Robot orders and shipments in North America set new records in the first nine months of 2016, according to Robotic Industries Association (RIA), the industrys trade group.

(Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA - November 2, 2016) Robot orders and shipments in North America set new records in the first nine months of 2016, according to Robotic Industries Association (RIA), the industrys trade group.

A total of 23,985 robots valued at $1.3 billion were ordered from North American companies in the first nine months of 2016, an increase of seven percent in units and three percent in dollars over the same period in 2015, which held the previous record. Robot shipments to North American customers through September totaled 22,050 robots valued at $1.3 billion, breaking the previous record set in 2015 by three percent in units and 11% in dollars.
The record sales levels were driven primarily by strong growth in demand from automotive OEMs and component suppliers. Robot orders from these two sectors were up 14% through September. Outside of automotive, robots ordered into the food & consumer goods industry increased substantially by 40% year over year. RIA estimates that some 269,000 robots are now at use in North American factories, which is third to only Japan and China.
"Its a great time to get involved with robotics," said Jeff Burnstein, President of RIA. "Todays robotics industry offers innovative products, fulfilling employment opportunities, and competitive advantages for a wide variety of companies."
RIA sees the rising interest in robotics reflected in the growth of its membership and networking events. In October, RIA reached a new membership milestone with 419 member companies from across the globe. The trade group also concluded its National Robot Safety Conference and International Collaborative Robots Workshop in Cincinnati, which together had record attendance. The collocated events drew users, OEMs, integrators, and manufacturers of all sizes who were interested in learning about the latest in robot safety, collaborative technology, and other innovative developments in the industry.
These areas are changing quickly for robotics, which is why RIA and its parent group the Association for Advancing Automation are looking forward to a record Automate 2017 trade show in Chicago. "With five months to go, the exhibit floor at Automate 2017 is already over 20% larger than our final 2015 event," Burnstein said. "Small and medium sized companies, many of whom are just now beginning to explore automation, make up the core of the Automate 2017 attendee base. This event is designed to showcase the latest and greatest innovations in automation, and we are excited for a great event in 2017." Automate, North Americas largest automation show, will be held at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL, USA from April 3-6, 2017. The exhibition is free to attend, and registration is now open on the Automate 2017 website.
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 over 400 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 (Fall 2017), the International Collaborative Robots Workshop, the A3 Business Forum (January 18-20, 2017 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 990 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.