After reviewing historical developments in robotics, particularly in Europe, and the current applications in industry, The author indicates possible trends in the future as regards the expansion of industrial automation and its impact on employment. Of interest is the concept of technological consortia or ‘systems houses’ capable of understanding from a ‘system’ perspective the cost-effective implications of overall system design. The final part of the paper is concerned with the examination of goals that lead to future developments, viz. the convergence of traditionally separate technologies, new design methodologies, rational software design, harmony between different kinds of software, and a new look at education and training leading to the emergence of a new type of engineer. The author advocates a balanced emphasis on these aspects and their co-ordination.