North American robot unit orders are up 1.6 percent compared to 2018 results, according to the Robotic Industries Association (RIA). Order revenue for 2019 stands at $1.681 billion, with 29,988 robotic units ordered.
Growth was driven by a 50.5% increase in orders from automotive OEMs and a 16.6% increase from the plastics and rubber industry. Order to automotive component markets were down 6.6%, however. Orders from the food & consumer goods, life sciences, metals, and semiconductor/electronics markets were down by single digits, compared to 2018.
The weakest quarter of the year was Q4, with 6,094 robotic units ordered, valued at $374 million, representing a 10.4% decrease in orders and 4.2% decrease in revenue compared to the fourth quarter of 2018.
“While 2019 was a challenging year, and the outlook for growth in 2020 is murky, we’re still seeing growing interest in automation technologies and solutions that will lead to continued future growth,” said Jeff Burnstein, A3 & RIA president.
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