FBR unveils Mantis welding robot with 8-metre reach for heavy industry

Robotic technology company FBR has launched a new automated welding robot called Mantis, targeting the mining, shipbuilding and defence industries, according to an announcement on Monday.

The Perth-based company said Mantis uses its proprietary Dynamic Stabilisation Technology, originally developed for the Hadrian X bricklaying robot. The welding robot features an 8-metre reach and can operate across multiple workspaces with deposition rates up to 25 kilograms per hour.

Chief executive Mark Pivac said the company identified a gap in the welding robot market whilst investigating automated production solutions. “There is an opportunity to provide an off the shelf solution for welding large parts, particularly in Western Australia,” Pivac said on Monday.

The robot includes a laser scanner for seam finding and tracking, ensuring weld quality on variable parts. It can achieve weld rates of 4 metres per minute and travel speeds of 10 metres per minute. Programming utilises Australian-based Verbotics software, which allows customers to simulate welding tasks for performance comparison.

FBR is pricing Mantis at $990,000 plus optional extras and installation costs. The company is in discussions with potential sales and distribution partners and plans to begin construction of the first unit in the 2026 financial year.

The launch expands FBR's product range alongside its existing Hadrian X robot and represents the company's strategy to leverage its intellectual property across multiple industries.

Picture: supplied