Worldwide semiconductor manufacturing equipment spending is projected to total $38.9 billion in 2012, an 11.6 percent decline from 2011 spending of $44 billion.

An Ikea-like robotics revolution could see DIY devices being built for a wide range of functions, scientists have predicted.

The tech group is charged with establishing a forum for manufacturing engineers in the semiconductor industry to share ideas and concepts that drive and support innovation.

The Pentagon's main research agency has created the fastest-ever land robot, named "Cheetah," which can gallop at a speed of 29 kilometers per hour.

June 3 - 5, 2012

Cleveland, Ohio

May 8 - 10, 2012

Hartford, Connecticut