This is an excerpt of an article published on The Globe and Mail, written by Daina Lawrence
Once thought of as dull, dirty and dangerous, welding is undergoing a high-tech makeover thanks to advancements in automation and artificial intelligence (AI).
Burnaby, B.C.-based Novarc Technologies Inc. is helping to drive that transformation with its AI-powered “cobots” (collaborative robots), which aren’t just increasing precision and output across industries, but also tackling the toll of repetitive motion injuries on skilled tradespeople.
Since it was founded in 2013, Novarc has become a global leader in automated welding systems. As industries race to boost efficiency and adapt to a rapidly evolving workforce, Novarc is helping to reshape the future of work productivity by reimagining one of manufacturing’s most labour-intensive trades.
Novarc co-founder and chief executive officer Soroush Karimzadeh says he’s on a mission to make the industry “cool, clever and clean.”
“I think we have an opportunity to bring fresh talent into the industry and attract them by showcasing how automation and AI is needed and is going to be increasing productivity for them,” Mr. Karimzadeh says.
The tech comes at a critical time: As the skilled trades workforce ages and global infrastructure projects, from data centers to LNG terminals, accelerate, the demand for highly skilled welders is rapidly increasing. Yet the pipeline of new workers isn’t keeping up, which is where AI is helping to fill the current gaps, boosting production outcomes and attracting the next generation to the trade.
“There’s a strong focus now on bringing more innovation to the welding industry not just because of the welder shortage, but because, as a society, we need to build more,” Mr. Karimzadeh says. “From infrastructure and construction to shipbuilding, oil and gas and aerospace, these sectors all rely on fabrication and welding.”
Reimagining the weld
Traditional industrial welding robots, which date back to the 1960s, could handle only specific repetitive tasks. But Novarc’s smart cobots are opening new doors, taking on tasks that haven’t been possible before and the results are both measurable and transformative. In some cases, the weld times are 10 times faster using the cobots.
“That’s just leaps and bounds ahead of anything humans would be able to do,” Mr. Karimzadeh says.
He compares Novarc’s robots to a dentist’s lamp because of their simple, intuitive and easy-to-position characteristics. Trained operators can quickly guide the arm to the weld location and select a pre-programmed “recipe” tailored to the task. The setup takes just minutes and offers the potential to reduce physical strain and simplify complex processes.
“We directly help improve the health aspects of welders… and extend careers of some of these veteran welders who’ve been around for a long time – and they don’t have to do this work anymore by their hands,” Mr. Karimzadeh says. “There’s no low-level programming…You just press start, and you’re welding.”