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FANUC, Universal Robots, Kawasaki, and AGT Robotics headlined Fabtech 2025 with advances in welding, plasma cutting, and large-scale automation.
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 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.
FANUC’s CRX-10iA/L 7-axis robot can weld in tight spaces. Image used courtesy of FANUC
FANUC’s CRX-10iA/L 7-axis robot can weld in tight spaces. Image used courtesy of FANUC
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
Innovation and New Technologies at Fabtech 2025
Kawasaki Robotics showcased its robotic capabilities at Fabtech 2025. While there isn't much information about new products on their website, they presented impressive demonstrations at this year's trade show with an innovative approach. One of the highlights was the opportunity for attendees to bring their parts smaller than 40 inches and weld them with the Velo-S Cell.
AGT Robotics focuses on robotic welding processes for large objects. While many other companies are moving towards compact solutions, AGT introduced its larger products, including the BeamMaster and BLOK systems designed for construction applications. The BeamMaster is developed for precise welding of I-beams, ensuring accurate alignment of parts during welding.
AGT Robotics goes a step further in welding processes. The Cortex autonomous programming software, which is at the heart of their welding machines, performs AI-powered welding operations, ensuring complete and accurate welding in critical structural components.
Did you miss this year's fair? Don't worry! Fabtech will be held in Las Vegas, NV, from October 21-23, 2026. Admission is free.
An opportunity to meet automation experts from North America and discover innovations in robotics!
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 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.
FANUC’s CRX-10iA/L 7-axis robot can weld in tight spaces. Image used courtesy of FANUC
FANUC’s CRX-10iA/L 7-axis robot can weld in tight spaces. Image used courtesy of FANUC
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
Innovation and New Technologies at Fabtech 2025
Kawasaki Robotics showcased its robotic capabilities at Fabtech 2025. While there isn't much information about new products on their website, they presented impressive demonstrations at this year's trade show with an innovative approach. One of the highlights was the opportunity for attendees to bring their parts smaller than 40 inches and weld them with the Velo-S Cell.
AGT Robotics focuses on robotic welding processes for large objects. While many other companies are moving towards compact solutions, AGT introduced its larger products, including the BeamMaster and BLOK systems designed for construction applications. The BeamMaster is developed for precise welding of I-beams, ensuring accurate alignment of parts during welding.
AGT Robotics goes a step further in welding processes. The Cortex autonomous programming software, which is at the heart of their welding machines, performs AI-powered welding operations, ensuring complete and accurate welding in critical structural components.
Did you miss this year's fair? Don't worry! Fabtech will be held in Las Vegas, NV, from October 21-23, 2026. Admission is free.
An opportunity to meet automation experts from North America and discover innovations in robotics!
