Some critical areas in robotics research

The general field of robotics is briefly reviewed. Two important areas—computer vision and compliance—are identified and discussed at some length. Some comparisons between the various approaches to the vision question are made, and active and passive force measurement are contrasted. Finally some other important areas including hierarchical control, manipulators, grippers and fixture are considered. It is concluded that significant developments in robotic technology, particularly as they apply to batch manufacturing, will be forthcoming in the near future.