Also, in a flat basic food market, clothing sales increased 10%, and small electricals were up 24%.

BBC: Sainsbury's tells shoppers�� story

While the suction hand does not work well with porous objects (clothing) or flat items, such as disks, it can pick up most hard objects, including glasses or bowls.

FORBES: Welcome, with a Nod to Robotics

Clothing sales in Britain are flat and retailers fear that worse lies ahead.

ECONOMIST: Textiles

Consumers' acceptance of Wal-Mart's flat-screen TVs and other expensive gizmos is a stark contrast to their rejection of its higher-end clothing.

FORBES: Toy Scare Could Help Wal-Mart