Stephen McClelland reviews the latest Japanese robot research and development and unearths a few surprises.

Researchers at IPA have designed an order‐picking robot with an intelligent multi‐part gripper

Anna Kochan visits the newly expanded Staubli robotics division to find out how the acquisition of Westinghouse's Unimation range fits into its future.

Using robots to lay adhesives is not new, many would say it is ‘old hat’. But, as Neil Pitchford of Alcan Automotive Structures (UK) relates to Brian Rooks, problems of dispensing exist.

Lars Bergstrom reports on the robotic seam sealing process of which ABB Robotics has over 5 years' experience in the car industry. Now second generation systems are emerging.

Whilst robots are of benefit in gas metal arc welding process parameters are the critical factors. Vernon Mangold of Kohol Systems discusses their influence on cell design.

NEI Thompson Defence Projects has taken delivery of a large 10‐axis welding robot to support an army development contract on ‘Bridging for the 1990's’

De La Rue Systems and Dexion have cooperated in developing a cell to test money counting machines. Brian Rooks describes the installation at De La Rue's Havant factory.

With completion of the take‐over of 600 Fanuc Robotics, GMF Robotics is set to pursue its aim of European market leader. Managing director John Halenda talked to Jack Hollingum.

Manufacturing manager, Alan Jackson and senior production engineer, Peter Allen talk to Jack Hollingum about Lewmar Marine's major investment in robot‐automated cell manufacture.