FANUC Demonstrates Advanced Automation Solutions at FABTECH 2025: Elevating Metal Manufacturing

Chicago, IL – September 09, 2025 – FANUC America, a leading global supplier of robots, CNC systems, and factory automation, made a significant impact at FABTECH 2025, North America's premier event for metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing. At its booths (B17010 and D40121), FANUC showcased a comprehensive range of advanced automated solutions designed to help manufacturers improve productivity, address labor challenges, and increase production flexibility. The technologies demonstrated included robotic welding, collaborative robots (cobots), industrial painting robots, CNC automation for laser applications, and high-precision industrial robots for machining.

Featured Automation Solutions

1. Robust and Flexible Robotic Welding: FANUC presented a Flexible Multi-Arm Welding Cell featuring heavy-duty M-950/500F-28A and Arc Mate/25-18D robots performing synchronized welding on an excavator bucket. This demonstration highlighted superior precision, coordination, and strength. The system integrated a FANUC R-50iA control and Lincoln Electric welding equipment, underscoring FANUC's capability to provide comprehensive welding solutions for heavy-duty applications. Additionally, a lineup of compact robotic welding cells was displayed, targeting small to medium manufacturers to maximize efficiency and production quality.

2. User-Friendly and Versatile Collaborative Robots (Cobots): Live welding demonstrations using FANUC CRX-10iA and CRX-30iA cobots emphasized safe collaboration, intuitive hand guidance, simple drag-and-drop programming, and rapid redeployment capabilities. These cobots are particularly well-suited for high-mix, low-volume production environments. They integrate FANUC’s 3DV/200 vision systems for precise visual recognition and part handling, enhancing automation in repetitive tasks.

3. Industrial Painting Robots and Paint Cobots: FANUC showcased advanced painting solutions addressing complex applications such as multi-material coatings (powders, liquids, fiberglass-reinforced plastics), adaptable for automotive, aerospace, and general manufacturing environments. Demonstrations included electric guitar body painting and part loading/unloading using 3DV i RVision and iRPickTool software, highlighting precision in visual recognition and part handling.

4. CNC Automation for Laser Applications: FANUC presented its latest CNC technologies, including the Alpha i-D Servo System and CNC controllers optimized for laser cutting machines. These solutions aim to enhance machining flexibility and precision, meeting the growing demands of modern laser cutting processes.

5. High-Precision Industrial Robots for Machining: The M-800/60-20B 6-axis industrial robot was demonstrated performing wet milling and drilling on 6061-T6 round solid aluminum bar stock. Known for its rigidity, accuracy, and resistance to harsh environments, this robot offers an extended work envelope and adaptability for multiple machining applications, from metal cutting to surface finishing.

Strategic Importance and Outlook

FANUC's participation at FABTECH 2025 underscored the company's commitment to delivering smart, scalable, and user-friendly automation technologies. These solutions not only help manufacturers address labor shortages but also enable them to adapt quickly to shifting market demands and enhance long-term operational efficiency.

For investors and managers, investing in automation solutions like those from FANUC is a strategic move to maintain competitiveness in the Industry 4.0 landscape. Technical professionals will find value in integrating these advanced robotic systems to optimize manufacturing processes, minimize errors, and enhance workplace safety.

FANUC America, as a subsidiary of FANUC Corporation (Japan), continues to serve manufacturers across North and South America from its headquarters in Michigan, solidifying its leadership in industrial automation.

References:

• Robotics Tomorrow
• PRNewswire
• FANUC America Press Releases
• Marklines
• FABTECH 2025 Official Website