Abstract: A method of and apparatus for detecting an abnormal load on a servo gun axis, capable of quickly detecting sticking of a welding tip to an object of welding before movement of a robot, without adversely affecting the object. A load applied to a servomotor for driving a welding tip of a welding gun is detected by an observer. An abnormal load signal is output when the estimated disturbance load deviates from a range defined by a reference &bgr; (&bgr;>0). A determination as to whether or not the estimated disturbance load is larger than the reference value +&bgr; is not made during a period of time from the start of a closing motion of the welding gun until the estimated disturbance load becomes smaller than a set value &agr;. When the welding tip is stuck to a workpiece, a negative estimated disturbance load smaller than −&bgr; is derived and an abnormal load Signal is outputted.