North American machine vision sales grow 6% in second quarter 2013

Total machine vision sales in North America climbed six per cent compared to the second quarter of 2012, according to new statistics from AIA, the industry’s trade group.

Total machine vision sales include sales of machine vision systems and components.  The machine vision systems category, which includes ASMV and smart cameras, was the main driver of growth with a seven percent increase over second quarter 2012.

Conversely, sales of machine vision components decreased by two percent.  Cameras and software both saw decreases in second quarter, while lighting, optics, and imaging boards all increased over last year.

“It’s good to see the market growing again,” said AIA president Jeff Burnstein.  “After the contraction in 2012, it is very encouraging to see two consecutive quarters of growth in North America.”

Alex Shikany, AIA’s Director of Market Analysis, added “While MV components were down this quarter, 69 per cent of industry experts believe we will see an increase in sales over the next six months.  On the other hand, 73 per cent of experts believe machine vision systems will remain flat over the same time period.”