Robot Show 2009: music to the ears, literally

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the biannual Robot Show in Chicago with emphasis on innovative robot applications on display. Design/methodology/approach – The approach takes the form of in-depth interviews with exhibitors of robots as well as system integrators who apply robots to specific categories of applications. Findings – Robots are rapidly moving from the industrial environment into all types of service applications. They are also becoming more autonomous, more mobile, finding their own way and delivering critical loads in office, hospital, and laboratory settings and even providing security functions. Practical implications – Users who investigated robot solutions in the past and found that they did not meet applications requirements may find it is time to revisit robotics. Robot builders and system integrators are providing more suitable solutions that can better address application needs in a more cost-effective manner than ever before. Originality/value – Robots for non-industrial applications are receiving lots of attention. Many first time exhibitors at the recent biannual Robot Show featured units for personal service, healthcare, and other non-industrial applications.