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The controversy increases over which robots are best for assembly, while more very simple robots are introduced. John Hartley reports.

A report of exhibits at the Robot and Automation Show held at the NEC, Birmingham at the time of the 25th ISR. It highlights some of the new developments and products on show, leading with the description of a novel robot tube bender being exhibited for the first time. New products range from a 350kg capacity robot developed by Kuka to a high speed SCARA robot from Epson aimed at PCB odd form component placement applications currently dominated by Cartesian robots. Exhibits of software products emphasised the move to low cost PC‐based systems aimed at small robot users and systems integrators without the resources of large IT departments, notably from Deneb and BYG Systems.

This paper aims to illustrate the growing role of robots in the electronics industries.

Following a short introduction, this paper discusses robotic applications and products in three sectors of the electronics industry: semiconductor processing, printed circuit manufacture and electronic product assembly. Finally, conclusions are drawn.

The major application in semiconductor manufacture is the handling of silicon wafers during both front- and back-end processes and products include cleanroom certified multi-axis robotic arms, some mounted on mobile platforms, and automated guided vehicles. Applications in printed circuit board production include component handling and insertion, soldering, inspection, testing and packing. These exploit Cartesian, SCARA and six-axis articulated robots and cobots play an important role where automated and manual processes operate in close proximity. Electronic product assembly applications include part handling, soldering, bonding and sealing, screw driving, test and inspection and packaging. Cobots offer the benefits of a small footprint which allows deployment in the often limited space and use in proximity to humans. As yet, robotic assembly of complex electronic products such as smartphones and computers has not been realised for technical reasons.

This study provides a detailed review of robotic products and applications in three key sectors of the electronics industries.

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.

Reports from the Hanover Factory Automation show. Reviews new robots and automation systems. Highlights applications using vision. Identifies trend for off‐line programming software from robot makers.

IT IS QUITE a few years ago that we reported cases of university graduates forced to take jobs as labourers or suchlike because no other work was available. Indeed, our editorial last month dealt with such a case although that one had a much happier outcome.

Reviews the new products and processes that were exhibited at the 2001 Hanover Industry Fair. Reports on new developments in machine vision and robotic technology and identifies a trend towards higher payload robots for automotive applications.

The purpose of this paper is to review the iREX2007, the International Robot Exhibition 2007 held in Tokyo, Japan, with emphasis on new trends in the Japanese robot industry.

The paper is based on in‐depth interviews with exhibitors and also major users in attendance at the show.

The Japanese manufacturing industries that shifted their plants and established production technologies overseas are now coming back and constructing new plants in Japan. For these plants they are now trying to re‐build a new manufacturing system that will enable Japan to regain global competency. Many exhibits of robots clearly demonstrated how robotics is responding to the needs.

Robot builders need to respond to new demands from users. Robot users will need to rethink robots as a valuable tool for solving new requirements.

The paper provides information on the trend of the robot industry, reflecting new requirements from society.