Robot orders in North America up by 3.5 per cent in 2020 over previous year

Industry statistics released by the Robotic Industries Association (RIA), part of the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), show that North American companies ordered 31,044 robotic units, valued at $1.572 billion in 2020. In Q4, companies ordered 9,972 units valued at $479 million.

For the first time, yearly orders of robots from non-automotive sectors surpassed automotive robot orders, as sales of robotic units in North America increased 3.5 per cent in 2020 from 2019. This growth was driven by a strong Q4 that was the second-best quarter ever for North American robotic sales with a 63.6 per cent increase over Q4 2019.

Year-over-year orders in life sciences increased by 69 per cent, food and consumer goods grew by 56 per cent, and plastics and rubber saw a 51 per cent increase. Automotive orders increased 39 per cent in 2020.

According to John Bubnikovich, chief regional officer – North America of KUKA Robotics, two trends in particular propelled growth in non-automotive orders for robotics technology: the automation competence level in general industry has grown and consumer behavior shifted significantly requiring more automation.

At the same time, Bubnikovich said, supply chain disruptions and instability in the workforce made industries accelerate automation strategies. The same trends are being noticed by other major robot manufacturers.

Dean Elkins, segment leader – handling for Yaskawa Motoman noted that COVID-19 was a significant factor in changing people's personal buying behaviour. He said robots have been utilized in record numbers to allow for the fulfillment of orders in the e-commerce space while allowing for correct social distancing practices.

“We have seen a substantial increase in activity in non-automotive sectors, as customers focus on making their production lines more flexible and better able to efficiently achieve high mix, lower volume production in response to constantly evolving customer demands,” said Mark Joppru, vice-president – consumer segment and service robotics, US ABB Robotics and Machine Automation. "COVID has changed perceptions and priorities for customers, accelerating the adoption of robotic automation.”

In August of 2020, A3 reported on the strain to supply chains and economic uncertainty due to COVID-19. Alex Shikany, A3 vice-president, membership and business intelligence, noted that despite a drop in orders, industry leaders showed optimism about the remainder of 2020, and accurately predicted the strong finish to 2020.