Summary

  • ESAB announced Tracfinder Rail/Wheel welding tractors and the ROBBI™ Mobile cobot.
  • The launch targets productivity, weld quality, and workforce needs, especially for small to mid-size shops.
  • ESAB says these tools can raise output per operator by 70–100% versus manual welding.

ESAB has expanded its welding automation line with two clear shop-floor tools: Tracfinder battery-powered welding tractors (Rail and Wheel) and the ROBBI™ Mobile cobot welding system. The company frames the move as a practical answer to faster production, repeatable quality, and the daily challenge of staffing and skills in fabrication.

On the cobot side, ROBBI Mobile is built around Universal Robots UR10e or UR20e arms and pairs with Siegmund tables (32×48 in. or 5×10 ft.). ESAB highlights its Teach Tool with “no code / plain language” programming, and notes ROBBI is now offered with the Aristo Edge 500R power source and RoboFeed Edge feeder.

For mechanized work, Tracfinder Rail uses rails plus rack-and-pinion drive to help avoid slippage, with stated travel speeds up to 71 in/min (180 cm/min) and joint-teaching up to 50 points. Tracfinder Wheel goes rail-free using a magnetic base (62 lbs / 28 kg of force) and tracking software that adjusts trajectory based on torch position, with speeds up to 79 in/min (200 cm/min) in all positions. ESAB also lists 4-wheel drive, optional remote steering, control package tiers, and 10–20 hours runtime from a standard 18V Li-ion power tool battery.

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