Mid-year robot sales data compiled by the Robotics Industries Association (RIA) proves the robot industry is doing well. According to the RIA statistics, North American robot unit sales have increased a full 40% during the first six months of 2010.
Which Industries Purchased the Most Robots:
While orders from the automotive sector rose 30%, non-automotive companies demonstrated the highest increase - 51%. The first half of 2010 saw increases in robots purchased by companies within the food, plastics, and electronics industries, to name a few.
Which Applications Saw the Most Robot Orders:
Not surprisingly, the greatest percentage of robots were purchased for arc welding applications. However, material handling robots also saw a dramatic increase in unit sales. The RIA said it expects to see this trend continue as distribution and packaging industries begin to incorporate more robots.