**3.6 Automation systems**

Automation is the heart to deliver WAAM fabrication from welding. Cartesian coordinates (x, y & z axes), robotic arm, and manipulator like kinematic machines have been available for providing necessary motions to the weld-torch for attaining build shaped structure. The repeatability with accuracy in such motions will lead to achieve desired geometrical, physical properties of the weldment. The high volume of material may be needed to be post-processed, if the motion system is not accurate. This would detrimentally decide the cost of WAAM. CNC machine movements have been employed for WAAM and are believed to be cost-effective approach and would be a hybrid process as the motion for building components and machining to achieve the final component shall be done on the same machine at a stretch.
