Using Java awt. Robot simulation backspace key

Using Java awt. There seems to be a problem with robot's simulated backspace key

This thread seems to confirm this, but it does not propose a solution

This works:

Robot rob = new Robot();
rob.keyPress(KeyEvent.VK_A);
rob.keyRelease(KeyEvent.VK_A);

This is not:

Robot rob = new Robot();
rob.keyPress(KeyEvent.VK_BACK_SPACE);
rob.keyRelease(KeyEvent.VK_BACK_SPACE);

Any ideas?

Solution

It seems to work in this test

Appendix: about the quoted article, "don't rely on the values of VK constants except those keys defined in the Java language (VK enter, VK back space and VK tab). Sun reserves the right to change these values as needed. Adapt to the wider keyboard in the future." – java.awt.event.keyevent

public class RobotTest {

    public static void main(String[] args) {
        EventQueue.invokelater(new Runnable() {
            public void run() {
                new Robottest().create();
            }
        });
    }

    private void create() {
        JFrame f = new JFrame();
        f.setDefaultCloSEOperation(JFrame.EXIT_ON_CLOSE);
        f.setLocationRelativeTo(null);
        f.setLayout(new FlowLayout());
        f.add(new JTextField(8));
        final JButton b = new JButton();
        f.getRootPane().setDefaultButton(b);
        b.addActionListener(new ActionListener() {
            public void actionPerformed(ActionEvent e) {
                b.setText("@" + e.getWhen());
            }
        });
        f.add(b);
        f.setSize(256,128);
        f.setVisible(true);
        dotest();
    }

    private void dotest() {
        try {
            Robot r = new Robot();
            int[] keys = {
                KeyEvent.VK_T,KeyEvent.VK_E,KeyEvent.VK_S,KeyEvent.VK_T,KeyEvent.VK_Z,KeyEvent.VK_BACK_SPACE,KeyEvent.VK_ENTER
            };
            for (int code : keys) {
                r.keyPress(code);
                r.keyRelease(code);
            }
        } catch (AWTException ex) {
            ex.printStackTrace(System.err);
        }
    }
}