Welding Robot Arrives at Nizhny Novgorod Shipyard
Automation is taking over routine welding tasks at one of Russia’s oldest shipbuilding plants, shifting workers into operator roles.
A new welding robot has been commissioned at Krasnoye Sormovo Shipyard, part of United Shipbuilding Corporation and one of Russia’s oldest shipbuilders, located in Nizhny Novgorod. The system is now handling routine welding operations, while plant specialists transition into operators of high-tech equipment, according to a statement posted on the shipyard’s Telegram channel.
A key feature of the new system is its machine vision technology. The robot independently identifies work surfaces, eliminating errors and significantly speeding up setup time.
Writes Welding Algorithms Using 3D Models
Deputy General Director for Production Dmitry Lavrentyev said the robot allows engineers to program welding algorithms remotely using 3D models of parts. The new equipment improves weld quality and serves as a training tool for younger specialists learning programming skills. At the same time, experienced welders can focus on more complex tasks, such as working at height or in confined spaces.
Earlier, a welding robot was introduced at the ZiO-Podolsk plant. There, the automated system manufactures supports for heat-exchange equipment used at nuclear power plants. The robot performs repetitive operations according to a preset program. By operating without breaks or weekends, it doubles labor efficiency and significantly reduces the time required to clean weld seams.
