Page 53 - Modern Robotics Building Versatile Macines

REVOLUTIONIZING INDUSTRY 33

This chart shows the estimated number of industrial robots in use as of 2004.
(Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.)

Similarly, according to an article in Robotics Online, Engelberger
is not impressed by walking robots, let alone hopping or running
ones. He believes wheels are quite adequate for most of the applica-
tions where robots are actually economically justified. Engelberger
argues that industry experts should formulate realistic, real-world
goals for robotics research, focusing on practical service applications
and the creation of “personal robots.”

Chronology

1925 Joseph Engelberger born July 26 in New York City
1946 Engelberger graduates from Columbia University School of
Engineering
1954 George Devol invents a programmable industrial robot