N. American robotics have strongest Q1 ever
By Canadian Packaging Staff
Automation Robotics North American robotics industry Robotic Industries Association (RIA)Figures from Robotic Industries Association show robotic orders continue to rise.
Ann Arbor, Michigan – North American robotics companies shattered previous opening quarter (Q1) records for robots ordered and shipped in 2013.
According to data compiled by the Robotic Industries Association (RIA), the industry’s trade group, a total of 5,833 robots valued at $341.2 million were ordered from N.A robotics companies through March 2013, an increase of 14.5 per cent in units over the same period in 2012 and 10 per cent above the previous Q1 record set in 2005.
RIA says Q1 shipments to North American customers totaled 5,736 robots valued at $369.5 million, breaking the previous records for an opening quarter set in 2012 by 24.6 per cent in units and 23.3 per cent in dollars.
The activity was especially strong in automotive components, food & consumer goods, semiconductor & electronics, life sciences & pharmaceuticals, and plastics & rubber, all of which posted double digit growth year over year.
“It is great to see the record demand for robots continuing into 2013, following our record-breaking year in 2012,” says IRA president Jeff Burnstein. “While activity continues to be strong with automotive OEMs and tier suppliers, the real story is the resurgence of other industries. Non-automotive orders grew 15 per cent over 2012.”
The biggest unit growth in applications came from arc welding (46.2%) and material handling (25.1%), both of which have historically been two of the strongest applications for robotics.
The RIA estimates that some 228,000 robots are now at use in U.S., placing it second only to Japan in robot use.
“Many observers believe that only about 10 per cent of the U.S. companies that could benefit from robots have installed any so far,” Burnstein notes, “and among those that have the most to gain from robots are small- and medium-sized companies.”
Founded in 1974, RIA represents some 300 companies, including leading robot manufacturers, component suppliers, system integrators, end users, research groups and consulting firms.
The RIA’s quarterly statistics report is based on data supplied by member companies representing an estimated 90 per cent of the North American market.
For more information on RIA and the robotics industry, visit Robotics Online, or call RIA headquarters at 734-994-6088.
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