Chinese scientists announced on Tuesday that they had invented a low-cost welding robot, which can help improve welding efficiency for small factories.

The Hefei Institute of Physical Science under the Chinese Academy of Sciences took six months to develop the robot, which costs a quarter of existing models in the world.

It is expected to weld metal structural parts and works for non-standard welding projects, said Dr. Li Tao, director of the project.

According to Li, the robot adopts Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm (SCARA) technology, which allows it to move more easily, respond more quickly and improve the accuracy of positioning. It is also designed to remember working paths and repeat the same operation automatically.