How Path Robotics uses AI to optimize robotic welding

Path Robotics is applying artificial intelligence to simplify and improve robotic welding, a process that has long posed challenges for manufacturers. In a recent episode of The Robot Report Podcast, co-founder and CEO Andy Lonsberry detailed how the company’s AI-driven systems use real-time vision guidance to automatically identify the optimal welding path and adjust the robot’s movements accordingly.

AI-driven adaptive welding

Lonsberry explained that traditional robotic welding requires extensive manual programming and setup, making it difficult to adapt to variations in parts or positions. Path Robotics has developed a solution that uses AI to map the torch’s path and then guide the robot through the weld, continuously adjusting based on real-time visual feedback. This approach aims to maintain an optimal weld quality while reducing the need for human intervention.

“We’re building adaptive, AI-driven robotic systems designed for real-world production environments,” Lonsberry said. His work focuses on applying physical AI to longstanding manufacturing challenges, moving beyond rigid automation toward flexible, self-correcting systems.

Expansion into shipbuilding

The Columbus, Ohio-based company is also deploying Boston Dynamics’ Spot quadruped robots for mobile welding applications in shipbuilding. This marks a shift from stationary robotic arms to mobile platforms that can navigate complex, large-scale environments.

Podcast highlights and broader context

The episode, numbered 252, featured Lonsberry alongside Michael Yip, an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at UC San Diego and director of the Advanced Robotics and Controls Laboratory (ARCLab). Yip’s research focuses on data-efficient robot control and motion planning, with applications in surgical robotics.

Other news discussed in the episode included the future of humanoid robots in surgery, Agility Robotics’ stock market debut, and regulatory frustrations with autonomous vehicles interfering with first responders.

The source for this article is https://www.therobotreport.com/how-path-robotics-uses-ai-optimize-robotic-welding/.