The paper outlines the features of an ‘intelligent’ interface based on local area network (LAN) protocols, which was designed to enable a variety of computer controlled manufacturing machines to be linked together and integrated with supervisory computers performing control, data-base and production management functions. The use of this interface provides the basis of a general solution to the problems of flexibility and efficient utilization within manufacturing environments. To illustrate the use of the interface, the paper presents some examples of the utilization of shared resources on a computer network to improve the processing facilities available at robot controllers. Also included is a brief discussion of the nature of communication with computer controlled manufacturing machines.