Survey on artificial intelligence (AI) applied in welding: A future scenario of the influence of AI on technological, economic, educational and social changes

Abstract The application of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of welding is an increasingly important area of research and a large number of journal publications on the topic have been published. A keyword search for AI in welding in the leading scientific journal databases Elsevier and Springer reveals more than 3,000 related articles. The large publication volume shows the importance being attributed to AI in welding and the breadth of the contributions of researchers utilizing AI approaches to tackle challenges and problems in welding. Such challenges include poorly controlled welding parameters and weld geometry, which lead to weld quality problems. This paper reviews previous studies on AI systems utilized in welding process control and welding robot control. Case studies on the utilization and development of AI systems in the Finnish welding industry are also presented. Analyses of the findings provide the means to predict future scenarios for a 5–10 year time frame on the impact of AI in the welding industry in the era of Industry 4.0. The changes that AI bring will drive a need for new technological, economic and social policies as well as reform of educational curricula and skills training in the sphere of sustainability and quality of life. Consideration of trends and scenarios is important for both academia and industry, where new research ideas and developmental trends on AI systems will emerge for practical implementation.