Innovating Welding Education in Scotland
New College Lanarkshire, located in Motherwell, Scotland, is at the forefront of welding education.
Through their Smart Hub initiative, the college is incorporating cutting-edge technology to equip students with the skills needed in modern fabrication. One of their latest advancements is the integration of cobot welding, powered by SmoothTool from Smooth Robotics.
Bridging the Skills Gap with Cobot Welding
Recognizing the growing need for automation in the welding industry, New College Lanarkshire invested in a collaborative welding system.
The decision came after extensive collaboration with industry partners, confirming the increasing demand for user-friendly automation solutions in fabrication.
By introducing SmoothTool into their courses, the college provides students with hands-on experience in programming and operating collaborative welding robots.
The results have been impressive—students, even without prior robotics knowledge, quickly grasp the simple and intuitive interface of SmoothTool, making automation more accessible than ever.
A Hub for Local Businesses
Beyond benefiting students, New College Lanarkshire also extends its innovation to local businesses. The college invites companies to experience cobot welding firsthand, offering them a chance to test the technology and determine its suitability for their production processes.
This initiative helps bridge the gap between education and industry, ensuring that local manufacturers stay ahead in automation trends.
Combining Cobot Welding and Augmented Reality
The college is also pioneering the use of augmented reality in welding training through the Soldamatic welding simulator. Now, with SmoothTool’s new integration with Soldamatic, the institution is exploring ways to merge cobot welding with AR-based training.
This combination will allow students to build skills in a highly interactive and risk-free environment before applying them to real-world welding scenarios.
A Collaborative Effort for the Future
New College Lanarkshire’s advancements in welding education are made possible through strong partnerships. They work closely with SP Automation & Robotics, the local Smooth Robotics partner, as well as Kemppi UK, a leader in welding solutions.
Together, these organizations are shaping the future of welding by making automation more accessible to both students and industry professionals.
Through innovative education and strategic industry collaboration, New College Lanarkshire is proving that the future of welding is here—and it’s smarter, safer, and more efficient than ever.
