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The purpose of this paper is to review the National Plastics Exposition 2009, Plastics Show held in Chicago, IL, with emphasis on robots, end‐of‐arm‐tooling and their application in the plastics industry.

The approach takes the form of in‐depth interviews with suppliers of robots, injection molding machines, system integration of robots into plastic processing applications and suppliers of controls 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.

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

Briefly reviews previous literature by the author before presenting an original 12 step system integration protocol designed to ensure the success of companies or countries in their efforts to develop and market new products. Looks at the issues from different strategic levels such as corporate, international, military and economic. Presents 31 case studies, including the success of Japan in microchips to the failure of Xerox to sell its invention of the Alto personal computer 3 years before Apple: from the success in DNA and Superconductor research to the success of Sunbeam in inventing and marketing food processors: and from the daring invention and production of atomic energy for survival to the successes of sewing machine inventor Howe in co‐operating on patents to compete in markets. Includes 306 questions and answers in order to qualify concepts introduced.

Presents the findings of a longitudinal study of robot usage in Australia. The first stage was completed in 1990 and the second in 1993. In 1990, 74 companies were requested to give an interview, of which 32 agreed. The response rate was therefore 43 per cent. Of the 112 companies surveyed in 1993, 58 responded, giving a 52 per cent response rate. These companies had employee numbers ranging from ten through to 10,000 and included the general manufacturing, automotive, plastics moulding and electronics industries. Most of the findings were in favour of the adoption of industrial robots for Australian industry as it contributed to manufacturing competence. Some shortcomings in robot technology which were identified included; the capital outlay required, programming difficulties, availability of service and the current capacity of robot vision systems. The benefits of robots identified included productivity, flexibility, safety and quality increases.

14.5% more robots were installed in France during 1988 than during 1987 but the automobile industry remains the major sector user. Anna Kochan reports.

This paper describes the benefits of vision guided robotics when applied in four industrial manufacturing case studies relating to plastics industries. These include trimming, welding, degating and deflashing operations.

The purpose of this paper is to review the robots at the 2007 ATExpo Show and related Electronics Assembly Show, Quality, PlasTec and National Manufacturing Week Shows, as well as at the FABTECH Show and the Rockwell Automation Show held in Chicago.

The paper incorporates in‐depth interviews with robot exhibitors, as well as suppliers of accessories such as grippers and simulation software.

Each show brings forth innovations in robotics. After many decades of robot developments, the well‐spring of innovation never seems to dry up.

If an application cannot appear to be addressed by the robot of the day, wait until tomorrow and suppliers will step forward with answers. After more than four decades of robot development, they continue to get smarter, much faster and better adapted to application requirements. There is no longer a one robot “fits all” answer.

This paper provides information on prevailing trends in the robot industry which solve an increasing number of application needs.

Describes the benefits of using robots to unload injection moulding machines and the various robot configurations that can be applied. The use of robots to assist in the manufacture of injection moulded loading doors for domestic washing machines is given as an example.

The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of robotic cutting techniques and applications.

This paper firstly describes the main cutting techniques used with robots and subsequently discusses robotic cutting applications, giving examples of specific uses.

This paper shows that robotic laser, water‐jet, ultrasonic, plasma and oxy‐gas cutting techniques are used in a wide range of industries on materials which include plastics, metals, fabrics, foodstuffs and even human tissues. The use of a particular technique reflects application‐specific factors such as material, thickness, precision, cut quality and cutting speed.

Provides an introduction to robotic cutting techniques and their applications.