Examines the results of a questionnaire‐based survey on the use of teach pendants with industrial robots. The main aims of the survey were to ascertain the following: extent of use of teach pendants with industrial robots; methods of robot programming used; possible difficulties of using teach...

Using the case study of updating a robotic palletizing operation in a New Zealand oil company, outlines how the reliability of a shopfloor application depends to a great extent on how well the system can respond to unpredictable situations. Explains that the effective use of system and sensor...

Defines a vacuum and gives some basic facts about it, including an explanation of vacuum force and air pressure. Describes the three main applications of vacuum; low range, industrial and scientific and gives examples of uses. A vacuum can be created mechanically or by compressed air: discusses...

Describes how a robot simulation software package was used to perform the simulation, calibration and Off‐line programming of a waterjet‐cutting workcell, used for cutting pelts. The workcell consisting of a robot using an RJ controller and the TP robot language had to cut four parts from...

Discusses the forthcoming installation of an ABB Flexible Automation beam preparation system at an offshore platform construction company in Scotland. Using a six‐axis robot suspended from a boom, the system will be able to cut beams to any length with any desired end profile using an...

Outlines how Scania is planning to automate its truck axle production lines at its Falun plant in Sweden. The automation package includes 40 PCs, 26 robots and 15 AGVs. The PCs are linked up to an Ethernet LAN which connects to the factory management system. IBM’s Plantworks software...

A review of the use of robotics in the food and drinks industry based on a report commissioned by MAFF [Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food].Outlines trends and changes, and robot sales figures in the food market. Looks at problems areas and technology limitation. Stresses the need for...

Examines the effectiveness of using expensive robotics equipment in the food industry where profit margins are low and labour is less expensive than in other industries. Looks at the work undertaken at the Silsoe Research Institute into developing appropriate low‐cost technology for basic food...

Outlines the development of a sensor‐quipped robot system using knowledge‐based information processing techniques. The prototype application concerns the removal of the lateral pin bones from fish fillets by means of waterjet cutting, guided by a gantry robot. Describes the sensor system and...

Discusses research carried out by the Advanced Manufacturing and Automation Research Centre [AMARC], University of Bristol into the automation of two areas of meat production, the butchery of half carcasses into main joints and the evisceration of whole carcasses. Describes how the robotic...