Cobot welding uses a collaborative robot arm to hold the torch and repeat weld paths that a welder teaches by hand. For small and mid-sized fab shops, it adds consistent, repeatable welds without the programming burden of a traditional robotic cell.
SwitchWeld is the cobot welding line from AUBO Robotics USA. It runs on AUBO i-Series arms and is designed by welders, for welders.
Skilled welders are hard to find, and quality demands keep rising. This guide explains when cobot welding makes sense, how SwitchWeld works, and which of its four systems fits your work.
When Does Cobot Welding Make Sense?
Cobot welding fits best when you weld the same parts again and again, but not in huge volumes. It also suits shops that change jobs often and can’t justify a dedicated robot cell for each one.
It is usually a strong fit if your shop has:
- Repeat parts in short or medium runs, such as brackets, frames, handrails or pipe assemblies.
- High-mix, low-volume work where jobs change weekly or daily.
- Too few skilled welders for the work you are quoting.
- Limited floor space for a large guarded robot cell.
A traditional robotic welding cell may still be the better choice for very high-volume, single-part production. Cobot welding also depends on good fixturing, since the cobot repeats the path it was taught.
Safety still needs planning. Collaborative operation requires a risk assessment for your application. Arc flash, fumes and spatter also call for welding screens and fume extraction, just as with manual welding.
How SwitchWeld Teaches Weld Paths Without Code
SwitchWeld replaces teach-pendant programming with hand teaching. The welder moves the torch to each point, and the system builds the path.
The workflow has three steps:
- Set up. Unbox the system and connect it to your existing welding tools and power supply.
- Program by hand. Use the Navigator puck on the end of the arm to teach the trajectory. A 6 DOF joystick gives finer control for precise torch angles.
- Weld. ArcAdvisor suggests weld settings calculated for your specific project, so results stay consistent from part to part.
The motion blending software is developed in-house by the SwitchWeld team. Welders keep control of the weld, while the cobot handles the repetition.
Training is short. SwitchWeld offers free, hands-on training designed to make a team proficient in one day.
Which SwitchWeld System Fits Your Shop?
There are four SwitchWeld systems, covering MIG welding automation and robotic plasma cutting. Every system includes an AUBO i5, i10 or i20 cobot, the AUBO control box and teach pendant, the Navigator puck, the 6 DOF joystick, the plugin box and software, and the operator’s job controller.
| System | Best for | Adds to the core kit |
|---|---|---|
| SwitchWeld Basic | Shops that want to pair a cobot with the welder they already own | Air-cooled MIG robotic torch; works with your existing welder |
| SwitchWeld Plus | A turnkey MIG cell, ready to weld | Air-cooled MIG torch, Miller Deltaweld power source, 4 x 4 ft welding table |
| SwitchWeld Reach | Long parts such as trailers, dumpsters and structural builds | Air-cooled MIG torch, Miller Deltaweld, 7th-axis rail for an extended work envelope |
| SwitchWeld Plasma | Cobot plasma cutting of profiles and openings | Custom plasma cutting tool holder; Fusion 360 integration |
Not sure where to start? The Basic is the lowest-commitment entry point, while the Plus is the fastest path to a complete MIG cell. Compare full specs on the SwitchWeld products page.
What Shops Report After Adding SwitchWeld
Results depend on the part, fixturing and process, but SwitchWeld customers have shared specific gains:
- Machine building: a production engineer reports going from one part every 20 minutes to six parts in 20 minutes, with consistent quality.
- Geothermal piping: a construction manager reports saving about 50% of their time, as covered in The Tube and Pipe Journal.
- Metal fabrication: a plant manager calls the joystick a game changer, noting that minimal training was needed.
- Industrial fencing and security: a shop owner running three SwitchWeld units reports fabrication that is 10x more efficient, and says the technology helps retain top welding talent.
That last point matters. SwitchWeld is built to support welders, not sideline them, by taking on repetitive passes so skilled people can focus on setup, fit-up and inspection.
The AUBO Cobot Behind Every SwitchWeld
Each system runs on an AUBO i-Series cobot with ±0.02 to ±0.05 mm repeatability, depending on the model. AUBO arms carry NRTL certifications for North America and comply with ISO 10218 and ISO/TS 15066.
SwitchWeld has a long track record in cobot welding. It was the only welding cobot on the show floor at FABTECH 2018. Its head office and AUBO’s U.S. support team share the Romulus, Michigan location, and its R&D center is in Cookeville, Tennessee.
Cobot Welding FAQs
What is cobot welding? Cobot welding uses a collaborative robot arm to hold a welding torch and repeat a path that a person teaches by hand. It suits repeat parts in short and medium runs, especially in shops with limited floor space or too few skilled welders.
Do I need programming experience to use SwitchWeld? No. Welders teach the path by moving the torch with the Navigator puck and 6 DOF joystick. SwitchWeld’s free hands-on training is designed to make a team proficient in one day.
Does SwitchWeld work with my existing welder? Yes, with SwitchWeld Basic, which pairs the cobot with the welding power supply you already own. SwitchWeld Plus and Reach is fully integrated with the Miller Auto-Deltaweld.
Can a welding cobot run without safety fencing? It depends on your application and risk assessment. Collaborative arms can reduce or eliminate the need for costly fencing in many cases, but arc welding still requires screens and fume extraction.
Which AUBO cobot powers SwitchWeld? SwitchWeld systems use an AUBO i5, i10 or i20 collaborative robot, chosen based on your parts and reach needs. Recently expanded to include iS20L as well.
Can SwitchWeld do plasma cutting? Yes. SwitchWeld Plasma uses a custom plasma tool holder and integrates with Fusion 360 for cut paths.
See Cobot Welding in Action
Cobot welding gives fab shops a practical way to add consistent welds without hiring a robot programmer. SwitchWeld makes that step simple: teach the path by hand, let ArcAdvisor suggest the settings, and choose the system that matches your parts.
The best way to judge fit is to watch it run on your own parts. Book a SwitchWeld demo at our Romulus, Michigan headquarters, or register for free hands-on SwitchWeld training.
Still comparing options? Read our Ultimate Guide to Welding Cobots next.