This book draws a distinction between programmable, skilled and intelligent automation by presenting a number of examples.

The purpose of this book is to draw a distinction between programmable, skilled and intelligent automation by presenting a number of examples. The book also covers the state-of-the-art and the limitations of robotic or flexible automation technology, and emphasizes the need for greater flexibility, adaptability and autonomy. These can be achieved by the application and integration of expert systems, robotics and sensory technologies. Achievements to date in research projects such as the robot ping pong player, robot pool and snooker player and robotic butchery, among others, are presented in order to demonstrate the current level of thinking within the discipline and the potential for future advancements. These examples and others, are used to establish the needs of different industries and the commonality in system architecture between robotic automated devices used in a variety of applications where people (skilled labour) have been traditionally engaged. The book concludes by pointing to the direction for future research in the development of skilled robots. This book should be of interest to manufacturing engineers; researchers in robotics; and senior undergraduate and graduate students on automation and robotics courses.