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The North American robotics market set new records for growth in the first quarter of 2016, according to Robotic Industries Association (RIA). North American companies ordered a total of 7,406 robots valued at approximately $402 million. The number of units ordered in the first three months of 2016 is a new record among opening quarters, growing 7 percent over the same period in 2015. Order revenue, however, decreased by 8 percent in the first quarter. Robot shipments also set a new opening quarter record, with 7,125 robots valued at $448 million being shipped to North American customers. This represents growth of 2 percent in units and 21 percent in dollars over the same quarter last year.

Jeff Burnstein, president of RIA, says, “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.”

Interestingly, while it is still the largest industry in terms of volume for robotics, orders to the automotive industry grew only 1 percent in the first quarter of 2016. In terms of applications, the biggest increases were reportedly in spot welding (31 percent), assembly (15 percent) and material handling (6 percent).

RIA estimates that some 262,000 robots are now at use in North American factories, which is third to Japan and China in robot use.