Inside Yaskawa’s AR Series - The Welding Robots Behind Consistent, High-Quality Production

When people talk about robot welding, they usually picture the cell, the guarding, the tables, the fume extraction. But the heart of any welding system is the robot arm itself, and not all arms are built for welding. 

Yaskawa’s AR Series is one of the few ranges designed specifically for arc welding from the ground up, and that’s what sets it apart in real-world production.

Across the UK, fabricators are dealing with thinner materials, tighter tolerances, and more variation in job sizes than ever before. 

The AR Series is the backbone of Yaskawa’s welding ecosystem because it handles all of that with the same level of precision, whether it’s in a compact ArcWorld RS Mini or a large multi-station system with workpiece positioners.

What Makes a Robot a Welding Robot?

General-purpose robots can weld, but they’re not designed for the angles, access, or repeat accuracy required when you’re chasing clean seams and consistent penetration.

The AR Series robots are built specifically for arc welding, and you can see that in the details:

• Slim arm geometry for reaching inside fixtures and between crowded jigs.

• Integrated cable routing through the upper arm and wrist to protect hoses and power cables from abrasion.

• High-speed wrist motion to match the rapid changes in torch angle common in modern MIG and TIG work.

• Precision absolute encoders to maintain consistent weld paths without frequent re-teaching.

That combination gives fabricators the access and accuracy that manual welders demand, but at a speed and consistency no human can sustain all day.

A Model for Every Kind of Welding Job

The strength of the AR Series is its range. Rather than one “standard” robot, Yaskawa offers multiple models to match the scale of the workpiece.

AR700 / 727 mm - Ideal for small components, fixtures, and high-mix batch work. Fast, compact, and perfect for tight ArcWorld HS Micro setups.

AR900 / 927 mm - The go-to robot for compact cells like the ArcWorld RS Mini. Excellent reach for smaller assemblies without taking up space.

AR1440 / 1440 mm - One of the most widely adopted welding robots in the UK. Fits mid-size fabricators handling general MIG work, structural brackets, and repetitive parts.

AR1730 / 1730 mm - A step up in payload and reach, suited to thicker steel sections, automotive components, and larger multi-pass welds.

AR2010 / 2010 mm & AR3120 / 3124 mm - For fabrication shops producing gates, frames, structures, and large weldments. Long reach, high payload, and excellent control over long seams.

Every model runs off the YRC1000 controller, so once you’ve trained your team on one robot, they can work with any of them.

Why the AR Series Outperforms Generic Welding Setups

Most of the difference comes down to path accuracy and how Yaskawa handles motion control. The AR robots use the latest Sigma servo technology, giving them extremely smooth axis movement. That translates directly into weld quality:

• Clean, even travel speed across joints.

• Better arc stability, especially with pulse MIG.

• Less spatter, because the torch maintains consistent distance and angle.

• Reduced rework, particularly on thin stainless or aluminium.

And because the cables run inside the arm, the chances of snagging, a common cause of torch deviation, are significantly reduced. It also means less downtime caused by dress pack replacements and fewer consumables burned through by accidental rubbing or twisting.

Compatible With the Power Sources Fabricators Actually Use

The AR Series integrates directly with major welding brands used across the UK:

• Fronius

• Lincoln Electric

• ESAB

• SKS

• Lorch

This isn’t an afterthought, the YRC1000 supports direct interface controls, meaning the robot can adjust amperage, wire feed, and waveform settings during welds if required.

For companies running mixed manual and robotic setups, this ensures your weld procedures stay consistent across processes.

Designed for Real UK Production Environments

The AR robots are built for the kind of work most British fabrication shops see every day:

• Short-run batches

• Bespoke frames

• Repetitive bracket work

• Thin materials requiring controlled arc length

• Heavy sections needing reliable multi-pass welding

Combined with Yaskawa’s positioners, tracks, and external axes, the robots can handle anything from small stainless assemblies to full structural steel components.

Where the AR Series Fits Into Yaskawa’s Welding Ecosystem

Because the AR Series is the standard welding robot across ArcWorld, Weld4ME, and custom turnkey cells, it gives manufacturers a clear upgrade path:

• Start with a compact cell like the ArcWorld HS Micro

• Add a twin-table ArcWorld RS Mini as demand grows

• Expand into multi-robot systems for high-volume lines

• Introduce positioners and gantries for larger fabrications

All of it runs off the same YRC1000 platform, the same programming structure, and the same support network.

The Backbone of Yaskawa Welding

The AR Series isn’t designed for one type of work, it’s designed for the real mix that UK fabricators face: quick turnarounds, varied materials, and pressure to deliver consistent quality without relying on scarce welding labour.

It’s the combination of slim design, guided cable routing, precise motion control, and a range of models that makes it the foundation of Yaskawa’s entire welding lineup.

If you’re planning a step into robot welding or expanding an existing cell, the AR Series is the place to start. It’s the hardware that makes the rest of the welding system work to the standard customers expect.