North American Machine Vision Market Posts Record First Half in 2014

Ann Arbor, Michigan – Total sales of machine vision components and systems increased 11% to $1.04 billion in the first half of 2014, according to new statistics issued by AIA, the industry’s trade group. This is the best first half performance by the North American machine vision market since AIA began tracking quarterly statistics in 2009.

Total machine vision sales include sales of machine vision components and systems. Total machine vision components are up 28% to $155 million through June, while total machine vision systems are up nine percent to $886 million.

The second quarter of 2014 was especially strong, posting growth of 30% and 12% for machine vision components and systems respectively. Every component and system category increased in the second quarter of 2014 except for imaging boards. Cameras (41%), smart cameras (34%), lighting (28%), and software (20%) were the standout individual categories in terms of year over year growth for the second quarter of 2014.

“It is great to see record machine vision sales in North America this year,” said AIA President Jeff Burnstein. “More North American companies are realizing the benefits of automating with machine vision, and that is a positive long-term sign for our industry.”

“Despite the booming machine vision market and manufacturing sector, AIA membership is tempering its expectations for the second half of the year,” added Alex Shikany, AIA’s Director of Market Analysis. “Our most recent survey of industry experts shows that the majority of AIA members believe component and systems markets will remain flat in the next six months.”

In addition to its quarterly sales tracking report, AIA offers its 2013 Machine Vision Camera Market Study, which is available at a discounted rate to AIA members. AIA also prepares studies on special topics, such as Life Sciences, which it makes available to all AIA members free of charge on its website, VisionOnline.org.

About AIA
Founded in 1984 to advance the understanding and use of imaging and vision technologies and to drive global expansion and growth through education and promotion, AIA now represents over 330 vision suppliers, system integrators, users, researchers, and consulting firms from 32 countries. AIA is best known for The Vision Show; vision and imaging standards such as GigE Vision®, Camera Link®, Camera Link HS™ and USB3 Vision™; the Automate Show (March 23-26, 2015 in Chicago); the annual AIA Business Conference (January 21-23, 2015 in Orlando); the Certified Vision Professional program; AIA Certified System Integrator program; and Vision Online (www.visiononline.org), the world’s leading online resource for vision information. AIA is part of the Association for Advancing Automation. For more information on AIA, visit Vision Online or contact AIA Headquarters at (734) 994-6088.

About Association for Advancing Automation (A3)
The Association for Advancing Automation is the global advocate for the benefits of automating. A3 promotes automation technologies and ideas that transform the way business is done. A3 is the umbrella group for Robotic Industries Association (RIA), AIA - Advancing Vision + Imaging, and Motion Control Association (MCA). RIA, AIA, and MCA combined represent 780 automation manufacturers, component suppliers, system integrators, end users, research groups and consulting firms from throughout the world that drive automation forward.

For more information, please visit our websites: A3; RIA; AIA; MCA.