Innovations in robots for plastics applications are moving in many directions. Two headed and up to six axis robots for faster unloading and secondary operations. Stand alone robot controllers are being replaced with control functions integrated into the controller for the injection moulding...

Product quality improved and finishing cost per saddlebag was reduced when robotic routing, drilling and sanding was instituted at Harley‐Davidson, an American motorcycle builder. Careful planning, and smart engineering all helped smooth the commissioning while not displacing workers.

Purpose – Highlights new robots introduced in the fall 2004 offer various benefits such as lower prices, internal cable management for arc welding, reduced floor space requirements, environmental protection and features for quicker application design and commissioning....

Purpose – To report on the design and development of a robotic palletizing system that handles both pails of lubricant as well as cardboard cartons or cases. Design/methodology/approach – The customer selected a material‐handling expert to design and install the system after reviewing the...

Purpose – To relate how even a smaller manufacturing operation can benefit from the application of robotic methods to manual operations. Design/methodology/approach – A maker of fibreglass automobile body kits called in a robotic systems integrator with 20 years of experience to automate his...

Purpose – To report on new products and applications at the 2005 International Robots and Vision Show, Chicago, USA. Design/methodology/approach – A brief description of some of the highlights of the exhibition. Findings – Robots are becoming faster and cheaper. Originality/value – The...

Purpose – To report on the design and development of a robotic product carton packing system that handles both soft plastic pouches or bags and small individual serving boxes and places into shipping cartons. Design/methodology/approach – A food processing equipment OEM teamed with a control...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a review of the AUVSI Conference and Show held in Orlando, FL with emphasis on unmanned vehicles or service robots, their application on the ground, in the air and in the water. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on in‐depth...

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

Purpose – This paper aims to present a review of the NPE 2006, Plastics Show held in Chicago, IL with emphasis on robots, their application in the plastics industry and end‐of‐arm‐tooling. Design/methodology/approach – In‐depth interviews with suppliers of robots, injection molding...