Purpose This paper aims to illustrate the growing role of robots in the electronics industries. Design/methodology/approach Following a short introduction, this paper discusses robotic applications and products in three sectors of the electronics industry: semiconductor processing, printed...

Purpose – The purpose of this two-part paper is to illustrate how sensors impart robots with perceptive capabilities. This first part considers robots that interact with humans and which seek to mimic human intentions. Design/methodology/approach – Following a short introduction, this paper...

Purpose This paper aims to provide details of a number of recent and significant agricultural robot research and development activities. Design/methodology/approach Following an introduction, this first provides a brief overview of agricultural robot research. It then discusses a number of...

Purpose This paper aims to provide technical details of humanoid robot developments from the 1970s to the present day and to consider their potential applications and prospects. Design/methodology/approach Following an introduction, this first identifies the motivations for developing humanoid...

Purpose This paper aims to show how robotic technology is being used to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach Following a short introduction, this discusses the role of robots in the following COVID-related applications: disinfection, checking human temperature, monitoring...

Purpose This paper aims to provide details of recent developments in robotic tactile sensing. Design/methodology/approach Following a short introduction, this paper first provides an overview of tactile sensing effects and technologies. It then discusses recent developments in tactile sensing...

Purpose – This article aims to discuss the potential of robots to assist the disabled and the elderly and to highlight some of the associated ethical issues. Design/methodology/approach – Following an introduction, this considers robotic wheelchairs and exoskeletons, companion robots,...

Purpose – This paper aims to provide details of a major new European robotic research programme and of a recent survey concerning the attitudes of Europeans to robotic technology. Design/methodology/approach – Following an introduction, this paper briefly summarises Europe’s position...

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to illustrate how sensors impart perceptive capabilities to robots. This is the second part of a two-part article. This second part considers positional awareness and sensing in the external environment, notably but not exclusively by autonomous, mobile...

Purpose This paper aims to illustrate how the growth in e-commerce has catalysed innovative developments in robots for use in warehouses. Design/methodology/approach Following a brief introduction to e-commerce and warehouse robots, this first paper discusses Amazon’s involvement with robotic...