Robot capability,
by trade.

Robots already weld, shape metal and handle fabric. The useful question is how much of a job they can take on, under what conditions. We look at specific tasks, the setup around them and the evidence behind each claim.

We update this guide as we find and check new work. Sources last reviewed 18 October 2026. The detailed research is available to download.

Welding and shaping sheet metal

What robots can do

Robots can follow a weld, detect the seam and adjust as they work. Machina Labs also shows robots gradually shaping sheet metal, checking the shape and pressure along the way.

What the setup needs

Parts are held in place. The job has a defined shape, a checked process and a workspace set up for the machine.

Where people come in

Look at preparation, inspection and rework as well as the robot’s main task. These examples describe parts of the process; who handles every surrounding step is less clear.

Cutting shapes in wood

What the example shows

KUKA shows robot arms cutting shapes in wood with a milling tool. The robot follows a prepared path through the material.

What the setup needs

Someone prepares the digital shape and cutting path, chooses the tool, secures the wood and checks the machine setup.

Where people come in

Choosing the right cut, responding to the material and approving the finished piece remain part of the wider workshop process.

Cutting metal, wood and plastic

What the example shows

A cutting tool on a robot arm can follow a programmed route to make a part. KUKA lists metal, wood and plastic among the materials.

What the setup needs

A digital design, a prepared tool path, the right cutter and a part held securely in place. The machine is calibrated and the result checked.

What remains open

The supplier describes the capability. How often a person needs to intervene, and which jobs it performs reliably, need checking for each installation.

Fitting parts together

What the example shows

NIST makes test boards for tasks such as inserting a peg, turning a threaded part and connecting a cable. Teams can use the same tasks to compare robot performance.

What the setup needs

The pieces are arranged on a test board. A person resets it between attempts and records what happened.

What remains open

These boards help measure a skill. To judge a robot for a real job, we also need its results, working conditions and the help it received.

Handling and folding fabric

What the example shows

SpeedFolding shows two robot arms picking up, spreading and folding garments.

What the setup needs

A defined folding task and training examples of the garments and movements the system will encounter.

What remains open

Cutting, sewing, dyeing and fitting are separate skills. We track those separately as evidence becomes available.

The detailed register also covers composites, sewing, ceramics, glass, electronics, jewellery, and cabinetmaking. Their operation records remain available while direct robot evidence is reviewed.

Read the scope and download the detailed files →