Diversification by the Dutch steelmaker Hoogovens has taken it into the robot systems business. Handling and welding are areas now being tackled by the newly formed company. Brian Rooks reports

Leyland Truck has installed its first robot cell for welding chassis components. Two separate manipulators give the system a high degree of flexibility.

The Swiss company Seger and Hoffmann faced with a major order for Kevlar panels for the Audi Quattro sports car turned to water jet cutting. Brian Rooks reports

The German automation systems builder Robert Bosch has added a SCARA‐type robot to its product range. Brian Rooks went to Stuttgart to see the new machine and applications of other Bosch automation equipment.

A major expansion has taken place at Unimation's European headquarters in Telford, UK. Part of this is the manufacture of a new mid‐range PUMA robot designed and developed also at Telford. Brian Rooks reports.

A modified Sykerobot provides the answer to a potentially explosive situation

Four 600 Fanuc welding robots have been installedbya company in Devon to weld garden tractors

With some government support, the Koreans are making a tentative entry into the robot business, with the first major application in the auto industry. John Hartley reports.

The IFS Advanced Manufacturing Summit, together with AUTOMAN ‘85 will focus on improved manufacturing methods and the changing strategies for success. Anna Kochan previews some of the papers to be presented.

The 3rd Automated Manufacturing Exhibition and Conference will be held at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, UK from 14–17 May 1985. This stand‐by‐stand report outlines some of the equipment that will be on display.