SINGAPORE--Engineers at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) here have developed a robotic system that can autonomously assemble an IKEA chair. The machines feature off-the-shelf components, such as 3D cameras and robotic arms equipped with parallel grippers.

Engineers at Harvard University have developed soft robots that can sense touch, pressure, movement and temperature. The devices feature embedded sensors that were inspired by nature and the human body's sensory capabilities.

For manufacturers, the product-miniaturization trend is kind of a Catch-22. They know that serving a large and ever-expanding marketplace ensures company growth—so long as their robots can precisely place ever-smaller parts into subassemblies, final assemblies or packaging. Specially designed small grippers and vacuum cups have enabled many manufacturers to achieve both goals.

There are many factors that play a role in choosing the proper drive mechanism for your automation equipment.

The choice of pneumatic or electric actuators involves an evaluation of performance, component costs, system costs and productivity gains.