Tate Inc. has deployed 58 collaborative robot welding systems from Hirebotics across its manufacturing facilities in Arkansas, Virginia, and Kentucky.

The installation of the Cobot Welder fleet resulted in a twelvefold increase in per-welder throughput for critical structural assemblies. Tate, which manufactures structural ceilings and containment systems, transitioned from manual hand-welding to the automated network to meet tight production timelines.

The robotic systems are controlled via a cloud-based platform called Beacon Pro, which allows operators to program and monitor the machines using a smartphone or tablet. The software enables certified programmers to set exact torch angles and travel speeds, eliminating manual variability and sharing weld parameters across the three facilities.

In the Arkansas plant, the cobots are utilised for the upstream pre-assembly and tacking of parts to feed downstream industrial robots. Tate has also deployed Hirebotics’ automated painting system using the same control platform.

Matthew Bush, chief executive of Hirebotics, said the deployment allowed Tate to delegate repetitive work to the robotic fleet and recruit certified welders for tasks requiring higher-level craftsmanship.