Purpose – This paper aims to focus on cybernetic transportation systems (CTS) due to their effectiveness for solving mobility problems in cities. A new mobility concept is proposed which allows to attain the same flexibility of the private passenger car but with much less nuisances. It is...

Purpose – A minimum‐time path‐following algorithm for industrial robots is presented in this paper. Design/methodology/approach – The algorithm generates off‐line a trajectory that, by exploiting knowledge of the dynamic model, takes into account the actuators' torque limits while...

Purpose – To report on the technical and market status of robotic lawnmowers. Design/methodology/approach – The main manufacturers and models are named, and the general characteristics of small robotic lawnmowers are given, followed by a detailed account of the capabilities of a top‐end...

Purpose – To study the advantages of a modular approach to packaging‐machine design. Design/methodology/approach – Introduces the modular approach of this German company, with particular emphasis on its packaging robots and vision system. Uses a selection of food and pharmaceutical...

Purpose – This paper seeks to describe a new flexible, robot‐based welding line, installed at an American DaimlerChrysler vehicle assembly plant. Design/methodology/approach – This paper first considers the motivations behind flexible manufacturing strategies (FMSs) and then describes a...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on new technology concerning multi‐arm robots. Design/methodology/approach – The operating details of tread base multi‐arm robots are discussed. Comparisons to traditional robot are made. Application areas are outlined. Findings – Tread...