North American machine vision market falls 4.6% through third quarter

North American sales of machine vision systems and components contracted 4.6% comparing year-to-date numbers, to $2.07 billion through September, according to new statistics released by the AIA, the industry’s trade group and part of the Association for Advancing Automation (A3).

Machine vision systems saw a decrease of 2% year over year, at $599.9 million. This category includes smart cameras and application specific machine vision (ASMV) systems. The machine vision components market (cameras, lighting, optics, imaging boards, and software) dipped 4% to $92.1 million in the same time. Total machine vision financial transactions fell 2% to $694.1 million.

According to AIA’s survey of industry experts, 53% of respondents believe machine vision component market sales in total will increase, and 38% believe sales will remain flat. There is more consensus in the machine vision systems market, with 70% expecting flat performance, and 24% believing sales will increase in the next six months.

“Despite the overall market performance, vision and imaging technology is a key player in a variety of automation solutions and remains integral to the industry,” said Jeff Burnstein, president of the Association for Advancing Automation. “Growing global trends like autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, and autonomous mobile robots depend on strong vision and imaging systems, bolstering this industry.”

About Association for Advancing Automation (A3)
The Association for Advancing Automation is the global advocate for the benefits of automating. A3 promotes automation technologies and ideas that transform the way business is done. A3 is the umbrella group for Robotic Industries Association (RIA), AIA - Advancing Vision + Imaging, Motion Control & Motor Association (MCMA) and A3 Mexico. RIA, AIA, MCMA and A3 Mexico combined represent over 1,250 automation manufacturers, component suppliers, system integrators, end users, research groups and consulting firms from throughout the world that drive automation forward. For more information, visit: A3, RIA, AIA, MCMA, A3 Mexico.

The association hosts a number of industry-leading events, including the upcoming A3 Business Forum (January 13-15, 2020 in Orlando, FL), and the biennial Automate Show & Conference (May 17-20, 2021 in Detroit, MI). Other events include the Robot Grinding & Finishing Conference (April 27-28, 2020 in St. Paul, MN), THE Vision Show (June 9-11, 2020 in Boston, MA), the International Robot Safety Conference (October 13-15, 2020 in Columbus, OH), and CRAV.ai (October 27-28, 2020 in San Jose, CA).