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Machine tending is the oldest of applications for the Industrial Robot, and is even more economically beneficial today than it was in 1960 when the first robot was installed at a die casting machine. Robots now serve many more types of machines and a number of recent applications are described. These include injection moulding machines, machining centres, CNC lathes, cylindrical grinders and press brakes. All these cases identify the key benefit of “lights out” operation. However, the absence of operators brings the problems of unscheduled stoppages going undetected until “the day shift arrives”. One answer discussed is remote monitoring by tele‐linking the machine to a control centre. Finally, a case study is described of a polishing cell for stainless steel sanitary and catering equipment in which the robots handle the parts as well as manipulate the polishing tools.

A review of the MACH machine tool exhibition held at the NEC, Birmingham, and specifically on the robotic exhibits. Although the number of stands demonstrating robots was down on the last MACH in 2002, there were some new product releases from Rexroth Bosch, Fanuc and ABB. Two of the first applications of the new Rexroth Bosch articulate arm robot are described, as is a machine tool tending project at UK aerospace manufacturer, Centrax. One of the more popular applications at the show was press brake tending and exhibits by Amada and Edward Pearson are highlighted.

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.

In‐depth interviews with suppliers of robots, injection molding machines, system integration of robots into plastic processing applications, control suppliers and end‐of‐arm‐tooling.

The plastic injection molding industry is moving to production cells with heavy usage of robot machine tending. The need for very short cycle times drives the interest in very fast agile robots with the ability to integrate easily into the production cell approach. New technologies such as in mold labeling also drive the need for suitable robots and competent system integrators to supply successful systems.

Robot builders need to continue to develop specialized robots and tooling to match with advancements in applications in the plastic industry. Users will need to think of robots as a necessary adjunct to any injection molding application.

Presents a review of the NPE 2006, Plastics Show, Chicago, IL, with emphasis on robots, their application in the plastics industry and end‐of‐arm‐tooling.

Films Aid Machine Design. A Scottish firm of laundry engineers has perfected a system of film records as the basis on which machine design can be considered, and reports that the policy has been fully justified by results. Film records are made of a competent operator using a machine in her own manner using her own technique; this record is analysed and used as the basis of criticism from which to start building an improved unit. Slow‐motion projection allows time and motion analysis over a period of weeks when potential alterations in the technique and layout are considered.

To review the International Manufacturing Technology Show in Chicago with emphasis on innovative robot applications on display.

In‐depth interviews were conducted with exhibitors of robots as well as system integrators who apply robots to specific categories of applications.

Robots are becoming smarter with more integrated capabilities such as vision and autonomous part picking from random bin locations. They are becoming more economical, faster and more application specific. Robot system integrators are creating more efficient solutions for customers to consider.

Users who investigated robot solutions in the past and found they did not meet applications requirements should revisit robotics. Robot builders and system integrators are providing more suitable solutions that can better address application needs in a more cost‐effective manner than ever before.

SO THE Nissan Company of Kyoto has laid the foundation stone of its factory in Sunderland. An era, perhaps a new era in the history of the British Motorcar Industry is really on the way.

AN interesting comment from the Salisbury and South Wilts team of industrialists who put the first Local Productivity Council Circuit Scheme into operation in their area suggests that this scheme may prove invaluable in awakening general interest in, and in giving practical impetus to, increased productivity at all levels.

THIS being the beginning of a New Year, we are apt to reminisce. We search our memory for past happenings that might just possibly be a pointer for the future.