GESSMANN Presents a Modular Robotics Cell for Various Manufacturing Processes
Standardized platform for automated welding and other cobot applications to debut at AMB 2026
Leingarten, August 2026. W. GESSMANN GmbH is expanding its robotics portfolio with a modular robotic cell for industrial metalworking. After the company had already presented a robotic cell with a welding application for automated welding processes at Blechexpo, GESSMANN will showcase at AMB 2026 the consistent further development of the robotic cell into a standardized automation platform for various manufacturing processes.
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Thanks to automatic tool change, the robotic cell is designed to handle a variety of machining processes on a single technical platform—from welding to other cobot applications. This reduces the effort required for integration, operation, and future expansions. The solution is particularly well-suited for companies with small- and medium-volume production runs and a high degree of product variation, and it provides an easy entry point into industrial automation.
Many metalworking companies face the challenge of producing cost-effectively despite a shortage of skilled workers, rising quality requirements, and a growing variety of products. However, traditional robotic systems are often designed for individual processes and require significant effort in terms of integration and programming. Small and medium-sized enterprises, in particular, therefore need automation solutions that are flexible, easy to use, and can be expanded in stages.
Instead of isolated, standalone solutions, GESSMANN’s robotic cell takes a platform-based approach with a unified operating and programming concept. Using the same software, users can create programs—for example, for welding, plasma cleaning, thread cutting, or pick-and-place—based on a familiar operating logic. The robotic cell is therefore not limited to a single process but can be configured and expanded for various applications.
„Many companies want to automate their processes but lack both in-house robotics specialists and the resources for complex custom projects,“ says Steffen Kuhnle, head of the Robotics division at W. GESSMANN GmbH. „That’s why we’ve systematically evolved our existing welding solution into a modular robotic cell that combines various applications on a standardized basis.“
Robotic cell as a platform for various manufacturing processes
At the heart of the robotic cell is a collaborative robot from Techman. It is complemented by software developed by GESSMANN, a proprietary safety concept, an intuitive touchscreen interface, and an automatic tool changer. The system was developed in close collaboration between welding specialists and development engineers and was designed specifically to meet the demands of everyday industrial manufacturing.
Depending on the configuration, application, and tool used, the cell can be used for MIG and MAG welding processes, as well as for plasma applications, grinding, deburring, inspection processes, thread cutting, screwing, gripping, bonding, stud welding, and pick-and-place operations. Automatic tool changing reduces changeover times and enables the sequencing of successive process steps.
An integrated vision system handles component recognition and supports the automated processing of varying workpieces. Standardized industrial interfaces such as Profinet and Ethernet/IP enable integration into existing production environments. Optionally, peripheral devices such as rotary tables or turning stations can be connected via an additional interface and integrated into the automated process.
Developed in-house
The robotic cell was developed in response to specific requirements in our own manufacturing operations. Small batch sizes, varying components, and high quality standards made it clear that traditional welding automation does not offer the necessary flexibility for many applications. Working together with welding specialists, GESSMANN developed a standardized concept for various manufacturing processes.The robotic cell with a welding application is already being used for automated welding processes in our own production facilities. The platform is continuously being expanded to include additional machining processes and applications. Insights gained from day-to-day production operations are directly incorporated into the further development of the solution.
The robotic cell meets all relevant safety requirements and is CE-certified with the support of DEKRA. As a complete solution, it reduces the integration effort compared to individually built robotic systems. Furthermore, the overall design is independent of specific welding equipment and can be combined with standard robotic welding systems.
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In addition to the actual machining process, the modular cell also automates setup operations, tool changes, and part handling. This allows consecutive process steps to be combined with minimal manual effort and reproducible machining quality. Thanks to its modular design, the platform can be gradually expanded to include additional tools and machining processes.
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