Abstract: A text for engineers and manufacturing managers provides background information and technical data to assist the evaluation of a corporate investment in robotics for performing heavy, difficult, boring, or repetitive specialized tasks. A summary of the technology and economics of robotics is presented, and applications of this technology to productivity improvement are discussed and illustrated. Topics include the general history of robotics and their future uses; the 1980-82 robotic market and market trends; basic robot terminology; artificial intelligence; robotics in productivity enhancement; economics of robotics; robot specifications, safety, mounting systems, and manufacturers; and robotics training. A bibliography and a 1984 listing of robot manufacturers are appended. (wz).