North American robotics market sets new records for first nine months of 2016

Nov. 28, 2016 – Robot orders and shipments in North America set new records in the first nine months of 2016, according to Robotic Industries Association (RIA), an industry trade group.

A total of 23,985 robots valued at $1.3 billion were ordered from North American companies in the first nine months of 2016, an increase of 7 per cent in units and 3 per cent in dollars over the same period in 2015, which held the previous record. Robot shipments to North American customers through September totalled 22,050 robots valued at $1.3 billion, breaking the previous record set in 2015 by 3 per cent in units and 11 per cent in dollars.

The record sales levels were driven primarily by strong growth in demand from automotive OEMs and component suppliers. Robot orders from these two sectors were up 14 per cent through September. Outside of automotive, robots ordered into the food & consumer goods industry increased by 40 per cent year over year. RIA estimates about 269,000 robots are now at use in North American factories, which is third to only Japan and China.

“It’s a great time to get involved with robotics,” said Jeff Burnstein, president of RIA. “Today’s robotics industry offers innovative products, fulfilling employment opportunities, and competitive advantages for a wide variety of companies.”

RIA sees the rising interest in robotics reflected in the growth of its membership and networking events. In October, RIA reached a new membership milestone with 419 member companies from across the globe. The trade group also concluded its National Robot Safety Conference and International Collaborative Robots Workshop in Cincinnati, Ohio, which together had record attendance.