Industrial Robots in Toyota Manufacturing

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Introduction
The concept of robotics is one that has been embraced in many fields. Robotics has many areas of application ranging from food and beverage to manufacturing and assembly. The basic functions and actions of robots include the ability to sense (Forge, et al. 19). The second robotic function is the ability to think through complex programming and processing capabilities (Forge, et al. 19). The third robotic function is the ability to act with immediate effect (Forge, et al. 19). Toyota has been instrumental in implementing robotics in its manufacturing plants for a variety of reasons.
History of Robotic Technology at Toyota Motor Corporation
Toyota Motor Corporation has made huge investments towards robotics in its manufacturing facilities. According to Nof (11 - 18), Toyota started investing in robotics as early as 1970s but huge strides were made in 1980s. In 1970s this concept was in trial phase with numerous challenges emanating from its implementation (Umetani and Iwasa 11; Nof 11). However, in 1980, Toyota entered into fully-fledged robotic practices that led to an increase in demand for robots in the market (Umetani and Iwasa 11; Nof 11). At the inception, Robots manufactured by Toyota were designed for painting and welding applications (Umetani and Iwasa 11; Nof 11).
Later, Toyota expanded the scope of application of robotics to include in-house robotic technology for automated assembly line (Umetani and Iwasa 13; Nof 12). This included functionalities like heavy lifting and transportation of ergonomically challenging or heavy objects from sector to the next (Umetani and Iwasa 13; Nof 12).
As years progressed, Toyota started developing collaborative robots whose function is to mount spare tires (Umetani and Iw...

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... Robotics Industry. Spain: Publications Office of the European Union. 2010. Print.
Gray, John O. and Darwin G. Caldwell. Advanced Robotics & Intelligence Machines: Collection of Jamie and Michael Kassler Issue 51 of IEE control Engineering Series Volume 51 of Institution of Electrical Engineers: IEEE Control Engineering Series. California: IET. 1996. Google Books. Web. Feb 28 2014.
Kennedy, Scott. Foreign-based Companies Investing in the U.S. Auto Industry. U.S.: Office of Aerospace and Automotive Industries, International Trade Administration, & U.S. Department of Commerce. 2007. Print.
Nof, Shimon Y. Handbook of Industrial Robotics, Volume 1: Electrical and Electronic Engineering. 2nd ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 1999. Google Books. Web. Feb 28 2014.
Umetani, Yoji, and Yukio Iwasa. Chapter 2: Robotics in Japan: Emerging Trends and Challenges. 1999. Print.

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