Empowering industries with unprecedented efficiency, North American robot sales soared to new heights in 2022, marking the second consecutive year of record-breaking performance, as revealed by the Association for Advancing Automation (A3).

In a remarkable display of resilience and innovation, North American companies procured a staggering 44,196 robots in 2022, representing an impressive 11% surge from the previous year. Valued at an astounding $2.38 billion, these sales reflected an 18% uptick, underscoring the indispensable role of automation in driving productivity and competitiveness across diverse sectors.

Despite a slight deceleration in the final quarter of 2022, characterized by 8,392 robot orders, the industry experienced an unparalleled surge in the first nine months. Notably, the automotive sector emerged as a key catalyst for this surge, with a remarkable 42% increase in robot orders, totaling 23,897 units. This resurgence in automotive orders can be attributed to the sector's steadfast commitment to transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs), propelling the demand for robots to unprecedented levels.

While automotive sales flourished, non-automotive sectors witnessed a modest slowdown compared to the previous years. Historically, the automotive industry has been synonymous with robotics sales; however, recent years witnessed remarkable growth in non-automotive sectors. Although non-automotive sales didn't match the staggering figures of previous years, the pervasive adoption of automation across diverse industries underscores its pivotal role in driving operational excellence and resilience.

Jeff Burnstein, President of A3, emphasized the transformative impact of automation amidst labor shortages and supply chain disruptions, stressing its indispensable role in fueling the transition to EVs and meeting burgeoning consumer demand. Despite A3's focus on traditional industrial robots, the burgeoning demand for autonomous mobile robots and collaborative robotic arms further accentuates the pivotal role of automation in shaping the future of industries.

As industries navigate the evolving landscape, automation remains an imperative for success, offering unparalleled efficiency, agility, and competitiveness. With record-high robot sales signaling a paradigm shift towards automation, businesses are poised to unlock new realms of productivity and innovation, ushering in a future defined by technological prowess and operational excellence.