Intelligent welding robot path optimization based on discrete elite PSO

Rational path optimization of weld joints sequence can reduce welding time, improve the welding quality and productivity in robot welding process, especially when the number of weld joints is large. In this article, definition of welding robot path optimization is studied first. Then, PSO is used to solve welding robot path optimization after algorithm discretization and global optimization capability improvement based on elite strategy. The shortest path length and welding deformation were considered as the optimization criteria. For double welding robot welding path optimization, the influence with each other should be avoided for two welding robots. Hence, an optimization strategy was proposed to solve double welding robots path optimization problem with constrains of avoiding mutual influence. Simulation results show that the proposed optimization algorithm and strategy can promise desired optimization effect.