Fabtech 2025 Showcases Robotics and Welding Innovation

Fabtech 2025, North America’s largest metal fabrication trade show, returned to Chicago with over 1,700 exhibitors and a packed showcase of automation breakthroughs. FANUC debuted new welding and material handling robots, while Universal Robots demonstrated advanced welding and plasma cutting collaborations. Kawasaki Robotics invited attendees to see its Velo-S Cell in action, and AGT Robotics wowed crowds with large-scale, AI-driven welding systems. Together, these highlights underscored the growing role of robotics in shaping the future of fabrication.

FANUC’s Automated Solutions

FANUC is well-known for developing robots to weld, cut, deburr, and otherwise finish metal components in the materials fabrication space. They used two CRX-10iA, 7-axis robots for these operations, as well as a CRX-30iA to perform several fabrications. They also displayed their new M-950/500F-28A materials handling robot and a pair of Arc Mate/25-18D welding robots as they repaired an excavator bucket.

FANUC’s CRX-10iA/L 7-axis robot can weld in tight spaces. Image used courtesy of FANUC

Universal Robots Welding and Plasma Cutting Robots

At Fabtech 2017, UR showed off its first welding robot, which could MIG weld straight lines. At Fabtech 2025, they unveiled a new robot capable of performing welds on complex parts, repeated passes, and extremely long seams.

Furthermore, their robots were featured in partnerships with several other companies that performed laser welding, plasma cutting, and other metal forming operations. Hirebotics Cobot Cutter features a UR robot at its core, as do robots by Vectics Automation and Hypertherm. THG Automation’s new URW-2LF, a laser welder, also incorporates a UR robot.

Just a few applications that use UR robots, such as the UR-30. Image used courtesy of Universal Robotics

Robotic Welding with Kawasaki Robotics

Kawasaki Robotics also demonstrated some of its robotic capabilities at Fabtech 2025. While its website says little about their new product releases, its consistent innovation means there was plenty to see at this year’s trade show. The highlight was that customers could bring their own part (under 40” in diameter) and have it welded by their Velo-S Cell as a demonstration, right there at the show.

AGT Robotics and Autonomous Welding of Large Items

AGT Robotics specializes in robotic welding of large objects. While many other companies focus on compact footprints and relatively light payloads, AGT Robotics displayed its larger products, such as the BeamMaster and the BLOK system. As the name implies, the BeamMaster is for welding large pieces of I-beams for building and construction applications. Strong enough to support the beam during welding and allow for precise alignment of the pieces, the BeamMaster is a sight to behold.

Welding large components is one thing- AGT Robotics takes it a step further. At the center of their welding machines is the Cortex autonomous programming software. This software allows welding operations to be driven by AI to ensure proper and complete welding in these mission-critical structural components.

AGT Robotics’ BeamMaster uses AI to weld massive I-beams with precision and automation. Image used courtesy of AGT Robotics

Fabtech 2026

Bummed about missing out this year? Have no fear! Next year, Fabtech will be hosted in Las Vegas, NV, on October 21-23, 2026. Admission is free, and Fabtech is a great opportunity to see what’s new in robotics and network with automation experts from around North America.