CWBA Dinner Meeting - Welding Cobots, AI, and the Future of Welding

Ticket includes dinner, drink, and the presentation! Your ticket goes towards paying for the event, with leftover sales used to fund welding grants and donations to schools. Historically these events have also been attended by students - meet your next employee at this great networking event.

Tickets are only available on Eventbrite or with cash, credit cards can no longer be accepted at the door. Dinner will be served at the event - may be buffet or may be individual orders depending on logistics with Gusto - please e-mail [email protected] for any dietary restrictions.

Across all industrial sectors, welding is a critical enabling technology that faces chronic skilled labour shortages. Modern automation technologies are now filling the gaps in a safe, reliable fashion. This presentation will explore the evolution of automation technologies, the integration of modern collaborative robots (cobots), and the innovative use of artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for industrial welding applications.

A holistic approach to automating welding and fabrication processes is critical for maximizing best practices and mitigating pitfalls on the path to success. The skilled workforce has a critical role and is essential for successful implementation of welding automation technologies. By exploring how a welding cobot is different versus traditional automation cells, we can understand how the workforce can safely work alongside the cobot to enhance productivity and safety in-parallel. The importance of non-arc fabrication activities such as material preparation, fit-up and handling will be explored. The ‘Smartisation” of welding via rapid adoption of AI and ML will demonstrate that these game-changer technologies are transforming modern approaches to fabrication. Case studies that illustrate the use of these novel technologies will be presented and demonstrate how Cobots and AI are enhancing productivity while improving weld quality and lowering repair rates on the shop floor.

Matthew Yarmuch, MattCo Engineering Solutions Inc.

Coauthors: Mahyar Asadi, Ringo Gonzalez, Todd Scheerer, Novarc Technologies Inc.

Matthew Yarmuch MSc, PEng, IWE is a professional materials and welding engineer, involved in engineering consulting, training, and product development. Matthew is a University of Alberta graduate BSc (Materials Engineering) and MSc (Welding Engineering) and remains involved as an Adjunct Professor at the U of A. Matt is the Founder/President of MattCo Engineering Solutions Inc. and their consulting practice includes areas of materials/welding engineering, quality systems, and product development. Matthew has also trained and mentored many past students towards various certifications and professional development. Matt is the Chair of the Alberta Welder Optimization Committee (AWOC) and is also active in multiple code committees and local technical societies including the AWS and CWB - Association.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Gusto's Restaurant and Lounge, 28-7003 30 St SE, Calgary, Canada