Robots are finally receiving wide-spread attention as a means to realize the goal of automating factories. In the 1960's robot use was limited by unfavorable acquisition and operating costs and the affordable control technology limiting applications to relatively simple jobs. During the 1970's productivity of manufacturing organizations declined while labor rates increased. The control, flexibility, reliability, and manipulative capabilities of robots improved. Robots are currently used where they offer advantages in processes characterized by a high degree of order, repetition, and moderate production volumes. They, of course, produce better than humans when they have capabilities humans do not have. While robots have limited decision making capabilities, more elaborate and useful sensing systems are readily available and the affordable cost of more complex controls is enhancing robots' capability to deal with more and difficult tasks. To raise the level of understanding of the application of robot capabilities, more robotics programs are being developed in secondary and postsecondary institutions, information on productivity advances is being disseminated, and curricula in robot application and maintenance are being developed. (A bibliography and 18 pages of charts, tables, and photographs are provided.) (YLB)