The robot and its offspring, the automated workcell, are relative newcomers in the plastics industry. This is in marked contrast to the technology＇s broader penetration in automotive, electronic, and aerospace manufacturing. However, the increasing speed and precision of the modem injection molding machine, for example, require parallel capabilities in the necessary ancillary functions, both at the machine site and downstream. Having themselves become much more precise and reliable, robots cost-effectively keep pace with overall system requirements. Look for greater application of robotics as the importance of automation in plastics manufacturing becomes more apparent.