For twenty years and more, John Billingsley's research has concerned the exploitation of on-line computer systems. In Cambridge he led a team pioneering the use of multiple linked single-board minicomputers for control system simulation and for research into the optimisation of hierarchical systems. He now heads a robotics group at Portsmouth Polytechnic researching into such topics as the 'Craftsman Robot' for intelligent adjustment of a factory product, and the development of a six-legged mobile robot base. He maintains a close contact with industry, and a number of his designs are in regular production.A member of several IEE committees, he has organised many colloquia concerning robotics and microcomputer applications. He is the author of two books on experimental robotics for microcomputer enthusiasts, and for some years has organised the Euromouse Maze contest, for small robot vehicles. He has been a consultant to the BBC television series 'The Computer Programme', and to Thames Television's 'Database'.

• Chapter 1: A novel steering mechanism for legged robotsChapter 2: The use of simulation in the off-line programming of robotsChapter 3: The practical problems involved in off-line programming a robot from a CAD systemChapter 4: The application of rule based methods to inspection and quality control in a manufacturing processChapter 5: Automatic location editing of assembly robot programsChapter 6: Dynamic analysis of industrial robots using decentralised control via kinematicsChapter 7: Collision avoidance between robots operating in the same cellChapter 8: Flexible automated assembly systemsChapter 9: Autonomous assembly devices and related control strategiesChapter 10: An aid to effective off-line programming of assembly robotsChapter 11: Robot force sensing using stochastic monitoring of the actuator torqueChapter 12: Precise measurement of radial dimensions in automatic visual inspection and quality control-a new approachChapter 13: Visual feedback control for orientating parts in an assembly robot cycleChapter 14: Automation and robotisation in welding-the UK sceneChapter 15: Practical industrial low cost vision for welding robots and automated welding machinesChapter 16: A high-speed pattern recognition system for robotic applicationsChapter 17: A vision system for the identification of motor car headlamp reflectors for robotic assembly