iBOTone® Collaborative Welding Robot

Short Summary

The iBOTone® Collaborative Welding Robot is a collaborative robotic system designed to support experimentation, validation, and deployment of automated welding processes while maintaining human supervision and control. It enables intuitive programming through manual guidance, allowing users with limited experience to perform welding tasks after minimal training. The system achieves repeatability of ±0.02 mm and operates reliably in industrial environments due to its IP66 protection level. Designed as an integrated, CEcertified robotic cell (ABICELL®), it supports consistent welding quality and simplified system setup. The TestBed provides a controlled and accessible environment for training, process validation, and Proof-of-Concept activities in robotic welding and automation. It supports DeepTech applications in digital manufacturing and aligns with Industry 5.0 principles by enabling safe and supervised human–robot collaboration.

Abstract futuristic scene of a robotic welding arm emitting bright sparks
Domain

DeepTech Area(s)

Robotics

Application Domain

Manufacturing

Hosting Institution and Principal Investigator Information
Name of host organization
ABICOR BINZEL Varilna tehnika d.o.o.
Name of building
Pomurje Technology Park
Physical Address
Plese 9 A, 9000 Murska Sobota
Website Links
https://binzel-abicor.com/SI/slv/
Institutional contact name
Goran Rajnar
Institutional contact email
info@binzel-abicor.si
Principal Investigator name
Goran Rajnar
Position / Institutional role
Director
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
ABICOR BINZEL Varilna Tehnika d.o.o.
Technical Description
Hardware
  • iBOTone® Collaborative Welding Robot: 6-axis collaborative robot designed for automated welding with high precision (±0.02 mm repeatability) and intuitive operation.
  • Teaching handle: Enables manual guidance and intuitive programming of welding paths, supporting use by non-expert operators.
  • Welding torch: Integrated smart welding torch for controlled and consistent welding operations.
  • Power source: Welding power source up to 500 A, supporting a range of welding applications and materials.
  • Control cabinet: Integrated system for robot control, process management, and parameter configuration.
  • ABICELL® enclosure: CEcertified robotic cell ensuring safe operation and human–robot collaboration.
  • Robot design: IP66-rated system suitable for operation in demanding industrial environments.
  • Material compatibility: Suitable for welding steel, stainless steel,
    and aluminium parts in small and large production series.
Software
  • Integrated robot control software: Supports programming, operation, and monitoring of welding processes through an intuitive user interface.
Standards that apply
  • The system is designed in accordance with applicable safety standards for collaborative robotic systems, including ISO 10218-1 and ISO/TS 15066, as well as the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and CE-certified ABICELL® enclosure requirements. In addition, operation complies with relevant occupational health and safety regulations for welding processes and human–robot interaction, ensuring safe and reliable operation in industrial environments.
Application Cases
  • Collaborative robot training and operation - Hands-on training in collaborative robot use, including intuitive programming through manual guidance and safe human–robot interaction.
  • Proof-of-Concept demonstrations - Validation of robotic welding processes and evaluation of automation feasibility in controlled environments. 
  • Process optimisation studies - Experimental testing and optimisation of welding parameters, including analysis of welding performance
    and repeatability.
  • Small-batch and custom production - Application of robotic welding in flexible manufacturing scenarios, including small-series production and custom parts.
  • Educational and academic use - Use of the TestBed in student projects focused on collaborative robotics, human–robot interaction, and digital manufacturing.
Potential Stakeholders

Non-academic stakeholders

Industrial partners

SMEs

Startups

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