Portable Cobot Welding Packages
Portable welding cobot packages give manufacturers a flexible way to automate repeatable welding tasks without dedicating the system to one fixed location. In collaborative robot welding, a collaborative robot — or cobot — is configured with safety functions that can support operation with or near people when the complete application is properly designed and risk-assessed. Ergonomic Partners combines Yaskawa/Motoman cobots, Fronius welding equipment, and portable fixturing into systems that can be repositioned as production needs change.
These portable welding systems are well suited for batch production, changing part mixes, and operations that need to move automation between work areas. The cobot can handle repeatable weld paths while experienced welding personnel focus on setup, process control, and more complex work.
Yaskawa HC10 & HC20 Welding Cobots
Ergonomic Partners builds its portable welding cobot packages around Yaskawa HC-series collaborative robots. The HC10 and HC20 both support hand-guided teaching and collaborative operation, with different payload capacities and work envelopes to accommodate different part sizes, fixtures, and welding applications.
Yaskawa HC10
The Yaskawa HC10 is the more compact option for smaller parts, assemblies, and welding fixtures. With a 10 kg (22 lb) payload and 1,200 mm (47.2 in) horizontal reach, it provides collaborative welding capability where the larger work envelope and payload of the HC20 are not required.
| HC10 Specifications |
| Payload Capacity |
10 kg (22 lb) |
| Horizontal Reach |
1,200 mm (47.2 in) |
| Vertical Reach |
2,400 mm (94.5 in) |
| Best Fit |
Smaller parts and assemblies requiring less reach and payload |
Yaskawa HC20
The Yaskawa HC20 provides a larger work envelope and greater payload capacity for bigger parts, fixtures, and assemblies. Its 20 kg (44 lb) payload and 1,700 mm (66.9 in) horizontal reach make it well suited for applications that require additional reach across the workpiece or heavier welding tooling.
| HC20 Specifications |
| Payload Capacity |
20 kg (44 lb) |
| Horizontal Reach |
1,700 mm (66.9 in) |
| Vertical Reach |
3,400 mm (133.9 in) |
| Best Fit |
Larger assemblies and applications requiring additional reach and payload |
Choosing between the HC10 and HC20: Both HC-series robots support collaborative operation and hand-guided teaching. Final robot selection and safeguarding depend on the required payload, reach, work envelope, tooling, welding process, and application-specific risk assessment.
Portable System Features & Options
The HC10 and HC20 can be integrated into the same portable welding-platform concept, combining mobility, welding-area shielding, and simplified setup in one movable system. Additional riser, docking, and fixturing options allow the package to be configured around the workpiece, welding location, and production layout.
Standard Package Features
Forklift Pockets
Allow the system to be moved between production areas with a forklift.
Foldable Weld Curtains
Integrated curtains provide welding-area shielding while allowing the package to remain compact for relocation.
Easy-Roll Casters
Support manual repositioning of the portable welding system within the facility.
Hand-Guided Teaching
Yaskawa HC-series cobots support precision hand-guiding to simplify programming and speed setup for welding applications.
Collaborative Safety Functions
HC-series robots include collaborative safety functions such as Power and Force Limiting (PFL); final safeguarding requirements depend on the complete application and risk assessment.
Available System Options
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Customized Risers
Increase working height and reach for applications requiring a higher welding position.
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Docking Stations
Support repeatable positioning at multiple welding locations within the facility.
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Modular Welding Tables
Available in different sizes to support repeatable part positioning and welding fixtures.
Fronius Welding Options
The portable cobot package can be configured with Fronius welding equipment and process options based on the material, joint, production requirements, and application.
Standard Welding Package
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Welding System
TPS 400i Gas-Cooled Push System
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Filler Material
0.045 filler material
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Wire Feeder
Mounted on the frame of the unit
Equipment Options
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Push/Pull System
Available for aluminum welding applications.
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Liquid-Cooled System
Available for applications requiring greater torch cooling capacity or higher-duty welding.
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Manual Welding Capability
Available where the system is configured to support both robotic and manual welding operations.
Welding Processes
Pulse Multi Control (PMC)
A pulsed-arc process package designed for stable arc control, controlled penetration, and low-spatter welding in suitable applications.
Low Spatter Control (LSC)
A modified dip-transfer process designed for stable short-circuit transfer and reduced spatter.
Cold Metal Transfer (CMT)
A low-heat-input process using controlled wire motion, making it well suited for thin sheet, aluminum, galvanized material, and other heat-sensitive applications.
Compare Fronius welding processes: Visit our robot weld cells and automated welding systems page for a detailed comparison of PMC, LSC, and CMT.
Portable Welding Cobot Videos
See the portable welding cobot in operation, including a long-reach welding application and Yaskawa touch-sensing demonstration.
Portable Long Reach Welding Cobot
Our Ergonomic Partners off-the-shelf, pre-configured portable welding cobots are the ideal solution to automate your welding processes. Features include: Yaskawa Cobot with 90 inches of reach, Liquid Cooled Fronius Welder, Manual Welder, Aluminum Welding Push/Pull System, three panel foldable welding curtain, reamer, wire cutter, Touch Sense welding, locking docking station, customized risers for robot height, custom modular welding fixture tables, portable cart with floor jacks, locking swivel casters, and forklift pockets.
Touch Sense Demo with Yaskawa Robot
Proven to have the best speed and accuracy for welding robots "Touch Sense" uses the tip of the weld wire from the end of the welding torch to detect the welding surfaces of parts about to be welded. The robot uses a smart low-speed search along the weld joints to determine the precise welding path. With Touch Sense our Yaskawa robots can autonomously find and "sense" the orientation and geometries of welding surfaces, allowing the robot to perform a perfect and accurate weld consistently and reliably.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a cobot welding system portable?
A portable cobot welding system is built on a wheeled, self-contained cart — typically equipped with forklift pockets, easy-roll casters, and foldable weld curtains — so the entire welding cell relocates to where the work is rather than the parts traveling to a fixed station. The Yaskawa HC20 package, for example, integrates the cobot arm, Fronius welder, wire feeder, and modular fixturing onto a single frame that can be moved by forklift or rolled by hand between production areas. Docking stations installed at multiple locations in the facility allow the unit to lock in place and resume welding at consistent, pre-programmed positions without re-teaching the robot.
What's the difference between a portable cobot welder and a fixed robotic welding cell?
A fixed robotic welding cell is a permanent installation — typically enclosed, bolted down, and dedicated to one production line — while a portable cobot welding system is designed to serve multiple weld locations in the same facility from a single unit. Fixed cells require substantial floor space, structural integration, and extended changeover time when product mix changes; a portable cobot can be repositioned and taught using hand-guided programming intended to simplify weld-path setup. For facilities with multiple weld points, varying batch sizes, or space constraints, a portable system can provide greater flexibility than dedicating the equipment to one fixed welding location.
What welding processes can a cobot perform?
Fronius-equipped cobot packages from Ergonomic Partners can support welding processes including Pulse Multi Control (PMC), Low Spatter Control (LSC), and Cold Metal Transfer (CMT), along with equipment options such as push/pull systems for aluminum welding and liquid-cooled configurations. The appropriate process and equipment depend on the material, joint, production requirements, and welding application.
How long does it take to set up a portable cobot for a new part?
Setup time for a new part depends on the weld path, fixturing, part variation, and application complexity. Yaskawa HC-series cobots support hand-guided teaching to simplify programming and weld-path setup. Modular welding tables and touch-sensing capability can also help establish repeatable part location and adapt the programmed path to actual workpiece position.
What size operation is a portable cobot welding system suited for?
Portable cobot welding systems can be used in both smaller manufacturing operations and larger facilities. They are particularly useful where production involves batch welding, changing part mixes, multiple welding locations, or applications that benefit from moving one automation system between work areas. The HC10 is suited to smaller parts and assemblies, while the HC20 provides additional payload and reach for larger applications.
Does a portable cobot welding system require safety fencing?
Not necessarily. Yaskawa HC-series collaborative robots include safety functions such as Power and Force Limiting (PFL), but the required safeguarding depends on the complete welding application and its risk assessment. Depending on the robot configuration, operating mode, tooling, workpiece, welding process, and surrounding hazards, an HC-series cobot may be able to operate collaboratively without traditional perimeter fencing. Ergonomic Partners evaluates the complete system to determine the appropriate guarding, weld curtains, and other safety measures for the application.
Robot Welding Documents and Information
Ergonomic Partners is a robot system integrator that provides portable cobot welding packages and robotic welding solutions nationwide. We have representatives that specifically serve Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Nebraska, Kentucky, Iowa, and Oklahoma.