LaserFlex Robotic Laser Welding Cell

Short Summary

The LaserFlex TestBed is a robotic laser welding cell designed for precise and automated welding processes in industrial environments. The system integrates a robotic platform with laser welding technology, enabling highprecision welding with minimal thermal distortion and consistent quality. The key technological focus lies in robotic laser processing, advanced manufacturing, and flexible automation. The system supports efficient execution of welding tasks across different materials and geometries, making it suitable for both prototyping and small- to medium-scale production. LaserFlex enables controlled and repeatable welding operations while supporting safe and structured integration into industrial workflows. Its flexible configuration allows adaptation to different production requirements and use cases. The TestBed is relevant for Industry 5.0 applications, particularly in the context of high-precision manufacturing, process reliability, and the adoption of advanced robotic welding technologies.

Abstract representation of laser welding in robotics
Domain

DeepTech Area(s)

Robotics, Human Machine Interfaces

Application Domain

Manufacturing

Hosting Institution and Principal Investigator Information
Name of host organization
VIRS d.o.o.
Name of building
/
Physical Address
Industrijska ulica 4 B, 9220 Lendava, Slovenia
Website Links
https://www.virs.si/en/
Institutional contact name
For access through CITADELS project please contact Pomurje Technology Park
Institutional contact email
info@p-tech.si or marko@p-tech.si
Principal Investigator name
Anita Gjerek
Position / Institutional role
Director of the Robotics department
Email

For access through CITADELS project please contact Pomurje Technology Park at info@p-tech.si or marko@p-tech.si

Funding source(s) for TestBed's acquisition
VIRS d.o.o.
Technical Description
Hardware
  • Robot: Enables precise and repeatable welding processes.
  • Laser welding head: Integrated motorized lenses enable movement of the laser beam within a 48 × 48mm working area without moving the robot.
  • Clamping system: Enables fixation of workpieces of different sizes and shapes.
  • Welding positioner: Positions the workpiece into an optimal welding position; adapted to the geometry and size of parts.
  • Control panel: Enables system control and operation.
  • Protective enclosure: Passive protective cabin compliant with ISO EN 60825-4, ensuring a high level of operational safety.
  • Fast lifting door: Equipped with safety optical sensors; remains closed during the welding process.
  • Display screen: Provides visualization of the welding process via integrated cameras (Wi-Fi connection).
  • Laser source: Equipped with Power Control function; adjusts output power and ensures uniform processing; power range from 500 W to 12 kW.
Software
  • Roboguide: Offline programming of the robot.
  • WeldCockpit AI: Monitoring and documentation of welding process parameters.
Standards that apply
  • ISO EN 60825-4: Safety of laser products – protective housings for laser processing equipment.
Application Cases
  • Robotic laser welding of metal components - Execution of laser welding processes using a robotic system, enabling precise and repeatable welding of metal components. The system supports controlled welding operations within a protected enclosure.
  • Welding of geometrically diverse workpieces - Use of the clamping system and welding positioner to process workpieces of different shapes and sizes. The system enables adaptation of the welding process to specific geometries and positioning requirements.
  • Optimization of welding positioning - Application of the welding positioner to place workpieces in an optimal position for laser welding. This supports consistent process execution and accessibility of weld seams.Application of the welding positioner to place workpieces in an optimal position for laser welding. This supports consistent process execution and accessibility of weld seams.
  • Monitoring and visualization of welding processes - Use of integrated cameras and display system to monitor the welding process in real time, enabling visualization of operations during execution.
Potential Stakeholders

Non-academic stakeholders

Industrial partners

SMEs

Startups

Professional associations

Academic stakeholders

Undergraduate students

MSc students

PhD students

Researchers

Exploitation Scenarios
Internal academic research
No
Collaborative research with external academic partners
Yes
Contract research / Proof-of-Concept for industry
Yes
Pilot / DeepTech Deployment in operational environment
Yes
Training services (courses, workshops, certification)
Yes
Service provision (testing, benchmarking, validation)
Yes
Open access for walk-in users (e.g. open days / hackathons)
No
Further Information

Further information about this testbed can be found HERE.