FRAMINGHAM, Mass. & WESTBORO, Mass., Feb. 4, 2004 - IDG World Expo and Robotics Trends today announced a strategic partnership for all current and future robotics conferences and tradeshows developed by Robotics Trends. Currently, these include the Emerging Robotics Technologies and Applications Conference, scheduled for March 9-10, 2004 in Cambridge, MA (www.roboticstrends.com/events), and RoboNexus, scheduled for October 21-23, 2004 in Santa Clara, CA.

Various independent market studies have reported that the personal, service and mobile robotics markets will grow to more than $5 billion in 2005 from less than $500 million today, and are expected to show even more dramatic growth after that. The market for intelligent, mobile robots for use in the home, workplace and public places is expected to bypass the older industrial robotics market by 2005 and will eventually dwarf it.

According to Eliot Weinman, CEO of Robotics Trends, "Mobile, intelligent robots and other emerging robotic technologies have product applications that span virtually every industry and will play an increasingly integral role in improving and protecting our lives. Our corporate mission is to become the world's leading integrated media firm focused on the burgeoning personal, service and mobile robotics markets. By joining forces with IDG World Expo, a business unit of IDG, the world's leading technology media, research and event company, we will be able to provide a worldwide platform for manufacturers and end users who are engaged in these emerging markets."

David Korse, president of IDG World Expo, added, "We look forward to working with Eliot Weinman and his industry veteran team at Robotics Trends, Inc. As a producer of IT-focused conferences and tradeshows, we are excited to enter the fast growing robotics market and create a global event platform for the clients of Robotics Trends."

About IDG World Expo
IDG World Expo (www.idgworldexpo.com) produces technology-focused tradeshows, conferences and events for professionals seeking world-class education, peer-to-peer networking and one-stop comparison shopping. As the leading technology event management company, IDG World Expo leverages its experience and knowledge of technology-focused events and conferences, enabling technology companies to capture the attention and loyalty of influential buyers. IDG World Expo's portfolio of conferences and events includes Macworld Conference & Expo(R), LinuxWorld Conference & Expo(R), Bio-IT World Conference + Expo(TM), Health-IT World Conference + Expo(TM), COMNET(R) Conference & Expo, BiometricsWorld Global Series(TM), Portable Power Conference & Expo(TM) and Wireless Sensing Solutions(TM). IDG World Expo is a business unit of IDG, the world's leading technology media, research and event company.

About IDG
International Data Group (IDG) is the world's leading technology media, research, and event company. A privately-held company, IDG publishes more than 300 magazines and newspapers including Bio-IT World, CIO, CSO, Computerworld, GamePro, InfoWorld, Network World, and PC World. The company features the largest network of technology-specific Web sites with more than 400 around the world. IDG is also a leading producer of more than 170 computer-related events worldwide including LinuxWorld Conference & Expo(R), Macworld Conference & Expo(R), COMNET(R) Conference & Expo, DEMO, and IDC Directions. IDC provides global market research and advice through offices in 50 countries. Company information is available at http://www.idg.com.

About Robotics Trends, Inc.
Robotics Trends, Inc. is the world's first integrated media firm serving the burgeoning personal, service and mobile robotics marketplace. Our mission is to be the focal point for information exchange, market intelligence and events for these expanding markets, servicing our clientele through four major business divisions: Publishing and Online Media, Tradeshows and Conferences, Analyst Services and Marketing and Media Services. More information is available at http://www.roboticstrends.com.

For further information, please email info@roboticstrends.com. To contact us via telephone, please call (508) 351-6606 ext. 102.

CONTACT: Robotics Trends
Dan Kara, 508-351-6606, ext. 102
info@roboticstrends.com
or
IDG World Expo
Beth Wickenhiser, (508) 424-4855
beth_wickenhiser@idg.com
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