Most people think automation replaces welders. Graham Williams thinks it saves them.

In this episode, recorded live at FABTECH, we sit down with Graham Williams of Vectis Automation to talk about how cobots are changing the game for small and mid-size shops — not by cutting people out, but by helping them do more, learn faster, and stay longer in the trade.

From breaking the stigma around automation to using AI for smarter workflows, Graham shares how the best shops are blending tech and talent to create the next generation of fabricators.

It’s not about robots replacing humans. It’s about giving humans better tools.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How cobots help small and mid-size shops compete with less overhead

• The biggest misconceptions shop leaders have about automation

• How to get buy-in from your welders before bringing in robots

• Why AI should simplify your work — not overcomplicate it

• How automation can extend careers and attract new tradespeople

• What “crawl, walk, run” really looks like when adopting new tech

Timestamps

1:12 – Matthew introduces Graham and the story behind Vectis Automation 3:40 – How cobots are helping small shops do more with the same crew 6:15 – Breaking the biggest myths about automation in fabrication 8:54 – Why automation isn’t just for high-volume production 12:07 – How AI fits into the future of welding and manufacturing 14:48 – Getting buy-in from seasoned welders on new tech 18:22 – How cobots can extend careers and attract young talent 22:50 – What the “crawl, walk, run” approach to automation looks like

Resources: Join our Facebook Group for conversations that will help grow your business: 👉 https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Dspnz4Qt5/

Connect with Graham on LinkedIn: 🔗 linkedin.com/in/graham-williams-532174b8

Learn more about Vectis Automation: 🌐 https://vectisautomation.com

Lights Out Podcast: 🎧 https://makingchips.com/show/lights-out/

Buy the Numbers Podcast: 🎧 https://makingchips.com/show/buy-the-numbers/