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Precision operations, including assembly, need an accurate platform as a base. The described robotic end effector can achieve one micron or smaller repeatability while being relocatable to the required task workspace.

A novel closed loop track based multi‐head robot has been developed to increase the material handing throughput. This robot allows waves of autonomous robot heads to move materials in to the working path by eliminating the traditional return path. Two distributed control architectures were developed using a system comprising of desktop, embedded and single board PC's some linked by wireless communications. This paper discusses the design and impact of such control architectures, and looks at some performance boundaries.

Current single head pick and place robots have reached their practical limit for throughput rates due to impractical speeds and acceleration, which often damage or lose the product being transferred. The purpose of this paper is to present a new system which uses 2 XY motion slides and an indexing flexible conveyor to achieve a more desired motion while achieving a high throughput rate.

An innovative robotic pick and place motion design (the FlowBot) was previously created to address the changing needs of the packaging and automation industry. A full patent has been filed covering this technology. This paper documents a refinement to the FlowBot concept that produces a more compact implementation, entitled the Compact FlowBot.

Tit was found that the motion of smaller steps with limited accelerations does produce higher throughputs without the excessive accelerations that Delta robots produce. The robotics system does require limited Z height so the potential for multiple stacked systems is presented.

This novel robot has been found to be a next generation design, which has been confirmed by an international patent search. Many established consumer packaging goods companies and food processing companies have lauded its merits. The system needs to move into prototype and full development mode.

The purpose of this paper is to report on new technology concerning multi‐arm robots.

The operating details of tread base multi‐arm robots are discussed. Comparisons to traditional robot are made. Application areas are outlined.

Tread base multi‐arm robots have higher throughput rates with lower speeds and accelerations than traditional robots. Distances traveled do not impact throughput rates.

This is one of the first discussions of this new patent pending technology.

To demonstrate the theory and effectiveness of reliability‐improvement countermeasures for line equipment, specifically industrial robots for automotive production engineering.

Suggests an efficient method of life‐cycle maintenance. The defects of industrial robots are analysed using Weibull analysis.

From the analysis, a strategy of countermeasures is framed for component screening, reliability design and lifetime estimation.

This method has been implemented worldwide in Toyota's factories, and has produced a better operating life cycle for industrial robots.

To report on the technical and market status of robotic lawnmowers.

The main manufacturers and models are named, and the general characteristics of small robotic lawnmowers are given, followed by a detailed account of the capabilities of a top‐end machine. A family of larger machines for sports grounds and golf courses is then presented.

Rather than reduce in price since their introduction, robot lawnmowers have become more sophisticated, and at the top end are bristling with sensors and intelligent behaviour. One domestic robot has found a niche market in rooftop gardens.

Alerts the engineer and garden‐owner to the maturing of a consumer product.

The purpose of this paper is to describe development and application of an iterative learning control (ILC) scheme for a tracking problem. The control objective is to achieve accurate tracking of a desired trajectory which is the path taken by a laser beam.

It involves formulating an ILC scheme in two‐dimensional (2D) representation on mathematical model of two degrees of freedom platform. The scheme was tested and fine tuned with the help of simulation results on that model. Subsequently, an experimental setup was prepared by mounting a camera on a six degree of freedom hexapod, M‐850 from Physik Instrumente. The experimental setup was made to track an arbitrarily positioned laser spot on a screen. For this purpose, a simple image processing module was also developed. The underlying algorithm implemented learning and tracking modes.

The tracking performance of the scheme is impressive. The simulations as well as practical results show that the scheme is robust and simple to implement.

The limitation is the time spent in learning mode before the control function is applied to the system under consideration. This, however, is an inherent aspect in any ILC scheme.

Its application can be in manufacturing processes, robotics, target tracking and even in bio engineering where growth of some specific bacteria population could also be tracked.

Little work, with practical implementations, has been reported in ILC. The authors perceive that this scheme has the potential to simplify a great number of control problems especially in the field of robotics and trajectory tracking.

To report some successful applications of vision‐controlled robots in picking and packing of foodstuffs.

The design and capabilities of ABB's two picking robots are explained, and the specialist software that integrates vision guidance and product inspection. Then two food‐picking applications are described in detail.

The delta robot design combines low weight with high stiffness, giving very fast picking capability. The Cognex‐based vision system also produces high speed and precision, and is able to guide the robot and perform 100 per cent inspection in real time. Hygienic robot design allows it to handle open food.

ABB's FlexPicker robot has moved from being a niche product to a volume product, bringing high‐speed picking capability to a wider market.

Showcases the capability and flexibility of a powerful vision‐guided high‐speed robot.

To study the advantages of a modular approach to packaging‐machine design.

Introduces the modular approach of this German company, with particular emphasis on its packaging robots and vision system. Uses a selection of food and pharmaceutical applications to illustrate the flexibility, capability and throughput of these compact packaging lines. Briefly, mentions other innovative features of the company's product range.

The company has reduced its top‐loading range of packaging machinery to just seven modules, of which a two‐ and a four‐axis robot greatly assist operational flexibility. A patented counterflow conveyor system unites products and packing boxes in a space‐saving layout. The de‐central control system reduces installation costs and assists trouble‐shooting.

Illustrates the power of robot technology in achieving a new approach to a particular type of automated machinery.