EXERCISE 20

     Predictions of many robots in industry have yet come true.For ten years or more,manufacturers of big robots have explained how their machines can make industry more competitive and productive.The maker for _1__ robots is oversupplied now,and the driving force of the robotics revolution is _2__ to be with maker of machines that handle a few kilos at most.

     "Heavy-robot manufacturers are in some difficulty __3_ finding customers.They are offering big __4_ just to get in the door.There has been a _5__ growth everywhere in the numbers of robots,so we admit we are either deceiving __6_ or that the market is slowly growing."said John Reekie,chairman of Colen Robotics."The following things must happen__7_ the robotics revolution to occur.We must achieve widespread robot literacy._8__ there has been a computer __9_ program,there must be a robot literacy program.__10_,some kind of artificial intelligence needs to be _11__.

     Colen makes educational robots and machine tools.It is small _12__ with companies like ASEA or Fujitsu Fanuc. But Colen with others in departments in universities such as Surrey,Manchester,and Durham posses an advantage _13__ the giants.The big companies sell very expensive _14__ to businesses with expert knowledge in automation.The _15__ companies make robots for teaching people,and now they have realized that there is a need for small,__16_ robots that they can meet.

     The little companies either bring their educational machines _17__ an industrial standard or design from the start.One technique that they all adopt is to choose __18_ components where possible.The major cost of making __19_ their models is the electronics,which will fall in price.There is _20__ scope for reductions in mechanical costs.The use of standard parts,which are easily replaced,should give these robots a mechanical life of something in the order of five years.