6−9 October 2026Pavilion 1, Hall 4, Crocus Expo
Co-located with
Robotics, digitalization and laser technologies are driving the development of the welding industry.
2025 will be a year of accelerated transformation for the welding industry. While automation was viewed as a competitive advantage just a few years ago, today it is becoming a production necessity. Robots, laser systems, and intelligent control systems are increasingly working alongside humans—and in some industries, completely replacing them.
Technological advances, labor shortages, quality requirements, and government industrial support programs are shaping a new model for welding production. Let's look at the key results for 2025 and the main development vectors for 2026.
Robotic welding has emerged as the main driver in 2025. Over the past five years, companies have been implementing robots to improve efficiency and safety. In 2025, these factors will be compounded by a systemic labor shortage. Experts estimate that the shortage of skilled welders and the migration of personnel to other industries will become a persistent trend. Under these circumstances, robotics allows for the simultaneous solution of two problems: increasing productivity and closing the labor gap.
This trend is confirmed by quantitative indicators. According to Kept and Industrial Robotics (formerly KUKA), by 2025, the robotics density in Russia will reach 40 robots per 10,000 workers, a 36% increase compared to the previous year. In 2024, the figure was 29 robots per 10,000 people. The national project "Production and Automation Tools" aims to reach 145 industrial robots per 10,000 people by 2030, placing Russia among the top 25 countries in the world with the highest robot density.
The economic impact is also becoming more apparent:
// Payback period: 2–3 years
// Productivity increase by 1.5–2 times
// Reduction of defects - up to 30%
// 24/7 operation
Further expansion of robotic welding systems, including for medium-sized businesses, is expected in 2026.
While laser technologies were previously perceived as a niche solution, by 2025 their use in industry has expanded significantly.
Key trends:
// The transition to fiber lasers, which are in demand due to their compactness, energy efficiency, and stable power during long-term operation
// Integration of laser welding machines into automated lines
// Expanding applications in thin sheet stainless steel, aluminum, copper and titanium alloys
// Growing interest in portable laser devices among small and medium businesses
According to analysts, fiber laser sales are expected to grow by 25-30% in the mechanical engineering and metalworking sectors between 2023 and 2025. Experts note that laser welding will see increased use in battery and electronics manufacturing, the aviation and space industries, energy, and high-precision medicine.
By 2026, experts predict further integration of laser systems with artificial intelligence and digital production management platforms.
In 2025, welding systems will be actively transitioning from automation to intelligent control.
Modern solutions include:
// Analysis of arc and weld parameters using neural networks
// Real-time defect prediction
// Melt Pool Monitoring
// Keyhole Sensoring
// Integration with MES and ERP systems
This allows for the digital creation of a profile for each weld and reduces the impact of human error. In 2026, predictive analytics solutions are expected to grow, with the system automatically adjusting welding parameters based on conditions.
Along with laser and robotic welding, the position of hybrid and specialized technologies is strengthening:
// Hybrid welding (Laser + MIG/MAG) - for thick-walled structures 10–25 mm
// FSW (friction stir welding) – for aluminum structures in transport engineering
// WAAM — additive manufacturing of metal products
// Welding for extreme conditions – aviation, nuclear energy, space projects
These areas are driving demand for new personnel competencies and equipment modernization, which will become a significant factor in market development in 2026.
In 2026, key trends will develop:
// Acceleration of robotics in industry
// Growing demand for robotic operators and hybrid specialists (welders and programmers)
// Further integration of AI into welding processes
// Expanding the use of laser and hybrid welding
// Increasing the availability of equipment for small and medium businesses
Welding is finally establishing itself as a high-tech industry, where quality and efficiency are determined by the level of digitalization and automation of production.
All key areas of welding development—robotic systems, laser technologies, digital control systems, and new-generation materials—are traditionally represented at the Weldex exhibition.
For manufacturers and suppliers, participation in the exhibition is an opportunity to demonstrate equipment in operation, discuss projects with production managers, chief welders, and buyers from various industries, and assess real market demands.
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