How Path Robotics uses AI to optimize robotic welding – The Robot Report

In Episode 252  of The Robot Report Podcast, we connect with Andy Lonsberry, co-founder and CEO of Path Robotics. He discusses the difficulties in setting up and using robots for welding applications.

Path Robotics has applied AI to identify the path of a torch and then move the robot through the welding operation, using real-time vision guidance to maintain an optimal path.

As CEO of Path Robotics, Lonsberry leads the company’s strategy and operations with a focus on applying physical AI to longstanding challenges in manufacturing.

His work centers on building adaptive, AI-driven robotic systems designed for real-world production environments.

The Columbus, Ohio-based company is also deploying Boston Dynamics’ Spot quadruped robots into mobile welding applications in shipbuilding.

Our other interviewee this week is Michael Yip, an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of California San Diego, an IEEE RAS distinguished lecturer, a Hellman Fellow, and the director of the Advanced Robotics and Controls Laboratory (ARCLab).

His group currently focuses on solving problems in data-efficient and computationally efficient robot control and motion planning through the use of various forms of learning representations, including deep learning and reinforcement learning strategies. Yip’s lab applies these ideas to surgical robotics and the automation of surgical procedures.

Show timeline

• 7:15 –News of the week
• 10:15 – Michael Yip, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at UC San Diego
• 35:27 – Andy Lonsberry, co-founder and CEO of Path Robotics

News of the week

• Beyond da Vinci: Why versatile humanoid robots are the next frontier in surgery
• Ahead of stock market debut, Agility co-founder discusses physical AI and Digit V5
• NHTSA getting fed up with autonomous vehicles interfering with first responders
• Tickets, geofences, and 1M miles: The new reality of California AV compliance

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Mike Oitzman

Mike Oitzman is a robotics industry veteran and Senior Editor of WTWH Media’s Robotics Group, covering automation for The Robot Report and co-hosting its podcast. With 25+ years of experience, including leadership roles at Adept Technology, Mike founded the Mobile Robot Guide (acquired by WTWH). He is a leading expert on Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), physical AI, and RaaS business models, holding a Systems Engineering degree and an MBA. He can be reached at [email protected].