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Looks at the employment of robots at Triumph Motorcycles, detailing the areas in which they are used and how they are beneficial.

The purpose of this article is to explore possible contributions to the development of models to define business networks conceptually, and identify and delineate them empirically by integrating concepts and ideas from “market exchange theory” originating in the works of Alderson.

Following a conceptual discussion defining business networks as a type of exchange system, empirical data were used to exemplify and illustrate the theoretical development ideas. From data on 22 business firms collected in 1999‐2001 in the form of transcribed interviews and other print documentation, a business network as a type of exchange system was identified comprising five business entities. This case serves as illustration to the remainder of the theoretical discussions throughout the paper.

Based on a conceptualisation of business networks as a type of exchange system and a notion of interaction encompassing exchange processes stemming from both market exchange theory and social exchange theory, it is suggested that business networks can be more consistently identified and delineated empirically using this theoretical base.

The empirical case is merely illustrative, and more extensive empirical work is needed to further test the ideas of business networks as a type of exchange system. The implications to the study of markets‐as‐networks are that these ideas can be used as a basis for identification, delineation and analysis of business networks.

This paper extends Alderson's work by suggesting a fourth type of transformation: transformation in ownership, as well as by developing a typology with five resource types in the exchange system. Furthermore, it provides a conceptual tool that can be used by researchers to identify, delineate and analyse business networks and incorporates market exchange theory.

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.

STIMULATING the interest of the employee in his job has become one of the most challenging problems facing management today. Daily repetition of tasks seemingly unrelated to the end product can very quickly cause boredom and fatigue, reducing individual efficiency and lowering productivity.

The development of robotized welding is truly impressive and is today one of the major application areas for industrial robots. The first industrial robots were introduced in the early 1960s for material transfer and machine tending. Not long after that, robots were used for spot welding and in the early 1970s for arc welding as well. During the years, significant developments have taken place both concerning the robot equipment and the welding equipment to meet the different challenges within the application area. This paper describes the development and progress of robotization in welding over the years and also some projections and trends for the near future.

Following a series of acquisitions ESAB is consolidating its efforts, but increasingly it will come to depend on welding automation for growth.

In common with many engaged in engineering manufacture, the welding fabricator is under continuing pressure to increase productivity in order to remain competitive in home and international markets.

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.

Development and demonstration of an autonomous, mobile welding robot capable of fabricating large‐scale customised structures.

An autonomous welding robot has been developed under the EC Framework V Growth program. The system comprises a global vision system for part location and orientation, and a robot transport vehicle (RTV) which carries a 6‐axis robot, robot controller, welding equipment, and local sensors at the welding torch. The RTV path, robot arm motion and weld process programming are performed automatically using sensors and specially customised simulation software.

The technology developed within the project was demonstrated, in November 2004, to be capable of identifying and welding large scale customised structures as found in the earth moving equipment and bridge fabrication industries.

The project demonstrated that current sensor technology is capable of being applied successfully to autonomous robots, but further developments in sensor technology are required to improve accuracy and joint access.

The NOMAD concept of autonomous mobile robots provides an alternative solution to welding mass customised structures.

This project demonstrated, for the first time, the capability of autonomous robots to weld large scale customised structures.