Review of new robot designs and the rise of remote programming in manufacturing technology

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the most recent IMTS show in Chicago, with emphasis on the new robot innovations and applications on display. Design/methodology/approach – In‐depth interviews with exhibitors of robots and accessories at the show. Findings – Robots continue to develop to match an ever increasing number of manufacturing tasks, not just machine tending but address many steps in the manufacturing and inspection process. Practical implications – Customers may be surprised at the robot innovations and new applications to which robots are being applied in the manufacturing environment. Originality/value – A review of some of the latest robot innovations and applications that one might have seen if they had been on the exhibition floor at the most recent Chicago IMTS show.