Robotic welding is the use of a mechanical device (a robot) that completely automates the welding process by completing the weld and handling the part. Robots work well for repetitive tasks and have the distinct advantages of precision and productivity. The most popular robotic welding process, used in almost 75 percent of applications, is the solid wire gas metal arc welding. This process is best for most high production situations because no post-weld cleanup is necessary. Robot welding is commonly used for arc welding in high production applications, for example the automotive industry.

There are 2 common types of industrial welding robots: rectilinear and articulating robots. Rectilinear robots move in line in any of three different axes. There is also a wrist attached to the robot that allows rotational movement in addition to the linear movement of the robot along the axes. Articulating robots use arms and rotating joints. They resemble a human arm with a rotating wrist at the end.