FANUC CRX-3iA 便携协作机器人拓展至建筑工地，CRX 结构柱焊接系统将在日本国际焊接展现场演示
Ultra-Lightweight, Easy-to-Install Portable Collaborative Robot Accelerates Automation on Construction Sites
发那科将超轻量便携协作机器人 CRX-3iA 的应用从造船业拓展到建筑业，开发出 CRX 结构柱焊接系统，并将在 9 月 16 日起于东京有明国际会展中心举行的日本国际焊接展上现场演示。CRX-3iA 于去年在国际机器人展上发布，目前已在造船行业投入使用：操作人员把机器人直接搬进大型结构件，借助磁力夹具固定，焊接开始后机器人独立作业，操作人员可转往他处安装另一台机器人，一人可同时管理多台设备。该机器人手臂仅重 11 kg，单手即可搬运，最大臂展 692 mm；针对 800 mm 见方的结构柱，在四角布置四台机器人即可完成整圈焊接。安装时先将磁力底座吸附到立柱上，再把机器人装到底座上，全程无需工具，机器人还能自动识别安装角度，省去人工输入角度等复杂设置。系统依靠激光传感器或接触传感功能自动检测焊接位置，并调整焊接路径补偿接头偏差，操作人员装上机器人启动系统即可开焊；传感器还可检测钢框架施工特有的架设件位置，对其间区域精确焊接。该系统不仅可用于立柱焊接，也适用于梁的焊接位置。
September 11, 2026
FANUC CORPORATION
The construction industry continues to face severe labor shortages and challenges in transferring skilled craftsmanship to the next generation. Against this background, the ultra-lightweight portable collaborative robot, the CRX-3iA, is attracting attention as a new solution for onsite automation.
The CRX-3iA was released at the International Robot Exhibition last year and is already being installed, particularly in the shipbuilding industry. In shipyards, operators carry the robot directly into large structures and easily use magnetic fixtures. Once welding begins, the robot performs the welding operation independently while the operator moves to another location to install an additional robot.
This approach allows a single operator to manage multiple robots simultaneously, delivering significant improvements in productivity and workforce efficiency.
Building on these successful operational results, we have expanded the concept to the construction industry and developed the CRX Structural Column Welding System. The system will be demonstrated live at the Japan International Welding Show, which will be held at Tokyo Big Sight starting on September 16.
Challenges in Construction Site Automation
- Despite growing demand for automation, the use of robots on construction sites has faced several challenges.
- Conventional robotic systems typically require safety fencing and additional peripheral equipment, such as external axes, to be brought to the onsite. As a result, these systems tend to be large, complex, and difficult to install in the field.
- In addition, automating the welding of structural steel columns on the first and second layers, where erection pieces are installed during steel-frame construction, has been particularly difficult. Consequently, many of these welding operations have continued to rely heavily on manual work.
Key Features of the Structural Column Welding System
Portable Collaborative Robot Enables Structural Column Welding
- The robot arm weighs just 11 kg. Despite being light enough to be carried with one hand, it delivers a wide maximum reach of 692 mm.
- Even for structural columns measuring 800 mm square, full circled welding can be achieved by positioning four robots at the four corners. Its lightweight and compact design allows easy transport and layout changes in narrow work areas, enabling flexible operation to suit on-site conditions.
Tool-Free Installation for Quick and Easy Setup
- Installation is simple. First, the magnetic base is attached to the column, and then the robot is mounted onto the base. The entire setup can be completed quickly without the use of any tools.
- In addition, the robot automatically detects its installation angle, eliminating the need for operators to manually input angles or perform complex setup procedures. The system can be applied not only to column welding but also to beam welding locations, making it suitable for a wide range of construction applications.
Start Welding Without Teaching
- The CRX-3iA automatically recognizes its installation orientation, eliminating the need to enter mounting angles, which is typically an essential setup parameter for collaborative robots. In addition, its laser sensor or touch-sensing functions automatically detect the welding position and compensate for joint variations by adjusting the weld path. As a result, operators simply install the robot and start the system to begin welding.
- The system also uses sensors to detect the position of erection pieces, which are unique to steel-frame construction sites, and accurately welds the areas between them. This enables the automation of a process that has traditionally relied on manual work, helping reduce workforce requirements while improving welding quality and consistency.
The Structural Steel Column Welding System will be exhibited at Japan International Welding Show 2026. We invite you to discover new possibilities for portable collaborative robots that are ultra-lightweight and easy to install.
CRX Structural Steel Column Welding System
来源：FANUC News Release · fanuc.co.jp