Abstract
The following quote was obtained by the news editors from the background informa tion supplied by theinventors: “As technology advances, various types of roboti c devices are being created for performing avariety of functions that may assis t users. Robotic devices may be used for applications involving materialhandlin g, transportation, welding, assembly, and dispensing, among others. Over time, t he manner inwhich these robotic systems operate is becoming more intelligent, e fficient, and intuitive. As roboticsystems become increasingly prevalent in num erous aspects of modern life, it is desirable for roboticsystems to be efficien t. Therefore, a demand for efficient robotic systems has helped open up a field ofinnovation in actuators, movement, sensing techniques, as well as component d esign and assembly.”