Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report a collection of developments that enable users to program industrial robots using speech, several device interfaces, force control and code generation techniques. Design/methodology/approach – The reported system is explained in detail and a...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel actuator with adaptable compliance for robotic applications. Design/methodology/approach – In order to achieve limb actuation similar to that of human muscles, a novel actuator with adaptable compliance is proposed. Three principal...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe how Jaguar Cars in the UK has increased the number of industrial robots at its XF body‐in‐white (BIW) facility at its Castle Bromwich site in the UK. This site has three BIW shops – one each for the XK sports car, the XF sports saloon...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe how General Motors (GM) Manufacturing has increased the number of installed robots at its Luton, Bedfordshire, UK van making facility as a means of increasing productivity. Design/methodology/approach – As a result of a study of industrial...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the International Manufacturing Technology Show in Chicago with emphasis on innovative robot applications on display. Design/methodology/approach – In‐depth interviews with exhibitors of robots as well as system integrators who apply robots...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a minimum time algorithm to intercept an object on a conveyor belt by a robotic manipulator. The goal is that the robot is able to intercept objects on a conveyor line moving at a given speed in minimum time. Design/methodology/approach – In...

Purpose – This paper aims to present a novel localization scheme using infrared light reflecting artificial landmarks. Design/methodology/approach – By putting the infrared light reflecting landmarks on the ceiling, localization is achieved. The landmark is designed for effective recognition...

Purpose – Humanitarian demining is addressed as an engineering‐driven duty, aiming at optimal price/effectiveness figures, joining low‐cost robotics and flexible automation. The mine sweeping is highly dangerous task, and safety is sought by automatic rigs, with remote steering and...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present an omni‐directional floor‐cleaning robot equipped with four omni‐directional wheels. The research purposes are to design a robot for cleaning jobs in domestic, narrow and crowded places and to provide a robotics‐study platform in a...

Purpose – This paper aims to describe bridge transported servo‐manipulator (BTSM) system, which was developed to overcome the limited workspace of the conventional mechanical master‐slave manipulators in a hot cell. Design/methodology/approach – The BTSM system consists of four...