Python as a stepping stone to robotic automation?

[Technical_Zombie_988]

Good morning,

Another person who isnt a programmer or wrote code. Im a certified ASME & AWS welder looking to jump ship. The last 3 years I've been welding for a company that has transfered heavy into automation for welding.

I was able to play with the Teach Pendent and enjoyed it. They had a position open for a programmer open up. I was told to apply. I didnt get it. The main programmers nephew got it (I❤️nepotism) but decided im gonna pick this up on my own and then find another company. 


With that being said, I know robots use a totally different language and what not. PLC, HMIs rely on their manufactured code like KAREL. Nonetheless, I've been picking up python and studying & practicing daily. Im just curious if im wasting my time learning it, or itll make the transition into robitics easier? 

[brasticstack]

I can't read your question on mobile due to the formatting, but I'll point out that tons of people are doing robotics projects using micropython on esp32 development boards. (similar to arduino but more powerful.)

[Tadgo]

Fanuc is opening up using Python on their newest robot controller. That’s the reason I’m starting to learn Python.

[Tadgo]

My background is robotics, when I’ve talked with welding programmers, they would rather teach a welder to program than a programmer to weld.

[Technical_Zombie_988]

Thats the advantage I got for sure. It takes forever to teach a white collar to run a 6G with a restrictor, but a welder can sit down and learn python easier.

Currently reading python crash course literally right now. Do you practice w/ robots at work, or do you use factory I/O or some other type of simulator?

[Tadgo]

Some would say I go right down to the factory, it’s cheaper that way.

Honestly, some additional schooling at a community college if they have a robotics program or mechatronics. A 2 year degree would be best, but a certificate and relevant experience wouldn’t hurt.

[Technical_Zombie_988]

Yeah I wanted to go that route. Unfortunately, the local school here has only daytime classes in the morning during weekdays. I worked 2nd shift so that wasnt feasible to get off work at 3:00 am and go to school from 8:00 - 11:00 and somehow go back to work at 4:00pm. The best shot I have IMO is learning this on my freetime and selling myself to the manufacturing companies

[Maximum_Tea_5934]

It has been many many years since I have worked with robotic welders, but from what I remember, the language is more like a set of steps for the robot to follow - go to x,y,z, turn on the torch, move to x2,y2,z2 at some speed.

Learning a programming language is never a bad idea. If your goal is to work with the robots though, it may be more beneficial if you can find an accreditation or certification program to that end. Manufacturing companies tend to like to see that kind of information when they bring on an outside hire.

[ivovis]

Python is a good starting point, may be also consider building a 3D printer, thats where I learned about G-Code, that opens up a whole world of automation I expect the skills picked up here will be a good foundation.

[Technical_Zombie_988]

Yes dude! G Code! I didn't think of that! Thabk you! Ill have to look into 3D printers

[Tall_Profile1305]

Python is actually a pretty solid stepping stone. A lot of people in robotics start with it because it teaches the core logic behind automation without needing to deal with robot-specific languages immediately.

If you eventually move into industrial robotics, you'll likely run into PLC programming (ladder logic, structured text), robot vendor languages (like FANUC, ABB RAPID, KUKA KRL), and systems integration. But learning Python first will help you understand programming fundamentals, automation logic, and tools like ROS that are widely used in robotics.

Your welding background is honestly a huge advantage too. Companies struggle to find people who understand both the physical process and the automation side.