Improving health and safety in welding through remote human-robot collaboration

Abstract

Welding is an essential process across various industries; however, it exposes workers to dangerous fumes, extreme heat and physical stress, which pose considerable health and safety hazards. To tackle these issues, this article introduces the creation of a remote-controlled human–robot welding system aimed at safeguarding workers while ensuring the quality of the welds. The system monitors a welder’s torch movements through a stereoscopic sensor and accurately reproduces them with a robotic arm, facilitating real-time remote welding. Operated by a student, it effectively welded standardized sheet metals in overhead positions while adhering to critical quality standards. The weld geometry met ISO 5817 requirements, tensile strength surpassed the base material specifications, and bending and hardness assessments verified the durability and integrity of the welds. When utilized in hazardous settings, the system showcases its capability to produce high-quality welds while significantly enhancing worker safety, underscoring its potential for real-world industrial applications.