Machine Vision Market in North America Has Record Start to 2015

(Ann Arbor, Michigan) – North American sales of machine vision systems and components grew 22% in the first quarter of 2015, the market’s highest first quarter total in history, according to new statistics issued by AIA, the industry’s trade group.

Total machine vision sales include sales of machine vision systems and components. The machine vision systems category saw a year over year increase of 24%. Machine vision systems include smart cameras and application specific machine vision (ASMV) systems. In the first quarter, smart cameras expanded by 23%, while ASMV systems increased 24%.

Similarly, machine vision components had a strong quarter with 11% growth over the first quarter of 2014. The leading product categories within machine vision components in terms of growth were lighting (28%), cameras (11%), and software (eight percent).

“Industry experts remain bullish on machine vision components for the next two quarters,” said Alex Shikany, AIA’s Director of Market Analysis. “Less so for machine vision systems however, where 55% of survey respondents believe the category will be flat, 25% expect an increase, and 20% expect a decline.”

“It’s great to see the North American machine vision market off to such a strong start in 2015,” said AIA President Jeff Burnstein. “We think more and more companies in all industries are recognizing the value that machine vision and imaging systems can have on their overall competitiveness.”

Burnstein said AIA will focus more attention this fall on reaching companies that can benefit from vision and imaging technologies. He cited two new AIA events in particular, the first Canadian Machine Vision Conference in Ottawa, October 5-7, and the Vision in Life Sciences Conference in San Diego, November 17-19. “These are great events for learning about the technology, meeting the key players, and determining how to successfully apply vision and imaging at your company.”

AIA also will offer its full Certified Vision Professional-Basic (CVP) training programs at these events. The training will include the following courses: The Fundamentals of Machine Vision, Image Processing Fundamentals, Beginning Lighting for Machine Vision, The Fundamentals of Camera and Image Sensor Technology, and Beginning Optics for Machine Vision. The CVP-Basic certification exam will also be offered at both events, and the training will be structured so attendees can register for the conferences.

In addition to its sales tracking report and industry events, AIA will be releasing its 2015 Global Machine Vision Camera Study later this year. The study will be available at a discounted rate to AIA members.

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 335 vision suppliers, system integrators, users, researchers, and consulting firms from 32 countries. AIA is best known for The Vision Show (May 3-5, 2016 in Boston); vision and imaging standards such as GigE Vision®, Camera Link®, Camera Link HS™ and USB3 Vision™; the Automate Show (April 3-6, 2017 in Chicago); the annual AIA Business Conference (February 3-5, 2016 in Orlando); the Certified Vision Professional program; AIA Certified System Integrator program; and Vision Online, the world’s leading online resource for vision information. AIA is part of the Association for Advancing Automation. For more information on AIA, 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 the Motion Control & Motor Association (MCMA). RIA, AIA, and MCMA combined represent some 850 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 the following websites: A3 - RIA - AIA - MCMA

Contact
Bob Doyle
(734) 994-6088