WELDVISI Cognitive support to the welder by smart sensor handling and visualisation of welding process & parameters

Important results from the project

The project has developed, tested and verified a prototype of a cognitive support system for the welder. Early on, the work focused on measuring welding speed due to the direct link to heat input. Tests have shown that welders can improve their ability to maintain a given speed using the system. It was also found that inexperienced and experienced welders may need different types of feedback. There is a need to be able to adapt the feedback to the user.

Expected long term effects

A productized system such as that developed within WeldVisi will facilitate increased quality assurance in manual welding as well as instilling confidence in the welder knowing how well the weld made has conformed to specification. As a teaching/training aid, the system can accelerate the rate at which welding students improve their technique. This will lead to more available welders in Swedish industry. Overall, WeldVisi can lead to higher quality and less scrap.

Approach and implementation

The work has been brought forward through workshops with participating parties. Initially, the focus was on requirements and wishes, and later on evaluation and improvement of the system. The project was somewhat delayed initially as the development of the first prototype took longer than planned. This meant that testing and improvement had to take place later and in a more compressed manner than planned. Through good co-operation, the project has nevertheless managed to achieve its objectives.