The first half of 2003 was a good one for robots, according to a report just released by the Robotic Industries Association. Just over 7,200 robots valued at $465 million were shipped in the first six months of the year. That's a unit increase of 34% and a 15% increase in dollar value.

Materials handling was one of the two end use categories leading the way. Spot welding was the other. The association cites improvements in productivity, quality and flexibility as driving forces behind adoption of robots on the shop and warehouse floor.

The food, beverage and consumer goods industries have shown particular interest in robots of late. "We expect to see continued momentum for robot use in these industries," says Donald Vincent, executive vice president of the association.