By Andy Choi
The Robotic Industries Association’s (RIA) recent statistics states that robotics companies in North America have witnessed the industry’s powerful opening quarters so far.
During March, the North American robotics companies achieved 5,096 robots orders worth $343.8 M, with 27% increase in units and 30% in dollars, subsequently throughout 2011. In addition, during Q1, around 4,605 robots worth $299.6 M were delivered to North American customers, representing a milestone in shipments.
According to RIA’s President, Jeff Burnstein, the year 2012 shows a strong demand. This is a follow-up of a growing demand during the successful year 2011. Automotive OEMs and tier suppliers represent an increase demand, wherein robot orders soared to 42% in the Q1 of 2011. The orders concerned with automotives increased by 65% with new orders in the Q1 of 2012. However, non-automotive orders showed 6% increase.
Automotive sector’s demand revolutionized the major application area. Material handling robots have been the most-desired products in the markets, which were replaced by welding and soldering robots during the Q1. This is due to their ideal application in automotive operations.
Non-automotive sector’s major division includes food and consumer goods, where robot orders increased by 31% in the Q1 of 2012.
According to RIA forecasts, around 216,000 robots have now been deployed across the U.S, holding the next position to Japanin the deployment of robots.
Source: http://www.robotics.org/