Purpose: Knowing the students' readiness for the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) is essential to producing competent, knowledgeable and skilled graduates who can contribute to the skilled workforce in the country. This will assist the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to ensure that their graduates own skill sets needed to work in the 4IR…

Discusses why educators should not rush headlong into creating robotics curricula and suggests methods of establishing meaningful courses. Indicates that the solution to the problem of building a robotic curriculum is to incorporate the three major areas of robotics (design, operations, maintenance) into existing curricula where they best fit. (JN)

Proposes that full automation is the best current option for the United States' manufacturing industries. Advocates increased use of electronics, robotics, and computers in the establishment of unmanned factories. Implications of this movement are examined in terms of labor, management, and the structure of the economy. (ML)

Discussed is the blurring of humans and machines into a Conscious Technology civilization. Discussed are the leading indicators of this trend, the explosion of human consciousness, policy implications of this view, and this view as a criterion for policy analysis and future product development. (KR)

The impact of robotics in education is discussed in terms of academic assistance to industry in robotics as well as academic problems in handling the demands put upon it. Some potential solutions that can have lasting impact on educational systems are proposed. (JN)

Describes some of the program characteristics and activities in the Technology Education Program at Bellevue High School (Washington). Discusses the programs involvement with robots, lasers, plotters, and computers. (TW)

Surveys the current status of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Discusses intelligent tutoring systems, robotics, and applications for educators. Likens the status of AI at present to that of aviation in the very early 1900s. States that educators need to be involved in future debates concerning AI. (CW)