Robotica ed automazione dei processi saldati: traguardi acquisiti e prospettive future.

Robotics and automation for the welding have been developed in several applications throughout the world. In recent statistical data concerning installed robots worldwide the 30% are used in welding; the proportion is 27% in Europe and 19% in Italy. However, from some point of view we can say that these systems have reached a certain level of maturity, but in this difficult area, flexible automation and artificial intelligence objectives are far and for their satisfaction a considerable effort in interdisciplinary research and implementation is required. This paper presents the state of the art and out-lines future prospects for the main technologies on the ba-sis of developments in welding automation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]