Robotics in 1984

Abstract

An often asked question is “Where does the UK stand in the field of robotics?”. An honest answer to this would be “Probably, dead last ” However, judging by the attendance and visitors to the Robots 79 conference and exhibition held in Nottingham last March and the growth of the British Robot Association over the past 18 months the UK is becoming very much aware of the benefits of robotics. Another question that is also put, which is a leading one, “Isn't the slowness of the UK in adopting robotics the result of trade union resistance?” Whilst UK union leadership is something apart it is doubtful if it is the nub of the problem. Almost universally around the world management is more worried about robotics than are the unions. Management in the executive suite talking about robots thinks they're talking dirty. Instead they might better have been open in discussing the introduction of robots with union people, telling them of the benefits and of the productivity gains and of the manner in which the product is to be introduced.

Citation

Engelberger, J.F. (1979), "Robotics in 1984", Industrial Robot, Vol. 6 No. 3, pp. 115-119. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb004755