Hands-on automation training that complements skilled welding — not replaces it.

Modern manufacturing is changing, but the fundamentals of welding skill remain critical. Collaborative welding robots (cobots) help students learn consistency, repeatability, and process discipline while still respecting the craft of welding.

At wIQ Engineering, we work with educational institutions to introduce cobot welding in a practical, instructor-friendly, classroom-ready way. Similar to the one we did at Lehigh University Design Labs.

Why Cobots Belong in Welding Education

Cobots are not a substitute for skilled welders. They are a teaching tool.

In an educational setting, cobots help students:

• See the impact of torch angle, travel speed, and stick-out

• Understand repeatability and process control

• Experience real-world shop conditions they will encounter after graduation

• Build confidence working with automation instead of fearing it

Cobots don’t replace welders. They amplify skilled welding.

What We Offer Educational Institutions

Turnkey Cobot Welding Training Cells

• Classroom-ready collaborative welding systems

• MIG or TIG configurations

• Designed for safety, visibility, and small lab footprints

• Easy to integrate into existing welding programs

Curriculum & Instructor Support

• Structured lesson plans from introductory to advanced topics

• Lab exercises focused on:

  • weld quality

  • repeatability

  • fixture sensitivity

  • tolerance awareness

• Instructor onboarding and hands-on training

Rental & Pilot Programs

• Semester-based or short-term rentals

• Ideal for:

  • new programs

  • grant-funded pilots

  • workforce development initiatives

• Try cobot welding without a full capital commitment

Grant & Funding Support

• Assistance with technical scope and justification

• Experience supporting:

  • CTE programs

  • state workforce grants

  • federal and foundation-based funding

• We help align equipment goals with funding requirements

Who This Is For

Our educational cobot programs are designed for:

• Community colleges

• Technical and vocational schools (CTE)

• Universities with manufacturing, mechanical, or mechatronics programs

• Workforce development and retraining centers

Whether you are introducing automation for the first time or expanding an existing lab, we tailor the approach to your program’s goals.

What Students Gain

Students trained on collaborative welding systems graduate with:

• Exposure to real shop automation environments

• A stronger understanding of process consistency

• Improved awareness of:

  • fixture setup

  • tolerance sensitivity

  • repeatable weld quality

• Increased confidence entering modern fabrication and manufacturing shops

This experience helps students transition faster and contribute sooner in industry roles.

Industry Alignment

Local manufacturers increasingly expect graduates to have basic automation awareness, even if manual welding remains a core skill.

Cobot exposure in education:

• Reflects what students will see in modern job shops

• Aligns training with regional manufacturing needs

• Strengthens connections between schools and industry partners

Students trained on collaborative systems adapt faster in today’s production environments.

How We Work With Schools

Our engagement process is straightforward:

1. Program discussion
   Understand goals, space, curriculum, and budget

2. Demonstration
   On-site or hosted demo of a classroom-ready cobot system

3. Pilot or deployment
   Rental, pilot program, or full system integration

4. Ongoing support
   Instructor assistance, curriculum updates, and technical guidance

We stay involved beyond delivery to ensure the program is successful.

Let’s Talk About Your Program

Whether you are building a new automation module or enhancing an existing welding curriculum, we can help you introduce cobot welding in a way that fits your institution.

👉 Email us about adding cobots to your program

Serving community colleges, technical schools, universities, and workforce programs with practical automation solutions.