This Week in Welding & Robotics — October 18, 2025–October 24, 2025
Policy risk met factory-floor digitization this week. Automakers pushed back on potential U.S. tariffs for robots and machinery, while manufacturers advanced toward connected welding, AI-enabled safety, and reconfigurable production. Funding in large-format robotic additive manufacturing underscores growing convergence between fabrication and automation.
Automakers warn tariffs on imported robots would stall welding-line upgrades
Summary: A coalition representing major automakers urged the U.S. administration not to impose tariffs on imported factory robots and industrial machinery following a national security investigation. The group said tariffs would raise production costs, delay plant upgrades, and weaken the competitiveness of U.S. auto manufacturing, which relies heavily on automation.
Why it matters: Tariffs could inflate the cost of welding cells and extend deployment timelines, rippling through robot OEMs, integrators, and tooling suppliers tied to auto programs.
Source: Reuters
The digital arc arrives: connected welding moves to closed-loop, traceable operations
Summary: SME highlights the rapid shift to digitally enabled welding, with smart power sources, in-process sensing, and handheld laser systems improving quality control and traceability. Data connectivity and modern controls are moving welding from manually tuned processes to connected, closed-loop operations on the factory floor.
Why it matters: Digital welding architectures standardize process data and enable real-time parameter control, delivering consistent, auditable quality and smoothing robot/cobot integration across cells and sites.
Source: SME (Manufacturing Engineering/Smart Manufacturing)
Caracol raises $40M to scale large-format robotic additive manufacturing
Summary: Caracol secured $40 million in Series B funding led by European investors to expand deployment of its large-format robotic additive manufacturing technology across multiple regions. SME reports the raise signals accelerating LFAM adoption in production environments.
Why it matters: Robotic additive is increasingly complementing traditional fabrication for large parts, tooling, and fixtures, creating new opportunities for integrators, robot OEMs, and automation suppliers.
Source: SME (Manufacturing Engineering/Smart Manufacturing)
Slamcore debuts retrofit AI that turns forklifts into safety-aware machines
Summary: Slamcore launched Slamcore Alert, an AI-based pedestrian detection and driver alert system designed to retrofit onto existing industrial vehicles, targeting forklifts and manual material-handling equipment. The solution uses Slamcore’s spatial intelligence software to deliver real-time pedestrian detection and driver alerts.
Why it matters: Retrofit perception offers a lower-capex path to reduce collision risk where people, forklifts, and robots share space—improving safety without the complexity of full autonomy.
Source: Robotics and Automation News
Thales Alenia Space opens €100M reconfigurable ‘Space Smart Factory’ in Rome
Summary: Thales Alenia Space inaugurated a €100 million Space Smart Factory in Rome, described as one of Europe’s most advanced digital and reconfigurable satellite manufacturing sites. The facility, owned by the Thales (67%)/Leonardo (33%) joint venture, was opened in a ceremony attended by Italian President Sergio Mattarella.
Why it matters: The plant sets a benchmark for robotics-driven precision assembly and traceable, software-defined production—signaling rising demand for high-mix automation and advanced joining in aerospace.
Source: Robotics and Automation News
Conclusion
Policy uncertainty around automation tariffs could slow near-term capex, but the momentum toward connected welding, AI-enabled safety, and reconfigurable factories is clear. Technical teams should prioritize interoperable data models and retrofit-friendly solutions to maintain deployment velocity regardless of macro headwinds.
