During the Welding Automation & Innovation Days 2025, KRANENDONK once again brought together customers, partners, and industry experts from across the world to experience the latest in welding automation.
For two days, our headquarters turned into a live stage for innovation, hosting demonstrations, discussions, and new ideas about the future of welding automation. From the Robotic Pipe Shop to the launch of the PORTABOT, the event showcased how technology and teamwork come together to shape a smarter, more efficient production environment.
From 3D Design to Finished Spool
The demonstrations kicked off with a full walkthrough of the Robotic Pipe Shop, where visitors experienced an end-to-end automated workflow, from the digital 3D design to the final welded pipe spool.
At the heart of this process lies PSWP, KRANENDONK’s powerful Pipe Shop Work Preparation software. With just a few clicks, the operator loaded a piping network file, and within seconds, PSWP transformed it into a series of 2D, workable spool assemblies.
On the big screen, visitors could watch as the software automatically segmented the design, applied optimized milling parameters, and prepared each spool component for direct deployment to the Apollo Spool Milling Station. What usually takes hours of manual programming happened within seconds. As the simulation rolled out, you could see heads turning and cameras coming up, everyone realizing how much time this saves on the shop floor.
From there, the demonstration continued through the logistics area, where pipes were automatically positioned and fed into the bandsaw for precise cutting. Next came the Spool Milling Station, where the system prepared bevels with KRANENDONK’s patented ZEROGAP technology, ensuring a perfect fit for every joint. The workflow concluded at the Spool Welding Station, where welding was performed using both MIG/MAG and TIG processes.
Introducing the PORTABOT
The highlight of the event was the launch of the PORTABOT, a compact cobot that brings robotic welding directly to the workpiece. Designed for maximum flexibility, it can be quickly moved and operated even in confined or hard-to-reach areas.
During the live demo, the PORTABOT welded a ventilation box supplied by a renowned Dutch shipbuilder, showcasing its precision and flexibility in a real-world application. Powered by RinasWeld software, the system automatically determined the welding parameters from 3D CAD files, ensured collision-free operation, and required no manual programming or robot teaching. The demonstration showed how easily multiple PORTABOT’s can be deployed across different projects, providing a flexible, mobile solution for manufacturers aiming to automate without major infrastructure changes.
KRANENDONK Gantries in Action
Following the PORTABOT demonstration, the spotlight moved to KRANENDONK’s gantry systems used in web and panel fabrication. From precise micro panel welding to large double-hull structures, visitors saw how the same intelligent control technology delivers accuracy and consistency across every scale.
Later in the day, both the Artemis Micro Welding Gantry and the Block Welding Gantry took center stage during the live demonstrations. The Artemis impressed as two robots welded simultaneously on micro panels, showcasing both speed and precision in synchronized motion. The Block Welding Gantry followed with a demonstration of curved panel welding, highlighting the system’s stability, accuracy, and ability to handle large components with ease.
Seeing both systems in action gave visitors a clear picture of how KRANENDONK’s gantries scale across different applications, all powered by the same intelligent RinasWeld software and designed for consistent, high-quality results.
Looking Ahead
Thank you to everyone who joined us during the Welding Automation & Innovation Days 2025, your presence, questions, and insights made the event a real success. Over two inspiring days, we saw how innovation thrives when technology and people come together. From the Robotic Pipe Shop and PORTABOT to our large-scale gantry systems, every demonstration reflected our shared passion for smarter, safer, and more efficient production.
But this is only the beginning. As we continue to push the limits of welding automation, we remain committed to helping shipyards and fabricators worldwide take the next step in digital production.
Couldn’t make it to the event?
Get in touch with our team or explore our welding automation systems to discover what’s possible with KRANENDONK.