Universal Robots to Revolutionize Fabrication at FABTECH 2025 with Next-Gen Cobot Solutions
Universal Robots (UR), the global leader in collaborative robotics, is set to redefine fabrication automation at FABTECH 2025, taking place in Chicago, IL, from September 8–11. The company will unveil a series of groundbreaking cobot solutions designed to push the boundaries of laser welding, plasma cutting, finishing, and material handling. With its innovative technology and robust partner ecosystem, UR is transforming the entire fabrication workflow, offering attendees a glimpse into the future of industrial automation.
A New Era of Cobot Welding
“Cobot welding continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace,” said Jean-Pierre Hathout, President of Universal Robots. “Eight years ago, we introduced North America’s first cobot welder at FABTECH 2017, performing simple MIG-welds. Today, thanks to advancements in robot control features and the ingenuity of our partners, we’re tackling applications that were once thought impossible. This event is the perfect stage to showcase how UR robots are reshaping the fabrication industry.”
Introducing a Game-Changing Robot
Hathout previewed a brand-new robot specifically engineered to address the most demanding welding challenges. Designed for outstanding reach, stability, and precision, this model excels on long seams, complex parts, and repetitive passes.
“This new robot isn’t just keeping up with industry demands—it’s setting the benchmark for what’s possible,” Hathout explained. Attendees will have the opportunity to witness its global debut in UR’s booth (#B13045) as well as in the booths of key partners: Hirebotics (#B13051), THG Automation (#B13053), and Vectis Automation (#B13031). These demonstrations will highlight the versatility and power of UR’s latest innovation.
Plasma Cutting: Precision and Efficiency Redefined
Automated plasma cutting has emerged as one of the fastest-growing applications for cobots, revolutionizing welding efficiency. Unlike traditional hand-cutting, which often leads to inconsistencies, robotic plasma cutting delivers weld-ready parts with unmatched accuracy. This synergy between cutting and welding streamlines workflows and reduces manual rework.
At Hirebotics’ booth (#B13051), the Cobot Cutter will demonstrate fast, precise cuts on steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. Additionally, Hirebotics will introduce multipass welding, through-the-arc seam tracking, and AI-powered weld setting recommendations—tools that further enhance productivity and quality.
Vectis Automation is taking plasma cutting to the next level with the Vectis Shape Tool. This solution allows complex shapes to be cut and projected onto curved surfaces, unlocking new possibilities in fabrication. Paired with their Clarity™ Data Insight Dashboard, which captures production metrics for optimized efficiency, and advanced software for intricate path optimization, Vectis is empowering users to tackle even the most challenging wrap and transition jobs.
These plasma cutting innovations will also be showcased in Hypertherm’s booth (#A4513), a leader in the plasma cutting market.
Laser Welding Enters the Mainstream
Laser welding with cobots is now entering mainstream adoption, overcoming initial concerns about safety, complexity, and cost. Advances in control software, turnkey safety engineering, and affordable fiber lasers have made this technology more accessible than ever.
In booth #B13053, THG Automation will present the URW-2LF Collaborative Laser Welding System, powered by a UR robot and an IPG fiber laser. This system delivers cleaner, faster welds with minimal heat distortion, along with laser-based pre-cleaning and discoloration removal for superior aesthetics and simplified workflows.
Versatile Finishing and Material Handling Solutions
Finishing and grinding solutions take center stage in UR’s booth, where PushCorp pairs the UR30 robot with the STC2002 servo spindle and AFD120 active force device. This setup enables automated, uniform surface finishing that adapts seamlessly to part irregularities.
Meanwhile, Ferrobotics will demonstrate its cobot active force control (ACK-F) technology, designed for robots with payloads of 8 kg or more. Their demonstration cell operates flexibly with UR robots, allowing users to attach and program up to 15 different finishing tools on-site. By combining Ferrobotics’ real force control with UR’s intuitive operation, the solution caters to both first-time users and those looking to scale their finishing operations.
Material handling is another critical aspect of fabrication, from machine tending to automated picking, stacking, and palletizing. In UR’s booth, the UR15, the company’s fastest robot, will be equipped with Schmalz’s FMG matrix area gripper. This automated solution is ideal for flat, suctionable workpieces like sheet metal and includes an air-saving function that reduces compressed air usage by up to 80%.
Expert Insights and Networking Opportunities
Attendees will have ample opportunities for hands-on demos, networking, and expert insights into the future of fabrication. Will Healy III, Teradyne Robotics’ global industry leader for metal fabrication, will deliver impactful presentations as part of FABTECH’s conference schedule:
- Monday, September 8
- Introduction to Automation Technology – A Practical Guide to Learning & Implementing Automation on the Shop Floor (8:30–9:30am)
- Wednesday, September 10
- Challenging Industrial Welding Automation & Fabrication Paradigms with Cobots (8:30–9:30am)
- How Artificial Intelligence & Automation Are Impacting Metal Fabrication from the Office to the Shop Floor and Everywhere In-Between (10:00–11:00am)
- The Impact of Automation & AI in Metal Stamping: Real Transformations of Business Management, Manufacturing Processes & Machines (3:00–4:00pm)
Shaping the Future of Fabrication
Universal Robots’ presence at FABTECH 2025 underscores its commitment to driving innovation in the fabrication industry. By introducing cutting-edge cobot solutions for welding, cutting, finishing, and material handling, UR is empowering businesses to achieve greater efficiency, precision, and scalability.
As the fabrication landscape evolves, partnerships like those between UR and its collaborators are paving the way for smarter, more agile manufacturing processes. For attendees and industry professionals alike, FABTECH 2025 offers a unique opportunity to explore how collaborative robotics can transform their operations—and position them at the forefront of the next industrial revolution.
About Universal Robots
Universal Robots is a global leader in collaborative robotics (cobots), used across a wide range of industries. Our mission is simple: Automation for anyone. Anywhere. With over 100,000 cobots sold worldwide, our user-friendly platform is supported by intuitive PolyScope software, award-winning training, comprehensive services, and the world’s largest cobot ecosystem, delivering innovation and choice to our customers. Universal Robots is part of Teradyne Robotics, a division of Teradyne (NASDAQ:TER), a leading supplier of automatic test equipment and advanced robotics technology, including Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) from sister company Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR). For more information, please visit www.universal-robots.com.
