The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology aims to bridge the gap between pure research journals and the more practical publications on factory automation systems. It therefore provides an outstanding forum for international papers covering applications-based research topics spanning the entire manufacturing spectrum. Published papers will continue to be to a high standard of excellence. This is ensured by subjecting each paper to a strict assessment procedure by members of the international editorial advisory board. The objective is firmly to establish that papers submitted do meet the requirements especially in the context of proven applications-based research work. It is not acceptable that papers have a theoretical content alone. The journal covers the full range of advanced manufacturing technology. It therefore publishes papers on robotics; artificial intelligence including speech technology vision and tactile sensing; grippers; programmable controllers; lasers and other advanced processes; programmable assembly; flexible manufacturing systems; computer integrated manufacturing; inspection; automatic test equipment; simulation; motors controls and drives; local area networking; production planing and control; human factors; and economics.