Book excerpt: The RO MAN SY Symposia have played an important role in the development of the theory and, to a lesser extent, the practice of manipulators, walking machines and robots. Based on past experience of previous symposia, which have been held over the last 10 years, the problem arose as to what to do in the future. In other words, in what direction should further symposia be organized? A panel discussion called 'Role of RO MAN SY Symposia' was held on 29 June 1984 during the final plenary session at CISM, Udine, Italy. The Members of the Organizing Committee, Professors Konstantinov, Morecki, Roth, Vukobratovic and Vertut, and other participants were asked to give their opinions on the follow ing important questions: • should we organize future symposia? if we continue, which form should we choose?: small (60-70 participants, • 35-40 invited papers); big (100-150 participants, 60-80 papers) • what kind of topics should be included?: the more theoretical-oriented; more practical-oriented; both (what proportion?) • how frequently should RO MAN SY Symposia be organized?: every other year; every third year is working well and what should be maintained? • what • what is not working well and what should be changed to increase the impact of the symposia? would like to underline that most of the participants agree that we should con tinue to hold our symposia every other year, but to limit their small form, with invited papers at high theoretical level only in mechanics, control of motion,