Robot Orders in North America Grow Significantly in Q3 of 2024 Over 2023

Robot sales in North America were up 8.8% in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the same period last year. According to the Association for Advancing Automation, companies purchased 7,329 robots from July through September, valued at $475 million. Unit volume growth was higher than revenue, with a 14.1% increase in units ordered. 

Non-automotive industries drove demand, accounting for 56% of orders (4,113 units), while automotive customers contributed 44% (3,216 units). The automotive-specific segment showed mixed results, as Automotive Component orders surged 61%, while Automotive OEM orders contracted by 15%. 

Continuing the strong performance shown earlier this year in emerging robotics markets, Life Sciences/Pharma/Biomed (+35%), and Food & Consumer Goods (+13%) both showed another quarter of double-digit growth.  

"While 2024 has presented challenges for the North American robotics market, we’re witnessing unprecedented enthusiasm for automation technologies as evidenced by a record Automate 2024 show in Chicago and growing interest in Automate 2025 in Detroit. Labor shortages and the growing demand for efficiency are driving businesses to embrace automation as a critical strategy for staying competitive on the global stage. With this momentum, we are optimistic about the opportunities 2025 will bring for the industry," said Alex Shikany, Vice President of Membership & Market Intelligence at A3. 

Market Saw Recovery After Rough 1H2024 

From January through September 2024, 23,034 robots valued at $1.457 billion were ordered, representing a 1.9% decline in units and a 2.2% drop in revenue compared to the same period in 2023. 

Lower levels of industrial output, tight capital budgets, and comparatively high interest rates contributed to weaker market performance through the first half of the year, but continued demand for durable consumer goods, along with higher levels of industrial activity, and easing supply chain pressures have all contributed to a gradual recovery. 

In automotive, downward revisions for electric vehicle (EV) production growth have impacted some segments, while renewed investment in component manufacturing has contributed positively to robot sales. 

Year-to-date, strong gains were recorded in Food & Consumer Goods (+60%), Life 

Sciences/Pharma/Biomed (+43%), and Metals (+8%), reflecting the the growing adoption of automation across diverse industries. 

Looking Ahead 

Industry feedback, along with these numbers, points towards cautious optimism about near-term growth prospects. Many companies are forecasting a stronger rebound in 2025, as detailed in the forward-looking Automation Index Sentiment Survey, available to A3 members. 

More detailed information about the Q3 orders, including graphs and market breakouts, is available upon request. 

About Association for Advancing Automation (A3) 

The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) is the leading global advocate for the benefits of automating. A3 promotes automation technologies and ideas that transform the way business is done. Members of A3 represent over 1,300 manufacturers, component suppliers, system integrators, end users, academic institutions, research groups and consulting firms that drive automation forward worldwide. 

A3 hosts a number of industry-leading events, including the A3 Business Forum (January 20-22, 2025, Orlando, FL) and Automate (May 12-15, 2025, in Detroit, MI).  

For More Information 

Deb Kling 
Association for Advancing Automation 
(734) 929-3264 
[email protected] 

Kelly Wanlass 
HCI Marketing and Communications, Inc. 
(801) 602-4723 
[email protected]