Purpose – For semiconductor and gene‐chip microarray fabrication, robots are widely used to handle workpieces. It is critical that robots can calibrate themselves regularly and estimate workpiece pose automatically. This paper proposes an industrial method for automatic robot calibration and...

Purpose – Presents an embedded MAS (Multi‐Agent System) based control method for multi link series manipulators. Design/methodology/approach – The manipulator's completing operation work is based on several agents' cooperation. The entire embedded MAS of a manipulator is implemented in one...

Purpose – To review manufacturing automation products and technology on show at Interplas 2005, the UK's premier exhibition of equipment for the plastics and rubber industry. Design/methodology/approach – Some of the automation products on display at the show are highlighted, particularly...

Purpose – Aims to review the Clawar 2005 conference on climbing and walking robots. Design/methodology/approach – Selects key papers from the conference and presents a brief outline of the research undertaken and the conclusions reached. Findings – Speakers told of the latest developments...

Purpose – This paper provides a general review of automated processing methods currently being used to fabricate aircraft composite structure. Design/methodology/approach – Presents a description of the Automated Tape Layer (ATL) process and the Fiber Placement (FP) process. These processes...

Purpose – To relate how even a smaller manufacturing operation can benefit from the application of robotic methods to manual operations. Design/methodology/approach – A maker of fibreglass automobile body kits called in a robotic systems integrator with 20 years of experience to automate his...

Purpose – To describe the design methodology and human‐centre functionality of the whole arm manipulator (WAM) developed originally at MIT and brought to commercial fruition by Barrett Technology. Design/methodology/approach – The WAM arm is driven by cable‐and‐cylinder transmissions,...

Purpose – To report on new products and applications at the 2005 International Robots and Vision Show, Chicago, USA. Design/methodology/approach – A brief description of some of the highlights of the exhibition. Findings – Robots are becoming faster and cheaper. Originality/value – The...

Purpose – To report on a workshop, “Future UK Robotics Research Opportunities and Challenges”, held at Salford University in November 2005. Design/methodology/approach – The driver for the workshop was fear that the UK could miss out on future opportunities in the robotics market, which...

Purpose – Aims to clarify the use of “nuclear” robots with special reference to one UK contractor (Magnox) and the cost‐effectiveness of its decommissioning programme. Design/methodology/approach – Goes through the protocol of the use of robots in the disposal of contaminated scrap....