The International Robot Exhibition 1997

Every two years the International Robot Exhibition is held in Japan and is the biggest robotics trade show in the world. The 12th IRE took place from October 28 to 31, 1997 at the Tokyo International Exhibition Center (Tokyo Big Sight, Ariake). Apparently reflecting the recovery of the Japanese robotic business climate nearly 100 exhibitors participated in the event which attracted 155,000 visitors (compared to 140,000 at the last one). The reporter observed a new trend of the Japanese robotic industry. It is evident that efforts are being made to diversify the market into new areas. We saw new applications in the food industry, clean room environment, construction robots, etc. However, only a few intriguing innovations were to be found.