Machine vision market grows five percent

Sales of machine vision components and systems in North America climbed five percent in 2011 to nearly $1.9 billion, according to figures released by the AIA (Automated Imaging Association; Ann Arbor, MI, USA), the industry’s global trade group.

“We’re encouraged by the growth of the market in 2011,” says Jeff Burnstein, president of the AIA. “As vision becomes more critical to a growing number of industries we expect to see continued growth in both manufacturing and non-manufacturing sectors.”

“The growth in machine vision sales in 2011 was consistent with the historical trend line of this market. Year after year, sales continue to increase along this trend line because of machine vision’s powerful value proposition of increased efficiency, enhanced product quality and greater cost containment,” added Paul Kellett, the AIA’s director of Market Analysis.

Kellett noted that sales of machine vision components, including smart cameras grew 13 percent. Application specific systems grew just two percent. He also pointed out that the first half of the year was much stronger than the second half, as overall economic growth began to slowdown.

AIA’s Quarterly Machine Vision Sales Tracking Report is available free of charge to AIA members participating in the AIA’s sales data program. In addition to its sales tracking report, the AIA prepares market opportunity studies, which it makes available to all AIA members free of charge on Vision Online.

Founded in 1984 to advance the understanding and use of imaging and vision technologies and to drive global expansion and growth through education and promotion, the AIA represents over 325 vision suppliers, system integrators, users, researchers, and consulting firms from 32 countries.

--by Dave Wilson, Senior Editor, Vision Systems Design