Robots quietly take their places alongside humans on the production line to raise productivity ¿ and do the `dirty work¿

Two important features of robots-versatility and the ability to learn are discussed. The suitability of robots in a wide range of industrial processes is illustrated with several examples, emphasising the unique role of robots in improving productivity in machine-tool loading and unloading. Future trends of robots and the impact of robotics on industrialised nations are discussed.