This delicacy is allowing robotics to spread into a wider variety of industries. At a plant in Wichita, Kan., due to open in November, JCB Laboratories will use robots to pick up syringes, fill them with medications and snap on caps, among other tasks. The production line, designed by ESS Technologies Inc. of Blacksburg, Va., involves three robots from Japan’s Fanuc Corp. The robots will be five to six times faster than the people who now do the work, says Brian Williamson, president of JCB, owned by Fagron NV of Rotterdam.

Using robots also will reduce the risk of human error or contamination, he says: “They’re very precise, they don’t get tired, and they only do things they’re told to do.” The robots will eliminate two jobs, Mr. Williamson says, but the workers can be redeployed to other tasks.

Fender Musical Instruments Corp. uses Fanuc robots to apply polyester and urethane coatings to guitars at a plant in Corona, Calif. A spokeswoman says the robots apply coatings faster and more consistently than people could and allow people at the plant to “focus on areas that are more crucial to the overall look, feel and sound” of the instruments. Those tasks include designing, buffing and assembly.

Some in the robotics industry see machines moving into even more industries. Per Vegard Nerseth, ABB’s global robotics chief, expects increasing demand for robots from makers of watches, razors, toothbrushes and toys. He also thinks robots could help make muffins in local bakeries, slice vegetables and meat, and wash windows.

Eoin Treacy's view

Technological innovation remains on an accelerating trajectory so it is increasingly difficult to keep up with the range of products coming to market. Robotics is susceptible to the same efficiency gains and price declines as other technologies where Moore’s Law applies so we can anticipate that robots will get better and cheaper over time. This will help the market to grow and will act as a deflationary force on the price of manufactured goods.

Robotics’ software companies have been among the better performers within the industrial automation sector for the last few months but there have been some additional moves this week that are worthy of mention.

Swiss listed ABB rallied this week to test the CHF22 area and a sustained move above that level would confirm a return to medium-term demand dominance.

Brooks Automation has held a progression of higher reaction lows since 2012 and is currently bouncing from the $11 area.

Sensata Technologies has found at least near-term support in the region of the 200-day MA.

Rockwell Automation has rallied to test its 2014 peak.

Japan listed Omron Corp hit new highs this week and a sustained move below ¥5000 would be required to question medium-term scope for additional upside.

THK has held a progression of higher reaction lows since 2012 and is currently rallying from the most recent retest of the 200-day MA.