bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Current Status and Impact of Industrial Robot Technology in USA
Authors: Johnson K.G. , Hanify D.W.
Published: February 2008

In 1970 only two manufacturers existed in the United States, namely the American Machine and Foundry (AMF) Versatran and the Unimation, Inc. Unimate. These robots, still in the forefront today, were just emerging and gaining acceptance in 1970, with approximately 200 industrial robots at work in the U.S., and an amassed 600,000 hours on the job, a negligible amount considering that the total U.S.blue collar work force puts in 200 million hours each day. However more than seventeen types of robots are now available in the U.S. at least twelve of which are manufactured in this country. They range from minirobots with payloads of only a few ounces and reaches of less than a foot to the larger universal robots which can handle payloads of up to 150 lbs., reach 3 ½ ft., and move at speeds up to 3 ft./sec. Recent additions to the U.S. arsenal are the Burch Control robot with a payload capacity of 6000 lbs. Industrial robots are easily reprogrammable, operatorless handling devices that can perform simple, repetitive jobs that require few alternative actions and minimum communications with the work environment. They are well suited to handling parts that are red hot or feezing cold, and they can function in corrosive, noxious or extremely dusty atmospheres that would be injurious to human beings. Passage in the United States of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 has provided strong impetus for the use of industrial robots. As discussed in a recent article in Assembly Engineering Magazine (Ref.1), the Act currently states that a human being cannot place his hands within punch press dies to load or remove parts, and it is imminent that OSHA standards will be extended to cover other fabricating and assembly machines, such as staking presses, spot welding machines, riveting machines, holding and clamping equipment, electron component Inserting equipment, and automatic screwdriving machines. In many cases the cost and time to retool an existing operation to conform to the standards will be prohibitive compared to the cost and time required to purchase and program an industrial robot to perform the potentially dangerous operations.
The Role of the Minicomputer in Production Robot Control
Authors: Larcombe M.H.E.
Published: February 2008

There is increasing economic attractiveness of the minicomputer in control applications. In order to reap the full benefit of modern computer technology the currently used control systems require modification. The minicomputer should not be seen as a plug in replacement for drum or peg board programming.
A Simple Accurate Positioning System for an Industrial Robot
Authors: Rooks B.W. , Tobias S.A.
Published: February 2008

The present designs of industrial robots or mechanical handling units generally fall into two categories, the simple pick‐and‐place units with two fixed positions per axis, or the more sophisticated type such as Unimate with a very large number of positions per axis and a large memory. Whilst the latter devices are essential for complex operations such as spot welding, paint spraying or palletising there are many applications where only a small number of positions per axis are required, e.g. press loading, conveyor transferring, assembly operations. This paper describes a positioning system that falls between the above two general categories in that it allows a number of positions on each axis to be selected. A detailed description is given of the positioning system which basically consists of a number of mechanical stops attached to indexable bars such that there are a minimum number of 6 positions per axis. These stops are positioned as required and include a fine positioning adjustment. It is found that this system gives a positioning accuracy far greater than those commonly used with robots. The design of the hydraulic system and the control system for the fast to slow traverse are given together with test results obtained from a prototype system. The method of programming and the advantages and disadvantages are specified in a final discussion. In particular how the system can be used in fairly complex operations such as palletising is discussed.
Visual Robots
Authors: Dreyfus Marc G.
Published: February 2008

Equipment is now available for factory use to automate visual recognition, memorization, orientation, and inspection. Standard units scan a field of view in a thousandth of a second, extracting digitally‐coded signals which are uniquely related to the observed field. These signals are further processed digitally on a realtime basis to automate visual functions. This equipment makes possible automation of visually controllable production operations at speeds, accuracies, and cost effectiveness which exceed human capacities by orders of magnitude.
An Opto‐Pneumatic Manipulating Arm
Authors: Drazan P.J. , Kennett R.
Published: February 2008

The possibilities of simple vision in the form of a four segment photodiode for locating and tracking objects are investigated. Logic algorithms set in a microprocessor are used to control the arm via simple on‐off pneumatic drives. The design of the type of arm used is also discussed.
An Electric Industrial Robot—‘Motoman’
Authors: Abe Yoshinori , Hino Takayoshi , Kyura Nobuhiro
Published: February 2008

Yaskawa developed a new and unique motor‐operated handling equipment “Motohand®” which is used in various fields of industries. Today more than 300 sets are operating in actual production lines. According to the development of automation concept and tools, the main theme becomes the automation of the sophisticated operations with flexibility. The sophisticated operations mean: • handling in the integrated manufacturing, • operation caused by variation of work type, • operation which depends upon experiences of the operator, • and so forth. The unfavorable work is also one of the main themes which much worries operators. At this step the new concept of production system and tools for these requirements must be developed. Here, in this paper, an industrial robot “Motoman®” is introduced as one of the new automation tools. The robot “Motoman®” consists of: • 5 degrees of freedom with electric digital servo drive, a 16‐bit microcomputer, 5 degrees of freedom make it possible to reach any point in the operation space and to set any posture. The microcomputer, organically connected to the robot mechanism, makes it very simple to make operation program in both teach‐in play‐back and programmed sequencial operation. Using the robot with know‐how and specification of the respective application, we can enlarge the horizon of automation and challenge to release human from the unfavorable work.
Three Dimension Accuracy Measurement Methods for Robots
Authors: McEntire R.H.
Published: February 2008

Commercially, there are several part manipulators (robots) available today. The major task of these robots is to position parts accurately in space or to orient its gripper so as to pick up a part accurately. Several of these devices have a “teach” mode, where the positional commands can be recorded in some form of memory when the robot is moved manually through its task.
The Cerebellum Analogue Approach to Robot Sequence Control
Authors: Young J.F. , Walker J.J.
Published: February 2008

The programmable sequence‐control systems used for most of the industrial robots available at the present time are basically simple and straight‐forward. While these are very desirable attributes for any system which has to achieve reliability in the performance of a repetitive task on the shop floor, there can be attendant disadvantages. Although most of the current systems are flexible enough to allow for fairly easy re‐programming by a human operator, this flexibility does not in general extend to the inclusion of any facilities for control adaptation to slight and possibly quite random changes in either the operational requirements or in the operational environment. The features of flexibility and adaptability, so obvious and so useful in the human operator, are notably absent from robot control systems.
ASEA Robot System‐Expanding the Range of Industrial Applications
Authors: Weichbrodt B.
Published: February 2008

A new robot system has been industrially developed for applications far beyond materials handling. The combination of CNC‐microcomputer control, all‐electrical DC‐drives, and a new geometry, results in a robot with unusually high programmability, accuracy and compactness. The robot is currently installed in industry doing both materials handling, precision arc welding, grinding, polishing and castings deburring and cleaning. The concept is presented, and some industrial applications are demonstrated where the robot welds and does complete steel parts finishing including sanding and polishing. One ASEA robot application is presented where the robot is doing a superior job of castings cleaning and deburring at a major Swedish foundry.
Methods of Object Centering and it's Application
Authors: Zbigniew M.W.
Published: February 2008

The paper presents a method of centering flat objects. An objects position can be computed in a fraction of a second with great accuracy. The method makes the construction of automatic center systems easier. Application of the method to the automatic assembly of integrated circuits can decrease the production costs and make the LSI circuits design and construction process more versatile. The method makes the automatic centering of masks and semiconductor wafers possible and may prove helpful in the application of new technologies and types of integrated circuits. The method also solves the problem of centering semiconductor wafers when using electron beam scanning systems.
A Versatile Variable Mission Assembly Machine
Authors: Heginbotham W.B. , Pugh A. , Gatehouse D.W. , Law D.
Published: February 2008

The realisation of a practical generally versatile variable product assembly machine is still far from reality. However, in the same way that a generation 1 Industrial Robot can achieve high levels of versatility within certain restricted activities e. g. paint spraying ‐ spot welding etc., then by the correct choice of product and product design high levels of versatility can be achieved with assembly machines.
Sensors for computer controlled mechanical assembly
Authors: Wang S.S.M. , Will P.M.
Published: February 2008

This paper describes many sensors which are applicable to the requirements of the computer controlled assembly and manufacturing process. Various new types of sensors are presented including a multi‐degree of freedom force sensor using interchangeable modules, a pneumatic retractable whisker, an ultrasonic probe and various tactile and optical image sensors.
Manipulator control using the configuration space method
Authors: Raibert M.H.
Published: February 2008

The throughput of a manipulation process depends upon the arm's speed of operation, but many existing controllers provide accurate trajectory control only at low or moderate velocities. We propose a control method that explicitly compensates for configuration‐dependent gravity, acceleration, and velocity forces ‐ the latter being especially important during rapid simultaneous motions of a number of joints. A tabular form of the equations of motion is used in real‐time in conjunction with a configuration space memory organized by positional variables. The contents of the memory are pre‐computed only once for each manipulator and are usable for all possible movements. A planned implementation of this method for the Stanford Schienman arm that uses about 250K memory locations and requires about n3 + 3n2 arithmetic operations per evaluation is discussed, where n is the number of degrees of freedom of the device.
Almost a decade of industrial robots‐Experience from practical applications
Authors: Müller S.
Published: February 2008

In this report, accounts will be presented on the experience obtained from approximately 100 practical applications of industrial robots. The industrial robots used derive partly from the company's own production as well as from other domestic and foreign robot manufacturers.
Errors in objects positioning with Centre of Gravity method
Authors: Kulpa Z.
Published: February 2008

It is shown that location of objects (in the field of vision of “robot's eye”) with simple centre of gravity method (proposed by some authors) leads to severe errors in positioning. In the paper detailed quantitative analysis of two main types of these errors is carried out, as well as some methods of decreasing them are proposed, as applied in application programs for the computer image processing system CPO‐2.
Selection of a manufacturing process for robots
Authors: Janjua M.S.
Published: February 2008

A decision tree methodology for selecting the use of robots in a manufacturing system has been developed for sheet metal work.
Data base provides tool for robot selection
Authors: Ioannou Adrian , Rathmill Keith
Published: February 2008

The development of CRAG's robot technology data base, ADR‐l Expert System, is described and findings from the data base discussed. Relevant characteristics of available robots including accuracy, load carrying capacity, and application capability are reviewed and the role of data base systems for this purpose discussed.
Analysis of robot work characteristics
Authors: Nof Shimon Y. , Fisher Edward L.
Published: February 2008

The abilities and limitations of today's industrial robots are reviewed and compared to similar human parameters. The robot abilities were determined from a survey of 282 current robot models. This discussion is held within the general framework of a skills analysis approach to robot task performance.
Controllers built using function‐to‐function‐architecture
Authors: Mercer Andy , Vincent Geoff
Published: February 2008

Function‐To‐Function‐Architecture (FFA) is a novel architecture for building programmable electronic systems which uses multiple processors and a unique distributed executive. An FFA system is a set of FFA modules interacting via a communications medium. Every FFA module is a complete stand‐alone computer in its own right.
Swedish industrial robot market‐comparison with UK
Authors: Whalbin Clas , Wallström Anders , Weinz Arne
Published: February 2008

Sweden is one of the countries most densely populated by industrial robots. In this article, the market growth, the structure of applications, the marketing, and the buyer behaviour are described, and compared to the UK situation. Some future trends are also discussed.
Diversification continues
Authors: Hartley John
Published: February 2008

More robots aimed at different jobs on offer as ‘robot fever’ subsides; more flexibility in assembly and welding.
TWO HANDS SPEED UP DEBURRING
Authors: Lehtinen H. , Soudunsaari R. , Voho P.
Published: February 2008

This article describes a study that has been made on the automation of deburring in a foundry. Circular castings weighing up to 20kg are deburred before delivery in order to make them fit into machining cells. The maximum production rate of the cylindrical castings on the foundry line is one casting every ten seconds. However, the castings are produced in small batches, typically ranging from 100 to 1,000. After casting and integrated sand blasting and cooling chambers, the castings are transferred further on a conveyor belt. Deburring is today done manually by lifting and pressing against different grinding and deburring machines. Bins and forklifts are used in transport and storage of castings, from production line to deburring and shipment.
PERESTROIKA AND OFF‐LINE WELDING
Authors: Gorbachev V. , Lipping V. , Dryomov A.
Published: February 2008

Progress in machine building is connected with computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) development. An essential part of CIM is a computer aided design (CAD) system for off‐line creation of manufacturing control programs. Each technological process is characterised by special equipment and operations, which complicate development of CAD off‐line programming systems. More than 90 robot programming systems and languages are now in existence. However, programming all technological aspects into one single CAD system is not possible so far; besides, a teaching method being required, the programs contain many operators, and the database of CAD/CAM is not sufficiently used.
WAGNER AGVs SHOW STRENGTH AND ENDURANCE
Authors: Hollingum Jack
Published: February 2008

Automated guided vehicles have a long history, and with the growth of automation in manufacture and assembly they are becoming an increasingly important element in integrated systems. In this and the following two articles Jack Hollingum looks at a long‐established supplier of AGVs with ideas for the future; a pioneer of free‐ranging vehicles; and a research centre with ideas which could help in taking robot vehicles into completely new types of application.
VIVE LA DIFFERENCE
Authors: Kochan Anna
Published: February 2008

All the key topics currently occupying the robotics world, from parallel robots to off‐line programming, were discussed at a recent conference in Paris. Organised by the International Institute of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence at Marseille, the conference presented the Government‐sponsored research of some 50 groups in France all of which are active in the field of robotics and production technology.
RENAISSANCE OF ROBOTIC REALISM — PISA 1991
Authors: Davies Bruce
Published: February 2008

An accident of architecture has placed Pisa upon the tourist map along with such evocative names as Rome, Florence, Galileo and Fibonacii, to say nothing of Buozzi and Giovanni. As the venue for the 5th International Conference on Advanced Robotics, ICAR, Pisa has an atmosphere that is as far removed from sensor fusion and mobile robotics, as Los Angeles is from Italian Renaissance art. Yet this contrast serves only to emphasise the technological steps made, and being made, in many areas of robotics.
TRIUMPH RIDES AGAIN — WITH ROBOTS
Authors: Hollingum Jack
Published: February 2008

Only robot welding can give the quality and consistency of output demanded in welding the steel frame and aluminium alloy swing arm of the new range of Triumph motorcycles. Project engineer Ben Parry talks to Jack Hollingum.
ABB GOBBLES UP US COMPETITORS
Authors: Fusaro Dave
Published: February 2008

Just a few years ago, at what then was the annual American robot exposition and conference in Detroit, the head of a US robot firm remarked sullenly that the robot industry might soon resemble the auto industry in the US.
KREMA AUTOMATES
Authors: Kochan Anna
Published: February 2008

Machine vision is helping General Foods subsidiary Krema to solve an innovative automation problem: the handling of floppy plastic bags of sweets. An environment where hard automation has always been the standard solution, the food manufacturing industry is now beginning to find that the falling prices of robotics can favour investment in more flexible technology. At least this is the experience of Krema.
ELEPHANT TRUNKS
Authors: Bruce J. , Davies C.
Published: February 2008

Existing devices such as robots and machine tools rely on motion generators that have been developed almost entirely from existing technology, e.g. electric motors, hydraulic/pneumatic cylinders. Consequently, modern machines are attempting to perform increasingly complicated tasks by relying on ever more complex computer programs to compensate for the deficiencies of the device actually performing the task. In chemical plants, for example, sophisicated control software is still directing valves designed and built at the inception of the plant process. Similarly, today's factory automation systems are aiming to achieve more and more difficult tasks on the assumption that a suitable “intelligent” computer program will enable existing devices to perform these tasks efficiently.
A Virtual Reality and Simulation Initiative
Authors: Wittenberg Gunter
Published: February 2008

Advanced Robotics Research Ltd (ARRL) launched their Virtual Reality and Simulation Initiative at the National Advanced Robotics Research Centre, Salford, on Friday, 2 July 1993. Lord Wade of Chorlton was the Guest of Honour.
Virtual Reality in Engineering
Authors: Wittenberg Gunter
Published: February 2008

A group of users, academics and suppliers of virtual reality systems and equipment — about 35 people — got together on Monday and Tuesday 6 and 7 September 1993 at the University of Reading to assess the progress and prospects of virtual reality as applied to engineering. The event was organized by the computing and control division of the Institution of Electrical Engineers. It had been advertised as a workshop but there was little scope for hands‐on participation by delegates. There were 16 lectures and a small exhibition by suppliers and by the host university department.
Recent Japanese Progress in Construction Robotics
Authors: Wing Robert D.
Published: February 2008

At a recent meeting of the British Association for Automation and Robotics in Construction (BAARC), representatives of four of Japan's largest construction companies were invited to report on recent progress in automation and robotics in the Japanese construction industry. The meeting was timely, as the wraps have just been taken off a major development in this field, on which all the major Japanese constructors have been working.
Image‐Driven Robot Assists Surgeons with Total Hip Replacements
Authors: Musits Bela L. , Bargar William L. , Carbone Emily J.
Published: February 2008

Last November a robot called the ROBODOC™ Surgical Assistant made medical history as the first robot to take an active role in orthopaedic surgery. ROBODOC's function in the operating room is to prepare a cavity for a prosthetic implant which will replace a patient's damaged or diseased hip joint. This procedure requires precision that is often unobtainable with traditional surgical tools and manual techniques.
Service Robots: Cleaning up in the 1990s
Authors: Pellerin Cheryl
Published: February 2008

What do cleaning toilets and police work have in common? They're dirty work? Someone has to do them? And they are both booming markets for service robots. Consider the following:
The Aircraft Cleaning Robot “SKYWASH”
Authors: Schraft R.D. , Wanner M.C.
Published: February 2008

Conventional industrial robots are low payload devices and this has been state of the art for many years. The laws of physics mitigate against the easy implementation of large robots. As robots become larger, the structure and drive natural frequency decreases, limiting the system gain and rapidly degrading the accuracy and speed of operation to an impractical level, to mention only some of the problems related to large robot technology.
A US Consortium Builds Automated Analytical Laboratory
Authors: Pellerin Cheryl
Published: February 2008

Driven by the Department of Energy's (DOE) expected 30‐year clean‐up of its nuclear weapons complex, a research team, co‐ordinated from Los Alamos National Laboratory in Los Alamos, New Mexico, has built an automated environmental laboratory.
Electronically Controlled Manipulator for Spray Gun Applications
Authors: Haugan K.M. , Jarvis D.E.
Published: February 2008

When we are asked, “What is a robot?”, then the answer we give in respect of the DeVilbiss‐Trallfa Robot is:‐ ‘An electronically controlled manipulator, designed to replace the human spray gun operator in direct industrial application processes, a machine easily taught‐in carrying out the movements and gun‐triggering actions necessary for the complete surface coating of products to within ± 2 mm. The machine is taught‐in in seconds and it is then ready for action on its own for as long as it is required, remembering the instructions given to it perfectly due to a magnetic tape memory system.
Industrial Robots in Foundries
Authors: Synnelius Sune
Published: February 2008

The Association of Swedish Foundries has recently made an investigation of the possibilities of using industrial robots in foundries. The result is published in a special report: ‘Industrirobotar i giuterier’ (Industrial robots in foundries). This article is based on this report.
The Move‐O‐Matic Robot System
Authors: Tengs—Pedersen A.
Published: February 2008

Through long experience and tradition as a component producing factory Jonas Øglaend A/S in Sandnes have gained a competence in automated materials handling, which is unique in Norway.
Automatic Acknowledgement of Piece Position by Pneumatic Systems
Authors: Belforte G. , Quagliotti F.
Published: February 2008

A pneumatic‐fluidic system has been designed and built, with the purpose to recognize the side orientation of pieces.
Facility Assignment in a Mixed Model Assembly Line
Authors: Pandey P.C.
Published: February 2008

This paper presents an analysis of the problem of Assembly Facility Assignment in a Mixed Model Assembly Line. Poisson arrivals and exponential service time distribution have been assumed. On the basis of the analysis presented it is possible to choose a particular facility on economic considerations, further, optimum service rate for such facilities has also been evaluated.
Automatic visual inspection in industry
Authors: Batchelor B.G.
Published: February 2008

The fact that you are reading this article indicates that you have optical sensors (eyes). Pick up a pencil from your desk. You will almost certainly locate it visually, guiding your hand towards it by employing visual feedback. Is the tip of the pencil broken? Again, you will probably use optical rather than, say tactile or functional‐testing methods. Over the aeons of our evolutionary history, nature has found that remote sensing by vision is a most valuable facility. It is fast, safer than tactile sensing and can operate over considerable distances. It seems eminently sensible to consider whether these lessons that we learn from nature can be applied in the workshop.
Industrial Robots in the USSR
Authors: Jurevich E.I.
Published: February 2008

In the USSR industrial robots (automatic manipulators) are considered to be one of the most important means of achieving complex industrial automation. They provide a means for human emancipation from dangerous, hard and boring labour and solution to the problem of the more efficient use of labour resources. At present the programs for development, production and application of industrial robots are being implemented in the Soviet Union on the basis of a state integrated 5‐year plan covering the key branches of industry and involving the Academy of Sciences and Higher Educational Institutions. A second similar program will be completed by 1980. It is based on the principle of central state unification of the major components of robots, a series of standard sizes and consequently the development of robot‐equipped standard technological complexes. Simultaneously, research is being carried on in the development of the next generation of robot devices. Some other aspects of the problem are also being investigated including the development of methods for evaluating the economic efficiency of robot application as well as social aspects and training of personnel.
A compliant device for inserting a peg in a hole
Authors: McCallion H. , Johnson G.R. , Pham D.T.
Published: February 2008

The insertion of a peg in a hole is the final phase in the assembly of a peg and a block with a hole. This paper briefly analyses the physical interaction between these two components during insertion, describes a simple fine‐motion device which utilizes this interaction to insert pegs into closely‐fitting holes, and discusses possible variations to the construction of the device.
Close encounters (of the fourth kind?)
Authors: Campbell J.
Published: February 2008

As a major converter in the Plastics Industry, Wavin have operated a continued Programme of Product Development.
Computer techniques used in industrial robots
Authors: Skidmore M.P.
Published: February 2008

The term ‘Flexible Automation’ is used by Cincinnati Milacron to describe their Industrial Robots. Many aspects of this flexibility have occurred because of the computer control being used and the introduction of computer software techniques into the system. Not only has the computer enabled major improvements in the operation of today's robots, but many extra application techniques have benefitted from methods of programming decision making routines. Both system operation and software routines are discussed in the paper.
Robot arc welding developments
Authors: Weston J. , Jones S.B. , Hunter J.J.
Published: February 2008

This paper outlines the range of robots available and in use in Britain for arc welding, and gives examples of typical current industrial applications. Work at the National Engeering Laboratories and the Welding Institute has the objective of increasing the range and ease of robot arc welding, and recent developments in this area are introduced.
Open die forging with industrial robots
Authors: Appleton E. , Heginbotham W.B. , Law D.
Published: February 2008

This paper surveys the work on robot forging which has been taking place at the University of Nottingham over the last two years, initially using a Versatran D301 as a base for a feasibility study. Also it seeks to describe and put into perspective the current work using an A.S.E.A. robot and introduce intended future developments, particularly those related to computer control.
Grippers and clamping elements‐modular elements for the automation of production technology
Authors: Fröhlich W.
Published: February 2008

The problems of handling technology are no longer confined to robot technology alone, i.e. to specific equipment developments, insertion devices, and industrial robots, even if these are at present the main focus of attention. What is becoming increasingly significant are the problems inherent in the use of this equipment, together with solutions to the peripheral problems of whole handling systems. Equally, solutions to these problems are to be sought where no fixed or freely‐programmable handling equipment is needed, e.g. on packing‐machines or bottle‐filling plant. And the problem of “gripping” or of “clamping” workpieces or products occurs in almost all production processes.
Recognition and orientation of component profiles within the low resolution of teletext graphics
Authors: Loughlin C. , Pugh A.
Published: February 2008

Teletext as a communication and information medium has aroused considerable interest in the U.K. and the system has been under test for three years by the national television broadcasting authorities. The graphics resolution of the service is adequate for many industrial applications including orientation and inspection problems prior to robot handling. Some early work relating the medium of Teletext to profile recognition is discussed in the light of the available resolution.
Automobile body assembly line system based on module type robot application
Authors: Mishima Yutaka , Murakami Sadaji
Published: February 2008

The OKAZAKI plant of the Mitsubishi Motor Corporation started production in August 1977. The plant has adopted the latest layout which could not be developed without the concepts and manufacturing techniques accumulated for many years. Also it is equipped with a highly automated body assembly production line incorporating many industrial robots as one of the major facilities.
Industrial robots in Europe
Authors: Ciborra Claudio , Migliarese Piero , Romano Paolo
Published: February 2008

A report of a market survey carried out in Europe to identify the role of technological, economic and social factors in fostering or impeding the diffusion of industrial robots, both today and in the future.
Automated finishing of steel castings
Authors: Ray Asok
Published: February 2008

The task of metal removal from steel castings may often be repetitive, and has to be carried out in the unpleasant environment of cleaning rooms. To achieve improved productivity in metal removal, an automation concept has been developed and a machine designed to implement that concept.
Automated welding of truck cabs
Authors: Rosswell S.L.
Published: February 2008

The first application of robotic welding for assembly of commercial vehicles in the UK is claimed in this article. They were helped by using computer simulation graphics at the planning stage.
Operating and idle times for cyclic multi‐machine servicing
Authors: Baumann W. , Birner R. , Haeusler J. , Hartmann R.‐P.
Published: February 2008

When several machine tools are serviced by one industrial robot their idle times should be kept as short as possible. In this paper, a deterministic model is developed to optimise the idle time, including the possibility of machine breakdowns.
Dynamic control of industrial manipulators
Authors: Vukobratović M. , Hristić D. , Stokić D.
Published: February 2008

A method for the synthesis of dynamic control is presented. The method is based on an exact modelling of manipulator dynamics and a relatively simple synthesis of control algorithms. The authors have applied the method to a UMS‐2 industrial robot.
Now the emphasis turns to robots for arc welding
Authors: Hartley John
Published: February 2008

A combination of new machines and new companies to make them is signalling a switch in emphasis from spot welding to arc welding robots in readiness for the next wave of increased sales, though this does not mean spot welding robots are by any means dead.
More new robots help fuel Japan's new ‘robot fever’
Authors: Hartley John
Published: February 2008

A new spray painting robot and several new assembly robots have recently joined Japan's army of robots. Japan's robot fever is, however, confined to only a few industries and its robot population is not quite as people imagine.
Increasing productivity with robots in flexible manufacturing systems
Authors: Ranky P.G.
Published: February 2008

The Csepel Machine Tool Company in Budapest has installed a flexible manufacturing system in which a robot, mounted on a carriage travelling on rails, moves between a series of machining centres feeding the machines with pallets carrying components. The components, mostly gearboxes, and their pallets weight up to 1,000kg. and the robot can serve the machines in any sequence.
The socio ‐ economic impacts of industrial robots in Japan
Authors: Yonemoto Kanji
Published: February 2008

Japan is the world's leading user of industrial robots and its industrial robot association is a most active robot trade association. They publish regular statistics, this article by JIRA's executive director presents the figures and outlines the impact of robots up to the end of 1980.
Academia rules in Tokyo
Authors: Hartley John
Published: February 2008

Many academic papers were presented at the Symposium in Tokyo, but there was evidence of solid progress in welding and in one or two other areas. John Hartley reports.
History and future outlook for robots in Japan
Authors: Yonemoto Kanji
Published: February 2008

At present, Japan is the leader in the application of industrial robots, with approximately 50% of the population. This article traces some of the factors favouring this diffusion.
Off·line robot programming via standardised interfaces
Authors: Weck Dr‐Ing M. , Niehaus T.
Published: February 2008

A lack of standardisation in current robot systems makes off‐line programming difficult to attain. In Germany a system has been developed to help overcome the problem.
Robotics simulation in practice
Authors: Haffenden Alan
Published: February 2008

Using Computer Aided Robot Simulation in the development of a robotised production line.
Building welding expertise into automation
Authors: Rooks Brian W.
Published: February 2008

From its early beginnings in welding Cloos is now a fully‐fledged robot manufacturer with an advanced 24 robot four‐cell complex on order from BMW.
Robot welder boosts productivity
Authors: Mullins Peter
Published: February 2008

Wartsila of Finland has teamed up with Rosenlew Automation and Kemppi Oy in a robot welding venture
Matching automation needs with a new generation controller
Authors: Camera A.
Published: February 2008

New trends in flexible automation require new characteristics for robot controllers, the new generation of which are supporting the integration of robots into automated manufacturing environments.
A robot‐based automatic paint inspection system
Authors: Braganca C.A.J. , Claridge J.F. , Atkinson R.M.
Published: February 2008

Recent developments in robotics and vision sensors have enabled the installation of an automated paint inspection system at Austin Rover.
Letting the industrial robot take the grind
Authors: Daniels Glynne
Published: February 2008

Off‐line simulation was used to design, test and program robot motion for a new process. This minimised machine downtime and production loss.
Robots optimise waterjet cutting at Ford Genk
Authors: Müller Stefan
Published: February 2008

A pilot project at the Ford Motor Co. plant in Genk, Belgium, uses robot‐guided waterjets to cut holes in bumpers for Sierra cars.
Daewoo leads Korea into robot production
Authors: Hartley John
Published: February 2008

Arc and spot welding are the main uses for robots in Korea, as Daewoo builds up experience.
A fast, accurate package for generating robot codes
Authors: Dailly Colin
Published: February 2008

Cambridge Consultants has developed an improved approach to programming robots off‐line
OLP: the key to expanding robot usage
Authors: Pillon Gregory
Published: February 2008

The very precision of robots restricts their flexibility. Now a Canadian company is breaching these boundaries.
Robots future could be sealed up
Authors: Dempster David P.
Published: February 2008

According to experts at CRSM robots could soon be working in either a vacuum chamber on Earth or in the vacuum of outer space.
Help Mate: a service robot for health care
Authors: Evans J. , Krishnamurthy B. , Pong W. , King S. , Weiman C. , Bogardus G. , Skewis T. , Barrows B.
Published: February 2008

How one research company is helping overcome the problem of hospital staff shortages.
Mobile robots into the next century
Authors: Ulrich Piepel Dipl‐Ing.
Published: February 2008

Adding mobility to handling functions should lead to increased efficiency in manufacturing. This article examines the role of mobile robots now and in the year 2010.
Guiding the user to continuous‐path control
Authors: Rossol Lothar , Stoddard Kenneth A.
Published: February 2008

In the first part of this article in the March issue only robot motion, with the robot stopping at each programmed position, was discussed. In the second part, the problem of continuous movement through, or near, a taught position is considered.
Building the Clio
Authors: Fages Guy
Published: February 2008

Renault's super super‐mini is now in production at the Flins plant. Robots play a major role in body assembly but leave final assembly to operators.
Lasers and optical fibres in robotics
Authors: Marszalec Elzbieta , Marszalec Janusz
Published: February 2008

Integration of lasers and fibre optics into robotic systems provides new opportunities in sensing and material processing. Increased productivity and application of robots in hostile environments are other possibilities.
The real robot performance
Authors: Nowrouzi A , Kavina YB , Kochekali H , Whitaker RA
Published: February 2008

A UK research team has developed a means of quantifying the performance of robot systems. Details of the design and results achieved with a PUMA 560 are described.
Cross‐border robot systems supplier
Authors: Luttrell Carl
Published: February 2008

A Canadian company, FH Welding Machines, is a signficant supplier to the major US and US‐based Japanese automobile builders. Many of their systems incorporate robots.
Locomotion solutions for mobile robots
Authors: Belforte Guido
Published: February 2008

This review discusses various means of locomotion developed in a number of countries and concludes with the description of a mobile robot developed at the Technical University of Torino in Italy.
SOCIO‐HUMAN ECONOMY: IN SEARCH OF A PARADIGM
Authors: Pluta Leonard
Published: February 2008

Introduction The objectives of this paper are twofold. Firstly, we will define economic paradigm by identifying its structure and functions. Secondly, we will apply this concept to social economics and human economics.
ON THE ROLE OF A TRANSCENDENT IN HUMAN ECONOMY: TOWARD A NEW SYNTHESIS
Authors: Nitsch Thomas O. , Malina Bruce J.
Published: February 2008

Introduction We would like to make it clear at the outset that the present essay is not an essay in theology. Theology deals with the articulation of some symbol of the Ultimate or All, i.e. some “Theos”, or God. Rather, our concern is with humans and their perceptions and experiences of some Ultimate or All; this concern is typical of a religious studies approach. The approach of contemporary religious studies is much like the social scientific, only much more self‐conscious of the implicit cultural presuppositions and deductive principles that control its mode of producing facts from data. The social sciences usually treat data and facts as though they were one and the same. We use the religious studies approach in order to discern and assess the implications, consequences and/or impact of religion and its central symbols on human beings. In this essay our focus will not be simply on human beings, but on their ideologies and the behaviors flowing from those ideologies in the arbitrarily delineated sphere of the social called “economy”.
EVANGELIZATION AND SOCIAL PROGRESS: A CATHOLIC VIEW
Authors: Skok Rev. Charles D.
Published: February 2008

Religion and religious people have been viewed as detrimental to human and social progress. In a now classic case, Edward Gibbon's The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire held the blame for the decline of the Roman Empire squarely upon Christianity. But, among the great variety of denunciations of religion, perhaps the most acerbic criticism came from the pen of Karl Marx. He wrote:
KEYNES, POST‐KEYNESIANISM, AND THE BISHOPS' PASTORAL LETTER
Authors: Nitsch Thomas O.
Published: February 2008

The new rich of the nineteenth century were not brought up to large expenditures, and preferred the power which investment gave them to the pleasures of immediate consumption. In fact, it was precisely the inequality in the distribution of wealth which made possible those vast accumulations of fixed wealth and of capital improvements which distinguished that age from all others. … The immense accumulations of fixed capital which, to the great benefit of mankind, were built up during the half century before the war, could never have come about in a Society where wealth was divided equitably. [Sic!] — John Maynard Keynes, The Economic Consequences of the Peace (1919/20; Chap. II, sec. III), “Europe before the War,” “The Psychology of Society.”
THE BEHAVIOUR OF AGGREGATE PRIVATE CONSUMER EXPENDITURES IN ISLAMIC COUNTRIES
Authors: Metwally M.M.
Published: February 2008

A growing number of Muslim countries are expressing the desire, and even in some cases taking serious actions, to turn to strict Islamic laws and teachings in modelling their way of life including their economic behaviour. It is the purpose of this paper to investigate the economic implications of these laws i.e. the teachings of the Holy Qur'an, the traditions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad and the practices of early Muslims. In particular, some are concerned that the application of Shariah could impair the economy's ability to accumulate capital since Islamic principles aim at the establishment of a greater degree of social and economic justice through continuous redistribution of income and wealth in favour of the poor and needy. First, Islam does not favour the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few. The Qur'an says,“… in order that it (i.e. wealth) may not merely make a circuit between the wealthy among you”, secondly, Muslims must contribute a proportion of their income and wealth called “Zakat” for the use of the poor and needy. “Keep up prayer and pay Zakat” is the constant term of the Holy Qur'an. There are at least twenty‐seven passages in the Holy Qur'an where the order to pay Zakat and the order to establish prayer occur jointly. Thirdly, Islam urges the believers to spend generously in the cause of God i.e. on the poor and needy. Thus the Qur'an says, “Speak to my servants who have believed that they may establish regular prayers and spend in charity out of substance” (Chapter 14, Verse 31). The Qur'an also says, “Believe in God and His Prophet and spend in charity out of the substance whereof He has made you heirs. For those of you who believe and spend in charity is a great reward”. The reward for spending in charity is specified in Chapter 2, Verse 261, where God says, “The parable of those who spend their substance in the way of God is that of a grain of corn; it groweth seven ears, and each ear hath a hundred grains. God giveth manifold increase to whom he pleaseth; and God careth for all and He knoweth all things”. Fourthly, Islam urges the wealthy to lend God “beautiful loans” in the form of spending in charity. Thus the Qur'an says, “If ye loan to God a beautiful loan, He will double it to your credit and He will grant your forgiveness. For God is most ready to appreciate service, most forebearing”.
ALTERNATIVE CONCEPTS OF DEVELOPMENT: A CRITIQUE OF EURO‐CENTRIC THEORIZING
Authors: Mehmet O.
Published: February 2008

The Crisis of Development Studies There is little doubt that Development Studies are currently facing a crisis of relevance. This is true both at the practical level of policy as demonstrated by the crushing problems of Third World debt, structural adjustment, persistent poverty; and it is true at the plane of theory, both on the left and the right. One finds authors on the left of the ideological spectrum, such as Blomstrom and Hettne (1984) lamenting the state of gloom and cynicism in development studies. But, more surprizingly, one finds the same lament even among the more orthodox architects of postwar development, such as Hirschman who recently wrote confessionally about the “rise and decline of development economics” and who now recognizes the role of passions, as well as of interests, in economic development (Hirschman 1986).
In What Sense Must the Sciences be Grounded in Ethico‐ Religious Values?
Authors: Nicholls Roderick
Published: February 2008

Part I The International Conference on “Epistemological Foundations of Social Theory” was an intriguing step in the project of establishing a new ‘ethico‐economic’ paradigm. The conviction that a ‘value‐free’ economics is no longer adequate for understanding or living within the world we inhabit, motivated participants: the vision of such an economics is failing fast because it is rooted in a divorce between economics and the enriching influences of the other social sciences, philosophy and religion. And this divorce means economics works with a distorted representation of human nature, and consequently inhibits the achievement of social justice. Discussion and debate at the Conference clarified and explored that conviction, showing it to be a reasoned premise for an argument rather than an assumption. Successfully articulating the argument for an alternate vision of ethico‐economics, is, however, no easy task.
The Bishops' Pastoral Letter and the Poverty Problem: Early Vs. Contemporary Concerns and Doctrines
Authors: Malina Bruce J. , Nitsch Thomas O.
Published: February 2008

I. IntroductionIn their recent pastoral letter, the Catholic bishops of this country have reputedly taken a new approach in rooting their moral imperatives in the Bible. As opposed to the established, official convention of “proof‐texting”, the US bishops focus on certain biblical themes which presumably “speak to” contemporary issues and problems. Chief among these is the so‐called “preferential option for the poor”, which is attributed to both the Old and New Testaments and early Church (Christianity).