Noted actor and film director Mel Brooks told viewers often in his 1981 film “History of the World Part I” that “it’s good to be the king.” What he failed to say, though, is that it’s hard to stay the king, or leader, of a big industry for a long time.

PLEASANTON, CA—A Chinese explosives manufacturer has placed a $1.1 million order with Adept Technology Inc. for its Quattro s650 delta-style robots. Shenzhen King Explorer Science & Technology Co. will use the robots on its automated packaging lines.