Advanced welding
Productivity boost
Smart automation
Project Overview
Robotic Automation™ successfully supplied and commissioned a large‑scale Motoman Yaskawa robotic welding system at Gemco Rail’s purpose‑built Karratha facility, enabling iron ore rail car manufacturing in the Pilbara for the first time.
The project forms part of a A$150 million local manufacturing partnership between Rio Tinto, Gemco Rail and CRRC Qiqihar Rolling Stock Co. Ltd to produce 100 heavy‑duty iron ore rail wagons in Western Australia. The initiative strengthens regional manufacturing capability, supports skilled employment and reduces reliance on offshore rollingstock fabrication.
Robotic Automation™ was responsible for delivering the robotic welding capability required to meet the structural, throughput and quality demands of heavy‑haul rail wagon production.
Customer Challenge
Gemco Rail required a welding solution capable of supporting high‑volume, heavy structural rail fabrication while transitioning production closer to Rio Tinto’s Pilbara operations.
Key challenges included:
- Achieving consistent weld quality on large, load‑bearing wagon structures
- Maintaining weld integrity for fatigue‑critical rail components
- Supporting reliable production in remote Pilbara conditions
- Improving operator safety and welding consistency
- Establishing long‑term local manufacturing capability
Manual welding alone could not deliver the repeatability and throughput required for modern iron ore rail car manufacturing at scale.
Robotic Welding Solution
Robotic Automation™ designed, supplied and commissioned a Motoman Yaskawa industrial robotic welding system engineered specifically for heavy rail fabrication and wagon assembly.
Renowned for precision, reliability and industrial durability, Motoman Yaskawa robots were selected to automate critical welds across major rail car structures, ensuring consistent quality and repeatability across the production program.
Key Features
- Motoman Yaskawa robotic welding cell for heavy‑duty structural fabrication
- High‑precision, repeatable weld paths across large assemblies
- Optimised welding parameters for iron ore rail wagon manufacture
- Integration with relocated production equipment from Gemco Rail’s Forrestfield facility
- Designed for continuous operation in harsh Pilbara industrial conditions
Results and Outcomes
The Motoman Yaskawa robotic welding solution delivered both immediate and long‑term benefits:
Operational Results
- Consistent, high‑quality welds across all rail wagons
- Increased production throughput and process efficiency
- Reduced reliance on manual welding for critical joints
- Improved operator safety and welding quality control
Business & Regional Impact
- First iron ore rail cars manufactured in Karratha, WA
- Wagons now in active service hauling ore from Pilbara mines to port
- Creation of up to 25 skilled local jobs
- Strengthened regional manufacturing and supply‑chain resilience
- Long‑term rail manufacturing capability established in the Pilbara
The deployment of Motoman Yaskawa robotic welding technology at Gemco Rail’s Karratha facility demonstrates how advanced automation is transforming Australian rail manufacturing.
By enabling local production of high‑quality iron ore rail wagons, robotic welding improves weld consistency, enhances safety and supports sustainable regional growth.
Robotic Automation™ continues to help Australia’s rail and mining sectors adopt advanced robotic welding solutions that deliver measurable operational and economic benefits.
Interested in Motoman Yaskawa Robotic Welding Solutions?
Contact Robotic Automation™ to discuss how robotic welding can improve quality, productivity and safety in rail and heavy‑fabrication operations.
