WELDING KOREA 2026 opens in Changwon with AI and automation focus

By AI, Created 4:47 PM UTC, May 18, 2026, /AGP/ – WELDING KOREA 2026 + AUTOMATION runs May 12-15 at Changwon Convention Center with 85 companies and about 380 booths. The show puts AI welding, smart manufacturing and export matchmaking front and center as overseas buyers from eight countries visit for business talks.

Why it matters: - The exhibition is designed to connect advanced welding technology with factory-floor productivity, quality and export growth. - Overseas buyers from eight countries are expected to expand business opportunities for Korean manufacturers, especially smaller suppliers in Gyeongnam. - The event also gives industrial companies a live look at tools that are moving welding toward automation, digitalization and AI.

What happened: - The 22nd Korea International Welding & Cutting Automation Show, titled WELDING KOREA 2026 + AUTOMATION, is being held May 12-15 at the Changwon Convention Center in Changwon, Gyeongsangnam-do. - Gyeongsangnam-do and Changwon City are hosting the show. - The event is co-organized by the Gyeongnam Tourism Organization, Korea Welding Industry Cooperative, Gyeongnam AI·Robot Industry Association, Korean Welding and Joining Society and EXPORUM. - The exhibition features 85 companies and about 380 booths. - Visitors can see on-site demonstrations of welding, cutting, automation and smart manufacturing solutions.

The details: - Demonstrations include AI-based vision-recognition welding systems, smart automation solutions, digital welding equipment, AR welding simulators and metal additive manufacturing technology. - Collaborative-robot automation and other smart manufacturing tools are part of the show floor. - The exhibition includes professional programs focused on industry trends and technical exchange. - Planned sessions include the Robot Welding Conference 2026, the Symposium of Commercialization Strategies for WAAM Metal Additive Manufacturing, the Gyeongnam-Style Manufacturing-Specialized Physical AI Tech Exchange and the Smart Welding Automation Open Seminar. - A commemorative Welding Day event is scheduled for Thursday, May 14. - Buyers from eight countries, including Indonesia, Vietnam and Turkey, are scheduled to hold 1:1 export consultations with participating Korean companies. - Buyers from shipbuilding, aerospace and construction sectors are expected to attend.

Between the lines: - The show is positioning welding as part of a broader manufacturing shift, not just a standalone industrial process. - The focus on AI, robotics and WAAM suggests the industry is pushing harder on automation and advanced production methods. - The export meetings point to a practical trade mission as much as an exhibition. - Organizers appear to be using the event to strengthen ties between industry, academia and research institutes.

What’s next: - The exhibition will continue through Friday, May 15. - Organizers say detailed schedules and participation information are available on the official website. - The export consultations are expected to help participating Korean companies open new overseas sales channels. - A company official said AI and advanced welding technology could become a new turning point for productivity and quality competitiveness at manufacturing sites.

The bottom line: - WELDING KOREA 2026 is turning Changwon into a showcase for AI-driven welding, automation and global sales outreach.