A total of 22,427 robots valued at $1.3 billion were ordered from North American companies in the first nine months of 2015.

(Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA - October 28, 2015) Robot orders and shipments in North America set new records in the first nine months of 2015, according to Robotic Industries Association (RIA), the industrys trade group.

A total of 22,427 robots valued at $1.3 billion were ordered from North American companies in the first nine months of 2015, an increase of six percent in units and nine percent in dollars over the same period in 2014, which held the previous record. Robot shipments to North American customers through September totaled 21,436 robots valued at $1.2 billion, breaking the previous record set in 2014 by 16% in units and 10% in dollars.

Sales activity continued to be strong in both automotive and non-automotive industries. Automotive related orders were up six percent through September, while orders to non-automotive industries such as electronics, food & consumer goods, and metals increased five percent over 2014.

"Demand for robots is at an all-time high, and companies of all sizes, in all sectors of the economy, are realizing the benefits of automation," said Jeff Burnstein, President of RIA. "Robots are optimizing production more than ever, increasing global competitiveness, and performing dull, dirty and dangerous tasks that enable companies to create higher-skilled, better-paying, and safer jobs for their employees."

"Even with the record sales of robots, the unemployment rate in the U.S. continues to be at its lowest rate of 5.1% since 2008," added Alex Shikany, RIA Director of Market Analysis. "This data confirms what is detailed in our recent white paper 'Robots Fuel the Next Wave of U.S. Productivity and Job Growth which illustrates how increasing use of robots is associated with increased employment."

RIA estimates that some 236,000 robots are now at use in United States factories, placing the US second only to Japan in robot use.

About Robotic Industries Association (RIA)
Founded in 1974, RIA is a not-for-profit trade association dedicated to improving the regional, national and global competitiveness of the North American manufacturing and service sectors through promotion and enhancement of robotics and related automation. RIA represents 365 robot manufacturers, system integrators, component suppliers, end users, consulting firms, research groups, and educational institutions. The association hosts a number of events including the National Robot Safety Conference, the International Collaborative Robots Workshop (in conjunction with The Vision Show, May 3-5, 2016 in Boston, MA), the A3 Business Forum (February 3-5, 2016 in Orlando, FL) and the biennial Automate Show & Conference (April 3-6, 2017 in Chicago). RIA also provides quarterly robotics statistics and has a content-rich website, Robotics Online. For more details on RIA, visit Robotics Online or call 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 & Motor Association (MCMA). RIA, AIA, and MCMA combined represent some 900 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; MCMA.