Citation
Wilson, M. (2001), "Chairman's report", Industrial Robot, Vol. 28 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2001.04928dab.009
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2001, MCB UP Limited
Chairman's report
Chairman's report
It is important that the IFR moves with the changing nature of the robotics community. This year has seen the IFR commence changes that will bring the organisation into a closer relationship with the membership. The changes include the creation of the European Robotics Forum to provide the opportunity for the robotics organisations in Europe to develop common activities. We are looking to strengthen the role of the supporting members (the major industrial robot suppliers) within IFR. Also, the first meeting of the embryonic Service Robotics Group was recently held in the UK. It is hoped this group will grow to represent the commercial enterprises operating in advanced and service robotics. These new groups and organisational changes provide the opportunity for many more people and organisations to become involved with and influence the activities of IFR. The robotics community has had a strong start to the new millennium. There have been many new robots and related products launched and markets have continued to grow. Robotics is becoming involved within the daily lives of people, with service robots now being launched and even toys being developed with robotic-type abilities. The next few years will see these trends continue and growth accelerate. It is therefore likely to be an exciting time for all of us. I would like to conclude my message with thanks to everybody who has contributed to the IFR over the last year.
Mike WilsonIFR Chairman