field which covers supporting tools like robot simulation, sensor modelling and handling and optimization issues with respect to the robot task execution. A descriptive structure and concept is outlined to include welding procedure specifications (WPS) as a key module to provide an integrated and holistic control model of the robotic. Findings – Finds that the outlined conceptual model and architecture supports an increased flexibility of sensor controlled robots for arc welding applications. The arguments are specifically made for small series and one‐off production. Research limitations/implications – The paper is limited to arc welding applications and the concept and arguments are made with small series and one‐off production in mind. Practical implications – Increased use of sensors and robots in small series production. Originality/value – Introduces a holistic approach for task level control of a robot which introduces a structured way for integrated and coordinated control of the arc welding task. The objective is to execute the welding task with maintained robustness with respect to predefined specifications (quality, productivity).