PRESS RELEASE
Technology developed at VŠB-TUO goes into practice, license purchased by ABB
Ostrava (February 21, 2025) – The license for control of robotic welding has been purchased from VŠB-Technical University Ostrava by ABB, a global leader in industrial automation. The technology developed at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering is now going into practice. Moreover, the process of commercialising the results of science was completed in record time.
“The technology uses intelligent sensors to continuously monitor the welding process and, thanks to advanced welding current and voltage analysis, can identify weld defects in real time. ABB plans to integrate this technology into its production of robotic welding cells to help its customers increase the efficiency and quality of industrial welding production,” explained the benefits of the technology to team leader David Fojtík from the Department of Automation Engineering and Control at the Faculty of Engineering.
An imperfect weld can have a number of consequences, which subsequently brings considerable financial harm to the manufacturer, who is then forced to make repairs or produce a new product. Therefore, ABB sought an affordable method to measure the deficiencies of robotic welds.
“Our solution caught ABB’s eye in a database of patents and utility models, so we went into negotiations. The presented solution impressed with its unconventional inspection solution, overall concept and proactive approach to the problem of cooperation. Once the company was satisfied that the technology met its requirements, we began the commercialization process, which included business negotiations, preparation of licensing terms and technology evaluation. Thanks to the synergy of all parties involved, this was achieved within seven weeks, which is unique in the domestic academic environment,” said Michal Mokroš from the Technology Transfer Centre of VŠB-TUO.
The licence is one of the outputs of the REFRESH project, in whose team David Fojtík works. “This successful technology transfer confirms the high level of research at VŠB-TUO and its direct impact on industrial practice,” said Igor Ivan, Vice-Rector of VŠB-TUO and Director of the REFRESH project. In addition to the income from the sale of the license itself, the university also received a share of future sales from the commercial use of the technology when it is introduced to end customers. Robotic welding is used in many industries where accuracy, efficiency and repeatability are needed. Major application areas include engineering, automotive, aerospace, marine and energy.
Contact person:
Martina Šaradínová, PR manager of the REFRESH project
E: martina.saradinova@vsb.cz / M: 705 698 288
