The Belgian working group IBRA‐Robotica has recently conducted a survey to establish the number of robots in Belgium.

Loading a variety of large shafts into a lathe has been identified as an arduous task suitable for a robot in the People's Republic of China. A simply controlled robot has been developed for this task.

A machining cell consisting of a gear shaper, an NC lathe, gauging stations and feed conveyors has been linked by an industrial robot for producing a guided missile body section. Particular care had to be taken to accurately position and locate the part into the two machine tools.

A method for the synthesis of dynamic control is presented. The method is based on an exact modelling of manipulator dynamics and a relatively simple synthesis of control algorithms. The authors have applied the method to a UMS‐2 industrial robot.

A combination of new machines and new companies to make them is signalling a switch in emphasis from spot welding to arc welding robots in readiness for the next wave of increased sales, though this does not mean spot welding robots are by any means dead.

When Percy Barnevik took over as managing director of ASEA he identified industrial robots as an area of growth potential for the company. Now, backed with intensified international marketing, the industrial robot division is poised to increase still further its penetration of European and North...

Integrated manufacturing automation is becoming more widely available but its arrival can create tensions between the various organisational function which can present a challenge for management to solve.

A scheme for conversion from magnetic tape to computer control of an industrial robot has been developed. Programming has been extended from the normal teach capability to operation from a remote hand‐held joystick as well as from the computer console.

Starting from an internal demand for flexible manufacturing systems ZF have developed a modular range of handling units.

A leading manufacturer of industrial robots, Italy is also a significant user. A recent survey by the Italian Robot Association indicates how many and in what applications they are being used.