A strong demand for manufacturing companies across all sectors in North American, has aided the robotics industry. 2014 saw the fastest start ever for the sector, according to statistics released from Robotic Industries Association (RIA), the industrys trade group.

The first half of 2014 saw a record breaking 14,135 robots ordered. This is valued at $788 million  and an increase of 30 per cent in units and 16 per cent in revenue over the same period in 2013.

The second quarter of 2014 was the main driver of the market’s record first half, with 8,197 robots valued at $450 million sold to North American customers. These statistics break all records for performance and exceed the fourth quarter of 2012 by 31 per cent in units and 17 per cent in revenue.

The robotics industry in North America is ever growing and the demand increases exponentially each year. On average, the market is growing at a rate of 26 per cent a year.

“Amidst record years for robot sales, unemployment has steadily fallen toward pre-recessionary levels. The unemployment rate reached 6.1 per cent in June of this year, the lowest it has been since September of 2008,” said Jeff Burnstein, President of RIA.

In addition to falling unemployment, manufacturing jobs are now returning to the U.S. because of automation. While we often hear that robots are job killers, just the opposite is true, Burnstein added. Robots save and create jobs.

One of the industries that greatly affects this development is the automotive industry, which saw 97 per cent more unit purchased over the previous year. Non-automotive industries such as semiconductors, life sciences, and food & consumer goods, continued to grow by 22 per cent over the first half of 2013, but the strongest growth came in automotive related industries. Robots ordered from automotive OEM and component industries grew by 36 per cent in the first half of 2014.

“While the automotive industry continues to be the largest customer for robotics, its great to see non-automotive sectors posting strong growth as well,” said Alex Shikany, RIA’s Director of Market Analysis. “This is a very positive sign for the long term health of the industry.” RIA estimates that some 230,000 robots are now at use in United States factories, placing the U.S. second only to Japan in robot use.

SOURCE RIA