Teaching Automation Without the Complexity
At Schweisstechnische Lehranstalt Magdeburg GmbH (SLM) in Germany, the mission is clear: prepare future welders not only for today’s challenges but for tomorrow’s technologies. To meet this goal, SLM has integrated cobot welding with SmoothTool and Universal Robots into their training programs—offering students a hands-on introduction to automation that’s as intuitive as it is effective.
Why SLM Chose Collaborative Robots
SLM isn’t just a welding school. As a certified training and testing center, they work closely with companies in the region and have a deep understanding of the shifting demands in welding and fabrication. One key insight? The growing need for automation – driven by labor shortages and increasing quality requirements.
With SmoothTool, SLM found a solution that:
- Is easy for both instructors and students to use.
- Supports a wide range of welding applications, including multilayer welds, corner joints, and hardfacing.
- Keeps the welder at the center of the process—empowered, not replaced.
“Kinderleicht”: Welding Made Simple
From the team leader and instructors to the students themselves, the feedback is unanimous: working with the cobot is remarkably easy.
“The entry hurdle was extremely low,” says one instructor. “Within two days, we teach people all the features the system offers.”
Even students with no previous programming experience quickly get up to speed. After a brief introduction, they can independently program and operate the cobot. “It’s really simplified,” a trainee explains. “The first time I needed help—by the second time, I did it on my own.”
Smarter Tools for a Smarter Future
In the classroom and the workshop, the results speak for themselves:
- Precise, repeatable welds on both straight and circular joints.
- Improved quality and fewer errors.
- Time savings that allow instructors and students to focus on more advanced tasks.
Just as importantly, the system fosters collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Once trained, students can teach others, making cobot welding a scalable solution for companies needing to upskill teams quickly.
A Solution for Industry-Wide Challenges
Germany, like many countries, faces a shortage of skilled welders. SLM believes cobot welding is part of the answer—allowing shops to offload simple welds to the robot while experienced welders focus on complex tasks. And if a welder isn’t available? The cobot makes it possible to train others in just days.
“You can counteract the shortage of skilled workers with this kind of system,” says the SLM team. “It’s a very interesting tool—especially for companies that don’t have large production series but still need high quality.”
Preparing Students for the Real World
By introducing cobot welding with SmoothTool into their curriculum, SLM is doing more than teaching students how to weld—they’re preparing them for the future of manufacturing.
And the best part? They’re doing it with tools that are powerful, practical, and easy to use.
“We like to weld with the cobot—and anyone interested is welcome to come and see it in action.”
