Co-Spark Robotic Welding Cell

Short Summary

The CO-SPARK TestBed is a collaborative robotic welding cell designed to support the transition from manual to automated welding processes. The system integrates a robotic platform with arc welding technology, enabling safe and flexible welding operations in industrial environments. The key technological focus lies in collaborative robotics, welding automation, and flexible manufacturing. The TestBed enables intuitive programming and operation, allowing users with no prior robotics experience to effectively use the system. CO-SPARK supports human–robot collaboration, making it suitable for dynamic production environments with frequent product changes and small-batch manufacturing. The system enables improved repeatability, consistent weld quality, and reduced dependence on skilled manual labour. The TestBed is particularly relevant for Industry 5.0 applications, as it supports human-centred automation, workforce upskilling, and accessible adoption of robotic welding technologies.

Abstract representation of automated welding in a collaborative cell
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: CO-SPARK robotic system with robotic controller and console mounted on the 6th robot axis.
  • Welding torch: Kemppi welding torch enabling control of the robot during welding operations.
  • Welding system: Kemppi Master M welding system providing arc welding functionality with water cooling.
  • Control panel: Interface for setup and control of the welding process.
  • Welding table: Siegmund System S16 welding table (Professional 750, 2 × 1 m – other options available) used for positioning workpieces during welding.
Software
  • Integrated control interface for robot operation and programming.
Standards that apply
  • N/A
Application Cases
  • Robotic arc welding of metal components - Use of a robotic system for performing arc welding operations on metal components.
  • Welding of different workpieces - Use of the robotic system for welding workpieces of different shapes and sizes.
  • Flexible welding in small-batch production - Application of the system in environments with frequent product changes and varying production requirements.
  • Human–robot collaborative welding - Use of the system in collaborative operation, allowing interaction between the operator and the robot during welding tasks.
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.