APRIL 12--A new machine-vision market study by the Automated Imaging Association (AIA; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; www.machinevisiononline.org) entitled Machine Vision Markets--2006 Results and Forecasts to 2011 reports that 2006 was generally a good year for the machine-vision and imaging industry and that continued growth is expected in 2007. The AIA is the world's largest and only global machine-vision trade group, with more than 275 member companies from 26 countries.
Cameras and smart cameras saw the strongest growth in 2006, with 16.8% and 15.2% increase in revenue, respectively. Single-digit growth in revenues for optics, software, and application-specific machine-vision systems also occurred. While lighting unit sales increased in double digits, the actual revenue was down due to the steep price reductions in this segment of the industry.
"We believe 2007 through 2011 will continue to show solid growth," says Paul Kellett, AIA director of market analysis. "Machine vision is an increasingly important automation technology that maximizes quality, productivity, and efficiency in manufacturing. It is also extending into new nonmanufacturing markets. The growing importance of machine vision results from three key, underlying trends: expanding core capabilities, declining machine-vision product prices, and product miniaturization and integration," Kellett says.
The latest AIA market study includes chapters covering North American economies and machine-vision trends. Other enhancements to the study are an analysis of new market developments, such as GigE Vision, and additional market intelligence to bolster sales strategies and tactics for specific product markets.
The study is available to AIA member for $1045 and to non-AIA members for $1475. To order the study, visit www.machinevisiononline.org or call AIA headquarters: (734) 994-6088.
