Robot innovations highlight numerous recent shows in Chicago

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the robots at the 2007 ATExpo Show and related Electronics Assembly Show, Quality, PlasTec and National Manufacturing Week Shows, as well as at the FABTECH Show and the Rockwell Automation Show held in Chicago. Design/methodology/approach – The paper incorporates in‐depth interviews with robot exhibitors, as well as suppliers of accessories such as grippers and simulation software. Findings – Each show brings forth innovations in robotics. After many decades of robot developments, the well‐spring of innovation never seems to dry up. Practical implications – If an application cannot appear to be addressed by the robot of the day, wait until tomorrow and suppliers will step forward with answers. After more than four decades of robot development, they continue to get smarter, much faster and better adapted to application requirements. There is no longer a one robot “fits all” answer. Originality/value – This paper provides information on prevailing trends in the robot industry which solve an increasing number of application needs.