The Champion Sparking Plug company has designed a robot spark‐plug insulator manufacturing cell, of which 50 are now operating in the USA and UK. Brian Rooks went to see the latest UK installation.

GEC Alsthom's generator division in the east of France, is setting up an automated press facility using robot and vision aids. Anna Kochan reports.

A successful flotation on the Vienna stockmarket is providing IGM with the financial muscle to develop its robot welding operation. David West, managing director of its UK subsidiary, talks to Brian Rooks.

Automotive subcontractor Ketlon turned to robot automation of machine tools to beat labour shortages and hold down costs. Project engineer John Russell talked to Jack Hollingum.

German robot manufacturer KUKA has built three identical assembly systems for Ford, worth an estimated DM 25 million. Each will insert fixed screens in the Escort‐replacement within a 32 s cycle.

Industrial Robot reviews the 1989 French robot statistics which this year are more comprehensive than ever.

The nuclear industry has not been a massive user of the industrialrobot. AEA Technology hope to change that with NEATER, developed in cooperation with Staubli Unimation.

Robot welding of large multiple pass welds is being achieved at Vickers Defence Systems following a collaborative project.

A look at robotically controlled systems for the application of adhesives and sealing materials.

IGM welding robots are helping steel fabricator Beechdale Engineering to meet quality demands from Caterpillar and JCB. Brian Rooks reports.