: Schraft, R.D.

Abstract
Flexible automation in assembly is only just beginning. Today flexible automation solutions in the field of assembly are only possible using robots. The introduction of the Scara robot has brought about a change, but it also requires products to be designed to meet assembly requirements. There are already numerous examples of successful robot installations, and it is expected that these will increase dramatically over the next few years throughout the world. An important prerequisite for this anticipated increase are flexible periperal solutions, the availability of sensors relevant to assembly and a user surface for this equipment which is easy to operate. The limitations of the current technology of small industrial robots prevent them from scaling up to big robots. A new, quite difficult and risky approach has to be exercised. Applications for large manipulators do exist.