Manual and Robotic Welding in One Cell With THG SideCar

Traditional robotics capability. Collaborative simplicity.

Tack parts by hand, then let the cobot complete the welds. THG SideCar switches between manual and robotic welding using the same power source, keeping fit-up and production in one station.

One power source for manual and robotic welding

Switch control for tacking, fit-up, and one-off work

Available on new or compatible existing THG systems

Nelson Global
Wood-Mizer
Caterpillar
Owens Corning
Fass Diesel Fuel Systems
Funkhouser Race Cars
PikRite

See How THG SideCar Works

1 Switch

Switch to manual with a single flip-switch.

2 Modes

Manual and robotic welding in one station.

Shared

The power source is shared between manual and robotic welding.

Tack It. Then Let the Cobot Weld.

Keep the manual steps that make automation practical, and let the robot do the rest.

THG SideCar Add-On

THG SideCar is among the most popular THG Add-ons for a good reason. Shops often want that bit of manual control over tacking, fit-up, and short manual welds before switching to robotic welding. THG SideCar does exactly that. It lets you choose the best welding mode for the job at hand, whether that’s robotic or manual.

How SideCar fits your cell:

Shared power source for manual and robotic welding

Switch between operator and robot control

After manual welding, the robot resumes the program where it left off.

Integration with the THG URCap workflow

THG system integration or compatible retrofit

Tack Before the Cycle

Fit and tack the assembly before the robot welds it. Reduce transfers between a manual bench and the robotic cell.

Handle One-Off Welds

Manually weld short or irregular jobs in cases where teaching a robot path doesn’t make sense for you.

Make Fit-Up Adjustments

Keep manual welding available for the adjustments a part needs before its programmed welding sequence can begin.

Customer Testimonials

Results From the Shop Floor

“It’s fast. It’s easy. And it’s something you can teach other people to do. Just be cautious because you’ll be able to make an amount of parts you didn’t think you could make before.”

Matt Funkhouser – Owner, Funkhouser Racecars

“We’ve already completed parts in 50% less time compared to manual welding. It gave us the flexibility to scale production without skipping a beat, and THG Automation’s support has been incredible from start to finish.”

Caleb Thomas – Head of Tech Development, Pik Rite

“We want to give employees a third arm – more power, more ownership, more time to be yourself, and less time where you have to follow a repetitive operation.”

Zach Van Meter – Owner, TMF Center

“Within the four hours I was there, we programmed 20 weld points. I wrote the purchase order that same night.”

Greg LeFevre – CEO, Raymath

Small Race Shop Scaled Production 7× with a Collaborative Robotic Welding System

4X Productivity Gain with Collaborative Laser Welding Robots

How PikRite Solved Labor Shortages with Robotic MIG Welding

Built and Supported Where You Are

Looking for robotic welding automation in your region?

Contact THG Automation to discuss availability and support in your country.

United States

Design, integration, and support for manufacturers across the U.S.

Canada

Design, integration, and support for manufacturers across Canada.

Australia

Design, integration, and support for manufacturers across Australia.

Book a Demo.
See the SideCar in Action.

Let’s discuss your parts and show you what’s possible. We’ll help you choose the right THG configuration you need today, with room to expand as your production needs grow.

Common Questions

What is the SideCar in a THG welding system?

SideCar lets you switch your robotic welding system into manual mode using the same torch and power source. It gives the operator control of the welder for tacking or prep work, then hands control back to the robot to finish the job.

Why would I use manual mode on a robotic welding system?

Manual mode is useful for part setup, tacking, or handling irregular, low-volume welds that don’t require full automation. It keeps everything in one station and reduces handling.

Does SideCar require a second power source?

No. SideCar uses the same power source for both manual and robotic welding. That’s what makes it efficient and space-saving.

Can SideCar be added to an existing THG system?

Yes. If your system uses a supported power source and UR cobot, SideCar can be added as an upgrade. Contact THG to review compatibility.

Have a question we didn’t answer?