From a zero user ten years ago West Germany is now one of the three front runners in the application of industrial robots. One reason is that companies successful in other fields have entered the industry. Two such companies are ZF and Jungheinrich.

Jack Gascoigne, winner of the 1981 British Robot Association's Travel Award, has recorded his impressions of his tour of Japanese industry at the time of the 11th International Symposium on Industrial Robots.

A large variety of robots are used in the forge and foundry industries. As yet no clear pattern of application has emerged but this is likely to change in the years ahead.

The flexible manufacturing system now in operation at Fujitsu Fanuc has attracted much attention, particularly in the aspect use of an industrial robot combined with a CNC machine to form an unmanned machining operation.

Based on the results of a social‐science study the effects of the use of robots is described.

The appetite for robots in the USA is almost unsatiable at the present time. At Robots VI held in Cobo Hall, Detroit there were neither enough seats for delegates or aisle space for exhibition visitors. There was also plenty to see and hear for managers and engineers alike.

Some robot makers look for new applications, while others seek overseas partners, but demand for more of the same robots continues.

The Norwegian company Trallfa built its first robot for painting over 16 years ago and has been pioneering this application ever since. Now it is about to launch a range of products that heralds its attack on other parts of the robot market.

Based on a leading‐edge technique analysis the diffusion of industrial robots in Sweden during the 70's and a forecast for the 80's is described. The actual use of robots and NC‐machines in small‐batch manufacturing and barriers as well as policies for promoting a wide diffusion of robots...

The design and implementation of microprocessor‐based hardware and software modules developed to control a range of workhandling equipment are described.