大部分工业机器人采用的都是七十年代发展起来的数字控制技术。这样,这些机器人和它们的内部硬件都依赖于译释控制信号的主计算机,典型的是把主机装于机箱并放于远处,数据译释、传送和通讯要经过连接计算机和机器人的电缆。象这样的机器人一般价值50000美元至70000美元,这对许多小工厂主是望尘莫及的。 Most industrial robots use digital control technology developed in the seventies. Thus, these robots and their internal hardware rely on the host computer interpreting the control signals. Typically, the host computer is placed in a chassis and placed in a remote location. Data interpretation, transmission, and communication go through the cables that connect the computer to the robot. Such robots are generally worth 50,000 to 70,000 U.S. dollars, which is unattainable for many small factory owners.