Today's robot control system - the computer that controls all of the motions of the robot - has difficulty in modifying the robot's behavior relative to it's working environment. In order to permit the robot to react quickly, sense data has to be processed and used by the control system in a few milliseconds. Such control systems are not yet available in commercial robots, but are being developed.
Robotic software has to be improved, especially where production and assembly are being done in small lots. Programming by teaching is too small to permit the economic use of robots. Techniques in software must be developed which will allow shop floor personnel to instruct a robot quickly and efficiently.
As with all computer installations, interfaces between systems continue to be a problem. Flexible automation and flexible manufacturing systems require the ability to interface all systems. Appropriately selected interface standards will permit this, but these not yet available.