The barriers to widespread use of intelligent robots and manufacturing machines

Abstract

The theme of this presentation is that technical barriers exist that have prevented widespread industrial use of intelligent robots and manufacturing machines. These barriers must be successfully addressed for major progress to occur in these fields. Each barrier is identified and discussed, current research projects addressing each barrier in that area are presented, and opinions expressed as to how that barrier will be removed. This paper presents some current industry/university cooperative research results that reinforce the author's view; nine selected projects will be highlighted. Areas of special interest are presented including intelligent robots, intelligent machines, adaptive control structures, the potential of neural nets, the influence of cognitive processes, and the potential for autonomous machine operation in the factory of the future. Some comments on the mechanisms needed for successful industry/university cooperative research are offered.