ENGINEERINGNET.EU -- The IFR Statistical Department recently presented its preliminary results of the annual detailed statistics
“The prospects for 2011 and beyond are promising,” commented Ake Lindqvist, IFR President. “The robotics industry benefits from the increasing demand for automation especially in the Asian growing markets with China on top.”
In 2011 a further increase of robot sales between 10% and 15% is expected. A new peak level of about 130,000 sold units could be reached. Between 2012 and 2014 a moderate annual growth in average of 5% is more likely. Note that the possible impact of the recent tsunami in Japan on the worldwide supply chain has not been taken into consideration in preparing the forecasts.
Various regions experienced different rates of recovery in robot sales. Asia was on top with an increase of 127% to about 67,000 units, the second highest level ever recorded.
About 17,000 units were shipped to Americas, 87% more than in 2009, reaching almost the level of 2008. About 30,000 units were sold in Europe, 45% more than in 2009. This is still about 15% lower than the peak levels of 2007 and 2008.
The most dynamic markets were China, the Republic of Korea and the ASEAN countries. Sales to these markets almost tripled. In 2010, the Republic of Korea was on top with almost 23,000 robots sold. Japan recovered with a lower growth rate of 66% to about 21,000 units.
This is followed by North America which recovered by 90% to about 16,000 units and China with almost 15,000 units sold (+170%). Germany ranked 4th with about 13,400 units sold (+57%).
The electronics industry, the automotive industry and the metal industry were the main drivers of the high increase of robot sales in 2010.
