Robotic Unit Orders Show Growth from Last Year

Robotic Industries Association (RIA) statistics report more than 5% increase

ANN ARBOR, MI –  The Robotic Industries Association (RIA), part of the Association for Advancing Automation, today announced North American robot unit orders are up 5.2% through the third quarter, compared to 2018 results.  So far this year, North American companies have ordered 23,894 robotic units, valued at $1.3 billion.

Looking at third quarter results only, there were 7,446 robots, valued at $438 million, ordered by North American companies.  Both units ordered and revenue are up 1% compared to 2018.

The largest driver of the year-to-date growth in units ordered was an increase in orders from automotive OEMs at 47%, followed by plastics and rubber at 15%, and food and consumer goods at 4%.

“We’re seeing improvement in the robotics market,” said Jeff Burnstein, RIA President.  “Last year saw a dip in orders of around 15%, so it’s encouraging to see a recovery through the third quarter.  We hope to end the year strong and see growth in 2020 as well,” he noted.  Burnstein also said he continues to see strong interest in robotics from companies who have never invested in robots before, citing the fact that prospective users from a wide variety of industries were among the 300+ attendees at the recent Collaborative Robots, Advanced Vision and AI Conference the association sponsored in San Jose, November 12 & 13.   He also indicated that orders from non-automotive customers remain near record numbers, a healthy sign for the long-term growth of the robotics industry.

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, Motion Control & Motor Association (MCMA) and A3 Mexico. RIA, AIA, MCMA and A3 Mexico combined represent over 1,250 automation manufacturers, component suppliers, system integrators, end users, research groups and consulting firms from throughout the world that drive automation forward. For more information, visit: A3, RIA, AIA, MCMA, A3 Mexico.

The association hosts a number of industry-leading events, including the upcoming A3 Business Forum (January 13-15, 2020 in Orlando, FL), and the biennial Automate Show & Conference (May 17-20, 2021 in Detroit, MI). Other events include the Robot Grinding & Finishing Conference (April 27-28, 2020 in St. Paul, MN), THE Vision Show (June 9-11, 2020 in Boston, MA), the International Robot Safety Conference (October 13-15, 2020 in Columbus, OH), and CRAV.ai (October 27-28, 2020 in San Jose, CA).