North American Robotics Industry Up 20% in First Nine Months Dec 18, 2012

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The North American-based robotics industry new orders were up 20% in the first nine months of 2012, according to data from the Robotic Industries Association.

RIA reported that 16,363 robots, with a value of $1.1 billion, were ordered through September 2012 by companies in North America - up 20% in units and 29% in dollars over the first nine months of 2011. When numbers from outside North America are included, the totals reach 18,844 robots at a value of $1.25 billion.

Automotive OEMs and component suppliers remain the robotics industry's biggest customers, accounting for 64% of the new orders through the third quarter. Sales to these two segments were up 45% through September. Metalworking industry robot orders were up 13% and life sciences/pharmaceutical/biomedical were up 4%.

"Interest across a wide range of both manufacturing and non-manufacturing companies continues to build and will provide the foundation for long-term industry growth," said John Dulchinos, President and CEO at Adept Technology, who chairs the RIA Statistics Committee and serves on the RIA Board of Directors.

RIA estimates that 225,000 robots are now at use in United States factories, putting the U.S. second only to Japan in robot use.

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