Record Q1 Orders for Robotics, Which Are More Affordable Than Ever

The Robotic Industries Association announced that this was the best opening quarter yet for robotics orders and shipments, continuing a five-year trend of growth. Better news? The cost is coming down.

John Hitch

May 3, 2016

This year saw the best opening quarter for North American robotics orders, the industry’s trade group, Robotic Industries Association (RIA), reported today.

The 7,406 total orders from January through March 2016 was a 7% increase from the previous year’s first quarter of 6,895. The total value of these sales is approximately $402 million, a drop of 8% from the same period last year.

It is encouraging to see so many new companies adopting robotics for use in their operations,” said Jeff Burnstein, President of RIA. “Companies of all sizes are realizing that robots are more affordable than ever before and can help them increase their productivity to remain competitive in today’s global economy.”

Embed from Getty Images

Non-automotive uses sky rocked in some industries. Robotics deployment in the semiconductor & electronics sector nearly doubled, an increase of 90%, and the food & consumer goods industry increased by 82%.

New Equipment Digest is an IndustryWeek companion site within Penton's Manufacturing & Supply Chain Group.