We use cookies to provide you with a better experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.
  • INDUSTRY PRESS ROOM
  • SUBMISSIONS
  • MEDIA FILE
  • Create Account
  • Sign In
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Free Newsletters
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
  • STRATEGY
  • GLOBAL
  • LOGISTICS
  • MANUFACTURING
  • PROCUREMENT
  • VIDEO
    • News & Exclusives
    • Viewer Contributed
    • CSCMP EDGE 2022 Startup Alley
    • Upload your video
  • PODCAST ETC
    • Podcast
    • White Papers
    • Webcasts
    • Events
    • Blogs
      • Reflections
      • SCQ Forum
    • Mobile Apps
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
  • STRATEGY
  • GLOBAL
  • LOGISTICS
  • MANUFACTURING
  • PROCUREMENT
  • VIDEO
    • News & Exclusives
    • Viewer Contributed
    • CSCMP EDGE 2022 Startup Alley
    • Upload your video
  • PODCAST ETC
    • Podcast
    • White Papers
    • Webcasts
    • Events
    • Blogs
      • Reflections
      • SCQ Forum
    • Mobile Apps
Home » North American robotics orders jump 32 percent in first quarter
Forward Thinking

North American robotics orders jump 32 percent in first quarter

May 5, 2017
Supply Chain Quarterly Staff
No Comments

The North American robotics market jumped 32 percent in order volume for the first quarter, as industrial and retail giants such as General Motors Co. and Amazon.com Inc. increase their investment in automation, according to the industry's trade group.

Both robot orders and shipments achieved record levels, according to the Robotic Industries Association (RIA). RIA estimates that 250,000 robots are now in use in the United States, the third highest in the world behind Japan and China.

An all-time high total of 9,773 robots—valued at $516 million—were ordered from North American robotics companies during the first quarter of 2017, representing growth of 32 percent in units over the same period in 2016, RIA said.

At the same time, robot shipments also reached new heights, with 8,824 robots—valued at $494 million—shipped to North American customers in the opening quarter of the year, reaching growth of 24 percent in units (and five percent in dollars) over the same period in 2016, according to RIA.

"The automation industry continues to grow robustly as companies invest to increase productivity and boost competitiveness while also providing opportunities for workers," RIA President Jeff Burnstein said in a release. "We are excited to hear about the new jobs being created and how companies such as Amazon, GM, and others are training and retraining their workforce to enable them to embrace these higher-skilled jobs."

The driving force behind the fast growth came largely from the automotive sector, where robots ordered by automotive component suppliers were up 53 percent, while orders by automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) increased 32 percent, RIA said. Orders also came from a diversity of other sectors, including non-automotive industries like metals (54 percent), semiconductors/electronics (22 percent), and food and consumer goods (15 percent), according to RIA.

Material handling also continues to be a driving force for robotic adoption, as shown by burgeoning attendance at Automate 2017, the robotics trade show held alongside the ProMat conference in Chicago in April, according to RIA's parent group, the Association for Advancing Automation (A3). The Automate show drew more than 20,000 people and featured more than 400 exhibitors displaying everything from robotics to motion control, motors, vision systems, metrology, software, and system integration services.

Technology
    • Related Articles

      Robot sales soared in first quarter to second-best mark yet

      Study: supply chain management projects to spark jump in IoT investment through 2023

      Maersk’s VC arm backs inventory drone startup Verity with $32 million

    Recent Articles by Supply Chain Quarterly Staff

    Manufacturing firms bemoan interest rates, talent shortage

    Median ransomware payment doubles to $26,000, Verizon says

    Schneider says California site can charge 32 battery-powered trucks at once

    You must login or register in order to post a comment.

    Report Abusive Comment

    Most Popular Articles

    • Report: Sagging freight stats show that trucking sector is returning to its historic mean

    • Survey: parcel delivery drivers are frustrated by using their own smartphones for work

    • Heavy transport across two continents

    • Survey: most Americans unaware that truckers face shortage of parking spaces

    • Supply chain executives not yet seeing expected results from technology investments

    Featured Video

    Household goods customs broker thumb

    Household Goods Customs Broker

    Viewer Contributed
    Household Goods Customs Broker :Gallagher Transport International is a highly experienced customs broker specializing in household goods, providing efficient and cost-effective customs clearance services while ensuring compliance with all necessary regulations. Our Services Include: Importing & Exporting...

    FEATURED WHITE PAPERS

    • Three layers of forklift safety: Promoting operating best practices

    • The Complete Guide to Automated Packaging

    • Five tips for parcel success in 2023

    • Guide to Pallet Rack Safety

    View More

    Subscribe to Supply Chain Quarterly

    Get Your Subscription
    • SUBSCRIBE
    • E-NEWSLETTERS
    • ADVERTISING
    • CUSTOMER CARE
    • CONTACT
    • ABOUT
    • STAFF
    • PRIVACY POLICY

    Copyright ©2023. All Rights ReservedDesign, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing