Automation allows manufacturers to keep up with production in advanced economies—all without sacrificing profits. The range of industrial robots continues to develop; they play a major part in quickly and accurately handling a wide variety of processes.
Additionally, new collaborative robots can work safely with humans and are fully integrated into the work area. Despite the adverse effects of the novel coronavirus on the economy, robot suppliers have been meeting the needs of new applications and solutions under development.
A new report from the International Federation of Robotics “World Robotics 2020 Industrial Robots,” found that US factories had approximately 293,000 operable robots in 2019.
This is almost 7% growth over the previous year and a new record, with 2.7 million industrial robots operating in factories around the world—an increase of 12%.
Sales of new robots remain at a high level with 373,000 units shipped globally in 2019, making it the third-highest sales volume ever recorded.
Milton Gurry, president of the International Federation of Robotics, said: “The United States is by far the largest market for robots. The number of robots sold each year is significantly affected by the automotive industry, which is the largest customer.”
In 2019, the US automobile market has once again become the second-largest automobile market and is the second-largest automobile producer after China.
North America is represented by the United States, Canada, and Mexico as the second-largest operating stock of industrial robots in the world after China. Mexico’s operating stock is second with approximately 40,000 vehicles, leading by 11%, and Canada is third with approximately 29,000 vehicles, leading by 2%, whereas, the US produced 293,000 units in 2019.
Most US robots are imported from Japan, South Korea, and Europe. Although there aren’t many robot manufacturers in North America, prominent robotic system integrators are contributing to highly automated industrial practices.
Although the International Federation of Robotics predicts that the need for social distancing will fuel the demand for robots in the electronics industry, it also foresees a strong demand in new applications such as the production of personal protective equipment, such as healthcare. Robotic equipment is valued as an important factor in optimizing the strength of production processes.