Purpose – This article, a “Q&A interview” conducted by Joanne Pransky of Industrial Robot Journal , aims to impart the combined technological, business, and personal experience of a prominent, robotic industry engineer-turned entrepreneur regarding the evolution, commercialization, and...

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a modified welding image feature extraction algorithm for rotating arc narrow gap metal active-gas welding (MAG) welding, which is significant for improving the accuracy and reliability of the welding process. Design/methodology/approach An...

Purpose – This paper aims to provide an insight into recent miniaturised robot developments and applications. Design/methodology/approach – Following an introduction, this article discusses the technology and applications of miniature robots and considers swarm robotics, assembly robots,...

Purpose – This paper aims to deal with the problem of programming robots in industrial contexts, where the need of easy programming is increasing, while robustness and safety remain fundamental aspects. Design/methodology/approach – A novel approach of robot programming can be identified...

Purpose – This paper aims to describe how a novel biomimetic chewing robot was designed, including its motion, force, control and mechanical designs, and shows some initial experiments about motion tracking. Design/methodology/approach – According to the biomechanics, the authors modeled the...

Purpose This paper aims to present a new vision-based approach for both the identification and the estimation of the relative distance between the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and power pylon. Autonomous power line inspection using small UAVs, has been the focus of many research works over the...

Purpose – This study aims to propose a new variable stiffness robot joint (VSR-joint) for operating safely. More and more variable stiffness actuators are being designed and implemented because of their ability to minimize large forces due to shocks, to safely interact with the user and their...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to design and develop 14-degree of freedom (DOF) robotic micromanipulator with which LIGA devices and axle hole part can be both manipulated and assembled. Design/methodology/approach – The in-house robotic microassembly system is composed of a 6-DOF...

Purpose The paper aims to develop a cownose ray-inspired robotic fish which can be propelled by oscillating and chordwise twisting pectoral fins. Design/methodology/approach The bionic pectoral fin which can simultaneously realize the combination of oscillating motion and chordwise twisting...

Purpose – This study aims to deliver an approach of how lightweight robot systems can be used to automate manual processes for higher efficiency, increased process capability and enhanced ergonomics. As a use case, a new collaborative testing system for an automated water leak test was...