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 – To report on the design and development of a robotic automobile aluminium frame welding system. Design/methodology/approach – The customer contracted with a team of suppliers, each with unique skills and products necessary for welding thin aluminium framing. The team employed...

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 review the 2007 Bi‐Annual International Robotics and Vision Show in Chicago. Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents in‐depth interviews with exhibitors of robots and robotic vision systems. Findings – The marriage of vision and robotics is...

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

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the most recent IMTS show in Chicago, with emphasis on the new robot innovations and applications on display. Design/methodology/approach – In‐depth interviews with exhibitors of robots and accessories at the show. Findings – Robots...