The development of welding robot can be divided into three generations at present:

The first generation of robots, currently widely used in teaching and reproduction of industrial robots, such robots do not adapt to changes in the environment.

Second-generation robots, based on the perspective of the reproduction of the robot to increase the sensory system, to adapt to the environment, such as sensing robots.

Third-generation robots, that is, intelligent robots, have their own ability to develop and understand human instructions in a certain way, perceive the environment, identify the operating objects, and plan their own operation steps to complete the welding task.

Industrial robots can be classified as follows:

First, in accordance with the way of driving classification:

1) Pneumatic drive

2) hydraulic drive (handling, spot welding robot)

3) Electric drive

Second, in accordance with the controlled movement classification:

1) point control type, such as spot welding robot

2) Continuous trajectory control, such as arc welding robot, thermal spraying robot.