Data-Driven Approach For Robot-Assisted Multi-Pass-Welding Thick Sheet Metal Connections

In the offshore industry, jacket structures are used as foundations for wind turbines or converter platforms. The manufacturing of these structures requires a significant amount of large tubular connections. The joining process is carried out by manual welding. The welding of tubular connections for the offshore sector is associated with high demands on the quality of the weld seam and is strictly limited with regard to the regulations. Due to the high production times and the associated costs, this reduces the economic efficiency despite the lower material input compared to the heavier monopipe or structures. The presented approach, consisting of the combination of a semi-automated robot solution with the experience of a welding specialist, aims for the reduction of the manufacturing costs to make the production of foundation structures from a tubular construction more attractive from an economical point of view. (C) 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.