A description is given of a workhandling device which combines the benefits of a robot with the responsiveness of a human operator. Currently being used mainly for foundry and forging shop applications, its flexibility could make it a useful tool in machine shops. The machine described is a multi-axis robot/crane, hybrid. It is currently available in four sizes, for lifting loads of up to 100, 200, 500 and 1000 kg then putting them down to a positional accuracy of 3 mm - with no more effort than it takes to push a level or press a button. Because the human brain is its computer, the machine can respond to situations at a speed not possible by a robot, unless it was equipped with complex tactile or sensing devices.
