As the economy recovers and more businesses realize the competitive advantages robots provide, the number of robot orders is rising steadily. North American companies are buying robots again - thousands of them!
The Robotics Industries Association (RIA) has its finger on the pulse of these developments. The most recent statistical report from the RIA combined data from all the North American based robot manufacturers.
According to the RIA, North American companies purchased 9,628 robot units (estimated value: $618.4 million) over the first nine months of this year. Compared with 2009 data, these numbers represent a 34% increase in units and a 45% increase in dollars.
Increases in robot orders didn't only come from North American companies. RIA reports an additional 1,778 robots (representing another $102.6 million) ordered by companies located outside of North American borders. When placed beside Jan-Sept. 2009 numbers, these stats show a 143% unit gain and 168% dollar increase.
What kind of businesses are purchasing all these robots? The answer might surprise you. While robot orders from automotive companies are up 18%, roughly half (52%) of the total orders are from non-automotive companies. Non-automotive orders increased 53% from last year.
Non-Automotive Industry Percentage Increase
Semiconductor/
electronics/photonics.....................124%
Metals................................................99%
Plastics and Rubber.......................62%
Life Sciences/Pharmaceuticals/
Medical Devices..............................54%
Food/Consumer Goods..................41%
Application Stats Percentage Increase
Coating and Dispensing...............78%
Arc Welding.....................................65%
Material Handling...........................60%
To discuss robotic automation solutions for your company, contact RobotWorx at 740-251-4312.
