Robotic technology in North America is moving in opposing directions, toward smaller more compact pre‐engineered packages and faster operating speeds and to reach more applications, into greater payload capacity and greater reach. Suppliers of end of arm equipment are matching the greater...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the robots at the 2007 ATExpo Show and related Electronics Assembly Show, Quality, PlasTec and National Manufacturing Week Shows, as well as at the FABTECH Show and the Rockwell Automation Show held in Chicago. Design/methodology/approach –...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the robots at the Assembly Technology Expo. Assembly Expo is the feature show, which is combined with five other manufacturing shows at the same time at the same venue in Chicago. Design/methodology/approach – In‐depth interviews with...

Purpose – This paper seeks to review the Assembly and Automation Expo in Chicago with emphasis on new robot innovations and applications on display. Design/methodology/approach – The paper includes in‐depth interviews with exhibitors of robots as well as system integrators who apply robots...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the Automate Show (robots and vision) and the Promat Show (material handling) that ran jointly in Chicago, with emphasis on the new robot innovations and applications on display. Design/methodology/approach – In‐depth interviews with...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review development of the non‐rigid robot alternative to the fixed axis robot designs. Design/methodology/approach – In‐depth interviews with the developer of the snake arm style robot and study of various applications employing this robot...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review some of the various worldwide projects to develop and apply innovative swarm-type robots to many challenging applications. Design/methodology/approach – An in-depth review of published information and interviews with researchers and developers...