Describes the ARMA concept, adaptive robotized multifunction assembly cell, as used at CTRI Robotics, a division of Dassault Aviation. The concept evolved in response to the demand for flexibility in automation system design, having recognized the inherent limitations of overspecialized...

Examines the importance of training engineers, particularly in the field of robotics. Discusses the paucity of courses at universities and compares this with the greater number of courses at technical colleges. Explains factors which inhibit the development of relevant courses; discusses...

Examines the development of courses in robotics and advanced automation at UK universities and describes the relationship between industry, research and the courses. Looks in detail at undergraduate courses offered by the universities of Hull, Bristol, Plymouth and Leeds Metropolitan university....

Compares the differences between UK/US and German further education in engineering and highlights their distinctive characteristics. Describes the two methods of studying engineering in Germany (universities and Fachhochschulen). Briefly covers the aims of both types of institution and the job...

Discusses the difficulties of attracting students to engineering courses at universities and colleges. Examines the case of one college in mid‐Anglia which decided that, to attract more students to its courses, more sophisticated technology should be made available in schools; describes the...

Describes the work undertaken by Oxford University’s robotics group, founded in 1985 by Professor Mike Brady. States that these university scientists have their feet firmly on the ground and illustrates this by giving details of a number of industrially‐sponsored projects with which they are...

Examines the work and training programmes of Dürr, a worldwide supplier of paint plants to the automotive industry. Describes how training is organized at the Dürr Technical Centre in Germany and how both off‐the‐job and on‐site training programmes can be developed. Explains that Dürr...

Describes the work undertaken at the Florida Atlantic University Robotics Center. Outlines the Center’s mission and infrastructure and looks in detail at the teaching activities – aimed at graduate students. Also describes a number of the research activities currently in progress.

Recycling of glass and paper found in household refuse is recognized as environmentally desirable but, as yet, little has been done to facilitate the recycling of hard‐wearing consumer goods, the majority of which are either dumped in land‐fill sites or incinerated. Complex consumer durables...

Gives an example of the use of offline 3‐D graphical simulation to assist in program generation for a robot palletizing operation, a technique which is proving increasingly cost effective. Describes GRASP, the 3‐D graphical simulation tool for robotics applications whose special palletizing...