Robots are machines designed to replace human labor. A fear of vast unemployment due to robots seems unfounded, however, since industrialization creates many more jobs and automation requires technologists to build, program, maintain, and operate sophisticated equipment. Robots possess an intelligence unit, a manipulator, and an end effector. Control is designed as either open loop (no verification of location) or closed loop (verification of location). The major uses of robots in industry are welding, machine loading, foundry, and pointing. The automobile industry, the largest user of robots, is actively pursuing automation of as many jobs as possible. The innovative manager can improve chances of successfully using robots by using a systematic approach. Three methods can determine the feasibility and correct type of robots for specific applications: (1) hire a reputable and experienced robot consultant, (2) select a robot manufacturing company, and (3) get the person most knowledgeable about the activities and processes within the company to analyze and evaluate possibilities. In a self-evaluation, a company should look at areas automation could benefit, including bottlenecks and prior and aft stations, excessive items in process, no-judgment jobs, hazardous or undesirable jobs, obsolete or worn-out equipment, and quality problems or excessive scrap. (YLB)