Sony’s AIBO entertainment robot has broken all records for the number of robots sold in the shortest time period. The AIBO is an autonomous home entertainment robot with artificial intelligence. Its behavior simulates a dog’s in its ability to walk and play, with built‐in functions for...

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to provide a review of recent developments in the application of swarm intelligence to robotics. Design/methodology/approach – This paper initially considers swarm intelligence and then discusses its application to robotics through reference to a number of...

Outlines talks given at a masterclass organized by the Institution of Electrical Engineers on the theme “Intelligent automation and robotics” at Bristol University in October 1996. Briefly states the content of several speeches on subjects including: brain and perception skills; machine...

Shows how two events one week apart earlier this year pointed the way for the UK to put itself in the vanguard of the next stage of intelligent robotics development. First came the publication of a report Technology and Market Review of the Robotics Sector which studied the state and prospects...

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an insight into the present-day state of bin picking by considering research, technology, products and applications. Design/methodology/approach Following a short introduction, this first provides examples of recent bin picking research. It then...

Purpose This paper aims to provide an insight into the current state of cloud robotics developments, technology and applications. Design/methodology/approach Following a short introduction, this paper first considers the potential benefits of cloud robotics. It discusses cloud service providers...

Purpose This paper aims to provide details of recent commercial and technological developments that are driving robotic warehouse automation. Design/methodology/approach Following a short introduction, this first provides a commercial background and identifies the factors driving the market...

Purpose The purpose of this study is to analyze the robot trends of the next generation. Design/methodology/approach This paper is divided into two sections: the key modern technology on which Europe's robotics industry has built its foundation is described. Then, the next key megatrends were...

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide details of recent developments in agricultural robots with an emphasis of those that address labour shortages and environmental issues. Design/methodology/approach Following an introduction which highlights some of the challenges facing the...

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a detailed insight into the global military robot industry with an emphasis on products and their applications. Design/methodology/approach Following an introduction which includes a brief historical account, this provides an industry overview,...