Laser Equipment Industry Research Report: Intelligent Welding Robots
Core Theme: Welding technology is iterating rapidly, and intelligent welding robots are unlocking broad application prospects, driven by talent shortages, policy support, and economic benefits.
1. Technological Upgrade: Intelligent Welding Robots Take the Lead
Welding is a cornerstone of modern industry, categorized into fusion welding, pressure welding, and brazing. Emerging technologies like laser welding have broken traditional limits, while welding robots integrate multi-disciplinary technologies, with spot and arc welding robots dominating 90% of the market.
Intelligent welding robots outperform traditional teach pendant models by integrating vision/laser sensors and AI algorithms, enabling real-time weld recognition, automatic path planning, and dynamic optimization. They reduce manual reliance, adapt to high-mix low-volume non-standard scenarios (e.g., precision electronics, automotive lightweight components), and are evolving toward full autonomy via digital twin and 5G technologies. Key breakthroughs (e.g., Ruiji Technology’s 3D vision-guided system) expand their application boundaries.
2. Market Drivers & Economic Value
2.1 Talent Shortage & Policy Support
China faces a severe welder shortage of 3.49 million, with 61% of welders born in the 1960s/70s, creating urgent demand for robotic substitution. Based on 1 robot replacing 2.5 welders, the potential market demand reaches 1.4 million units. National policies (e.g., Industrial Equipment Renewal Plan) accelerate intelligent welding popularization.
2.2 Outstanding Cost-Effectiveness
Intelligent robots (50-160 cm/min) outpace manual welding (40-60 cm/min) and operate 24/7. Cost recovery is short: 4 years in the worst case (1 robot replaces 1 welder, 10.5 million yuan saved in 10 years) and 1 year in the best case (1 robot replaces 2.5 welders, 27 million yuan saved in 10 years).
2.3 Key Application Markets
- Steel Structure: 2023 processing volume hit 112 million tons; 60% of output needs intelligent welding. By 2025, demand for 12,200 units is expected, with a market size exceeding 3 billion yuan.
- Shipbuilding: China dominates global markets (over 50% share in three core indicators). With 187,800 certified welders, 15% penetration could drive demand for 18,800 units (5.634 billion yuan market), reaching over 10 billion yuan at 30% penetration.
3. Industrial Chain Overview
The chain covers upstream components (robot body, vision/laser system, accounting for over 60% of costs), midstream system integration (custom solutions for different scenarios), and downstream applications (steel structure, shipbuilding, expanding to automotive, new energy, aerospace). Domestic manufacturers are breaking foreign monopolies in key components and software.
Conclusion
Intelligent welding robots are a core driver of manufacturing upgrading. Supported by technological maturity, talent gaps, and policy, they will see accelerated penetration, especially in non-standard scenarios, with huge long-term growth potential.
Post time: Jan-19-2026
