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Robot orders and shipments in North America set new records in the first nine months of 2014, according to Robotic Industries Association (RIA), the industry's trade group. A total of 21,235 robots valued at $1.2 billion were ordered from North American companies in the first nine months of 2014, an increase of 35% in units and 22% in dollars over the same period in 2013.Robot shipments to North American customers through September totaled 18,490 robots valued at $1.1 billion, breaking the previous record set in 2013 by 5% in units and 2% in dollars.

Clare Goldsberry

November 4, 2014

1 Min Read
North American robotics market sets new records for first nine months of 2014

Robot orders and shipments in North America set new records in the first nine months of 2014, according to Robotic Industries Association (RIA), the industry's trade group. A total of 21,235 robots valued at $1.2 billion were ordered from North American companies in the first nine months of 2014, an increase of 35% in units and 22% in dollars over the same period in 2013.

Robot shipments to North American customers through September totaled 18,490 robots valued at $1.1 billion, breaking the previous record set in 2013 by 5% in units and 2% in dollars.

Sales activity continued to be especially strong in the automotive industry, with orders up 48% year-to-date over 2013. Non-automotive industries, such as electronics, food & consumer goods, and metals, also posted double-digit growth in the first nine months of the year.

"The robotics industry in North America is having its best year ever in 2014," said Jeff Burnstein, President of RIA. "Along with record performance, we are seeing more interest in robotics and related technologies than ever before. Companies of all sizes continue to recognize that automation makes them stronger global competitors. It's also interesting to note that as robot sales boom, U.S. unemployment continues to fall, and is currently at its lowest level since July of 2008, further evidence that robotics helps save and create jobs."

The RIA reported substantial growth in robot applications across the board including spot welding (76%), arc welding (39%), and assembly (29%), which recorded the highest year-over-year growth through September. RIA estimates that some 230,000 robots are now in use throughout U.S. factories, placing the United States second only to Japan in robot use.

About the Author(s)

Clare Goldsberry

Until she retired in September 2021, Clare Goldsberry reported on the plastics industry for more than 30 years. In addition to the 10,000+ articles she has written, by her own estimation, she is the author of several books, including The Business of Injection Molding: How to succeed as a custom molder and Purchasing Injection Molds: A buyers guide. Goldsberry is a member of the Plastics Pioneers Association. She reflected on her long career in "Time to Say Good-Bye."

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