Motives for the Publication of the "Journal of Robotics and Mechatronics" and Fundamental Coverage

Kazoo Yamafuji

Several successful results of research and technology attained for the last two decades in the fields of high-level science and technology have produced a considerable effect all over the world. Their infiltration into industrial fields has led to the promotion of high economic growth in several countries. Above all, the accelerated economic progress seen in the East Asian countries is noteworthy. It is however regrettable that these countries have functioned up to date as recipients of technological information, but as unimportant suppliers of information.

It is noted in particular that total number of researchers and engineers in Japan is equal to that of all the EC countries, and is next to the United States in respect of the huge scale of funds allotted to research and development. Recently in Europe and America, the research results in such a situation are not only highly appreciated but also taken many times as a warning of Japan's challenge in the field of high-technology. Meanwhile, Korea, Taiwan and China, with their efforts in accordance with their national policy formulated with a view to attaining a high-degree of industrial structure and promoting education related to science and technology, will become possibly formidable industrial countries in the near future not only for Japan but also for the Occidental countries. The emergence of East Asian countries in the fields of science and technology cannot be neglected. In spite of that, their results in the fields is unfortunately not thoroughly known to the world.

The main cause being the linguistic difficulty, coupled with unfamiliarity or unskillfulness, we Japanese are hesitant in making research results public in English. However, the economic upswing in the East Asian countries is an important aspect in world history, leading to expectations in the West of a greater share of responsibility for these nations. In view of this situation, we, engaged in research and development of robotics and mechatronics, are now determined to be senders or dispatchers of information related to this field.

It is not permissible to confine this information within specific countries or areas. Accordingly, we intend to make a worldwide contribution by publishing a journal, although based on the situation in Japan, containing excellent results and information sources related to robotics and mechatronics. Encouraged by the strong support and encouragement for our project by a number of prominent researchers and engineers in several countries including those in Europe and America, we decided to launch this journal on the following basic lines.

(1) This is an English journal on robotics and mechatronics, and from Japan, covers the whole world.

(2) We intend to develop this magazine into one of the most important information resources among those who are interested in robotics and mechatronics.

(3) It covers highly practical technologies as well as the latest academic research.

(4) Research papers and development reports are screened by more than one editor.

(5) Priority is given to creative syntheses and technological developments, rather than to analytic theses.

(6) Latest topics, exciting news, statistics-based industrial technology trends and other interesting articles are carried frequently.

(7) This magazine is a bimonthly, in which several special editions will be complied a year, featuring important technological developments.

For the present, this magazine focuses on major R&D and technological advances in Japan. In the near future, however, we intend to include overseas information, too. Our goal is to develop this specialist magazine into a highly rated worldwide magazine. We hope that you will participate in the development by contributing to this magazine on your research results and news.