Orders and shipments of robots in North America set new records in the first nine months of 2016, with a total of 23,985 robots valued at $1.3 billion having been ordered from North American companies in the time period, according to the Robotic Industries Association (RIA).
This figure represents a 7% increase in units and 3% in dollars over the same period in 2016, which held the previous record. Robot shipments to North American customers through September totaled 22,050 robots valued at $1.3 billion, breaking the previous record set in 2015 by 3% in units and 11% in dollars.
Growth was reportedly driven by increasing demand from automotive OEMs and component suppliers, with robot orders from these two sectors up 14% through September. Robots ordered into the food and consumer goods industry increased by 40% year over year. Approximately 269,000 robots are now in use in North American factories, third only to Japan and China, according to the RIA.
"It’s a great time to get involved with robotics," said Jeff Burnstein, President of RIA. "Today’s robotics industry offers innovative products, fulfilling employment opportunities, and competitive advantages for a wide variety of companies."
Robots will be front and center at Automate 2017, which is already more than 20% larger than the 2015 show. “Small and medium sized companies, many of whom are just now beginning to explore automation, make up the core of the Automate 2017 attendee base. This event is designed to showcase the latest and greatest innovations in automation, and we are excited for a great event in 2017.”
Pictured: Vision-based robotic system stacks tile slabs
View more information on the RIA.
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James Carroll
Former VSD Editor James Carroll joined the team 2013. Carroll covered machine vision and imaging from numerous angles, including application stories, industry news, market updates, and new products. In addition to writing and editing articles, Carroll managed the Innovators Awards program and webcasts.