University of Hull and Gateway Chassis Solutions Limited KTP 24_25 R3

A traditional manufacturing plant will test a robotic welding system designed to work safely alongside human workers, without the need for protective cages or barriers. This matters because many small and medium-sized manufacturers still rely on manual welding, which is slow, physically demanding, and difficult to scale. Automated welding systems exist, but they are typically large, expensive, and isolated from workers for safety reasons, making them impractical for companies that produce varied, low-volume products. The project aims to develop a compact, flexible robotic welder that can be integrated directly into an existing production line, sharing the workspace with human operators. If successful, the system could boost a company’s productivity by automating repetitive welding tasks while allowing skilled workers to focus on more complex jobs. The technology could also help manufacturers diversify into new products and pursue export markets, where consistent quality and faster production are essential. For the wider economy, this represents a way to modernise traditional manufacturing without requiring a complete factory overhaul—keeping jobs local while improving competitiveness.