North American machine vision market exceeds growth expectations in 2013

Total sales of machine vision components and systems grew more than nine per cent in 2013 — more than double the initially forecasted growth — according to statistics issued by AIA, the industry’s trade group.

Total machine vision sales include sales of machine vision systems and components. Last year’s surge in growth is largely due to an increase in sales of machine vision systems, which grew 11 per cent in 2013, AIA said. However, sales of machine vision components remained flat in 2013. Standout component categories in 2013 were imaging boards, optics and lighting, all of which posted growth over 2012.

“It is great to see the machine vision market in North America grow in 2013 after experiencing a contraction in 2012,” said AIA president Jeff Burnstein. “We hope to see continued growth in 2014 as the North American economy remains relatively strong.”

“Industry experts believe strongly that we will experience growth in component markets over the next six months,” added Alex Shikany, AIA’s director of market analysis. “There isn’t as much optimism surrounding machine vision systems, however, with the majority of industry experts expecting sales to remain flat through the second quarter of 2014.”