A sudden slowdown in the robotics sector is felt. North American robotics orders decline 23 percent in 1H 08, compared to the same period in 2007, according to the Robotic Industries Association (RIA), an Ann Arbor, Michigan-based trade group.
Japan’s robot shipments were up 6 percent in Q2, but production levels grew only 0.8 percent in the period, according to the Japan Robot Association.
RIA estimates that some 182,000 robots are now widely used in the United States, placing it second only to Japan. More than one million robots are being used worldwide. Around 7,100 robots valued at $528.6 million were ordered in 1H timeframe by North American manufacturing companies, according to the RIA.
When orders outside North America are added in, bookings total 7,951 units valued at $575.6 million, a decline of 20 percent in units but an increase of 2 percent in dollars, according to the trade group.
RIA numbers show that orders from automotive manufacturers and their suppliers fell 43 percent in 1H of the year. However, non-automotive orders increased by 23 percent in units and 16 percent in dollars.
Source: EE Times Asia
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