Not a pipeline welder or even seasoned welder for that matter, but ya, they do have robotic welder machine thing'y for pipe. Pretty expensive. Same problem though, it takes an operator to set'em up and ensure they are makeing a proper weld. So, if you have a guy that knows how to weld - why bother with the expensive robitic thing'y. That's what I've been told. Local stainless shop has one that works for small pipe up to 12 in or so. Guys there don't care for it and claim they can weld it up faster then by the time they get it all set up. Never say them do it, just talk again. Their shop is trying to get them away from all tigging the weld to tig / mig combo as it would be much faster. Again, the guys there don't care much for that comb either and just continue with tigging the joint shut. FWIW ..  ..