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The purpose of the paper is to provide an overview of the legal implications which may be relevant to the ethical aspects of emerging technologies, to explore the existing situation in the area of legal regulation at EU level, and to formulate recommendations for the lawmakers.

The analysis is based on the premise that the law is supposed to invoke moral principles. Speculative findings are formulated on the basis of analyzing specific emerging technologies; empirical findings are based on a research conducted in the whole legal corpus of the EU.

In the area of network‐based technologies the already existing and elaborated legal frameworks can be used in an extended manner; artificial intelligence‐based technologies call for alterations in several branches of law; while interface technologies show the difficulty and complexity of regulating interdisciplinary fields. The legal implications of emerging technologies have attracted only a minimal legislative attention in the competent bodies of the EU.

The paper provides a systemic approach towards transmitting ethical norms to the application of emerging technologies through legal regulation, and formulates detailed recommendations in various areas of such technologies.

The advent of robotics and automation technologies was augmenting firm initiatives to attain competitive advantage. From a resource-based view perspective, human-led capabilities were important to operate with technology resource base of an organisation. This was evident for both manufacturing as well as services firms. However, employees as an individual confronted technology anxiety (TA) when they were working with new technologies like robotics and automation technologies. Thus, the purpose of this paper was to examine the factors causing TA.

Given the novelty of this research study context a qualitative exploratory method was designed. For this research study, the data collected was through in-depth interviews conducted through open-ended semi-structured questionnaire. The data was collected from 62 frontline employees who were working with robotics and automation-based technologies in manufacturing firms. The authors applied thematic content analysis on collected data for analysis.

Technology anxieties ranged from fear of complete inability to learn new technologies, failure to learn new technologies properly, incapability to implement the learned skills and job loss to younger technology savvy employees. Finally, there was anxiety over job loss as automation and robotic technologies over the years was expected to erode the employment of human workforce altogether.

The author undertook the research study based upon the TA perspective advocated by Meuter et al. (2003) and Yang and Forney (2013). Furthermore, this research study in the context of robotics and automation-based technologies in the manufacturing sector applied the mental accounting theory (Thaler, 1999) and technology self-efficacy perspective (Huffman et al., 2013).

Managers involved in the implementation of robotics and automation-based technologies were required to address TA of employees. Fear of job loss had to be addressed specially in a country like India. Anxiety regarding the ability to learn to work with robotics and automation technologies also was needed to be addressed by managers through adequate training and time for preparation. The benefits of robotics and automation-based technologies for employees as well as organisations have to be ascertained through open communication between the management and the frontline employees.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this was one of the first empirical research studies which deliberated regarding TA in the context of frontline workers working with robotics and automation-based technologies in the manufacturing sector. This research study was based upon a combination of varied perspectives ranging from micro foundations theory, TA, mental accounting theory and technology self-efficacy perspective.

The Internet is an integral part of library service that can take many forms – an extension of library collections and resources through licensed and/or digitized content, a gateway service through public access workstations, or as a means through which customers can interact with the library through such services as digital reference. Along with these evolving forms of electronic library services, there is a need to examine our ability to engage in a multi‐faceted assessment of network‐based information services and resources that includes input/output evaluation approaches as well as those grounded in service quality, outcomes, and other frameworks as determined by the data needs of the library. Information professionals, and those relying on information professionals, face a number of challenges in the networked information resources and services environment. Meeting these challenges requires a variety of issues and strategies for libraries to consider, particularly when engaging in evaluation activities.

Discusses strategies for implementing modern knowledge management curricula in academic programs for adult professionals. References the perspectives of multidisciplinary curricula covering information and society; multimedia and hypermedia; electronic information design and presentation; and infrastructure development and implementation. The analysis assumes the increasing involvement of highly trained professionals in adult education programs; the continuing growth of corporate universities in scope and breadth; the integration of corporate programs with traditional colleges and universities; and the increasing use of the Internet as a mechanism to coordinate, supplement, support, and integrate learning experiences. Advances historical and pedagogical methodologies as a means to provide perspective and structure for program development and future research. References an information technology (IT) program for mid‐career information managers in Northern California and serving the high‐technology area known as Silicon Valley.

The aim of this study was to develop a new generation of automatic systems based on cutting-edge design and practical welding physics to minimize downtime caused by defects and machine faults on the barges. Automatic welding has been used frequently on offshore pipeline projects.

An automated welding robot system for sub-sea pipeline installation was constructed. The system utilized the double-car double-torch welding, which is light-weight and compact, suited for offshore applications. Several state-of-the-art technologies were integrated into the control system design, including a heterogeneous network based on EtherCAT technology, network communications based on CANopen, motor synchronization, all-position welding, etc. In addition, the utilization of the CAN bus reduced the number of cable lines and increased the extensibility of the proposed welding robot system. An internal clamp with copper shoes assured a nice root weld and narrow bevel design and the welding efficiency was improved accordingly.

The trial was carried out to verify the rationality and effectiveness of the proposed automated system. The deposition rate of the backing welding could reach 17.78 kg/h; the average time for each welding was 340 s. This system was unique in that it features a dual-torch welding head that allowed for the deposition of one run with twice as much material as a single torch head. The experiment showed that the double-vehicle double-torch mode can greatly improve the welding efficiency of pipeline installation during the welding process.

The automated welding robot system will be applied to offshore pipeline projects.

This robot is the first submarine pipeline installation welding robot to use a heterogeneous network based on EtherCAT technology. Various aspects of the submarine pipeline installation welding robot’s design and performance were discussed, including mechanical body design, control system design and welding process specification.

Considers that complexity of relationships between organizational, human and technical factors involved in any technological change increases in cases of network‐based information technologies (NBIT), due to the multiplicity of institutional levels and the diverse nature of professional and organizational groups of potential users. Suggests that, to understand NBIT integration in organizational settings and practices, we must focus on the significance that various actors involved invest in the innovation. Argues that networked technologies cannot by themselves induce new forms of practice and change professional attitudes and behaviour. In fact, NBIT can result in reinforcement of existing practices that were intended to be changed.

For solving the dilemma between the cognitive cost and value of the uncertainty and negative feedback loop formed by them in the knowledge transfer process, the purpose of this paper is to attempt to construct a new web‐based knowledge flow model to find an alternative diffusion path which had become the inevitable choice in achieving Industry‐University collaboration.

In view of this, based on the statistical data compilation of the Universities of Science and Technology of China from 2002 to 2008, the visual diagrams, econometric model and grey incidence model were used to analyze the situation of the technology innovation and technology transformation on the combined learning with research in Jiangsu. Then, the conceptual model and the organization management pattern for network‐based Industry‐University‐Research collaboration was put forward.

The results are convincing: the new web‐based knowledge flow model in this paper could overcome barriers in the knowledge flow process of the Industry‐University collaboration with the innovation and the integration of the cross‐border and also promote the exchange of knowledge especially for tacit knowledge and value‐added mobile and can also improve the regional technological innovation ability and technology transformation capabilities.

The paper succeeds in constructing the web‐based knowledge flow model to develop the Industry‐University collaboration and help improve regional innovation and technology transformation.

A review of safety‐technology, applicable safety‐related standards and the impact on the use of robots in industrial environments.

Technological developments are presented in safety‐related control technology, including programmable safety controllers, configurable safety controllers, safety networking and robotic safety in human environments. The technological developments are related to new and emerging safety standards.

The development of safety‐related technology and new international and European standards have fundamentally changed the way in which safety is now being engineered in industry. The introduction of new standards and revision of others have allowed safety‐related systems to utilise “state of the art” electronic, programmable, and network based technologies. New international standards are likely to include collaborative working with humans in the robotic workspace. This is set to change how robots are utilised in manufacturing environments.

The review of applicable standards and technical developments: with examples from current research and new technologies, demonstrating engineering solutions that embody the principles of the new standards.

Outlines the changes in office processes and procedures resulting from a change from paper‐based to network‐based technologies. Suggests that these changes need a review of the supply and management of office technologies. Offers simple guidelines as to how this review might be undertaken.