Industrial electronics: Computer-based manufacturing systems, expert systems, and process controllers continue to draw attention, as does robotry for the assembly of surface-mounted components

The following advances in industrial electronics in 1985 are discussed: software for direct manufacturing of moulds for plastic parts from computer-aided design data; computer-based systems for inspecting printed-circuit boards; systems for controlling robots used in welding; X-ray systems for the nondestructive testing of metal parts for structural integrity; process controllers that can adjust to changing process conditions; and expert systems for manufacturing CMOS integrated circuits. Attention is also given to advances in robotics in Japan and to the marked increase in the number of industrial robots there.