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Semiconductor manufacturing equipment sales surge to $117 billion

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Worldwide sales of semiconductor manufacturing equipment increased 10 percent to $117.1 billion in 2024 from $106.3 billion in 2023, according to a report by SEMI, the industry association representing the global electronics design and manufacturing supply chain.

The data is now available in the Worldwide Semiconductor Equipment Market Statistics (WWSEMS) report.

In 2024, the global front-end semiconductor equipment market experienced notable growth, with sales of wafer processing equipment increasing by 9 percent and other front-end segments rising by 5 percent. [Read more…] about Semiconductor manufacturing equipment sales surge to $117 billion

Robot orders in North America ‘down 8 percent in first half of 2024’

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The North American robotics market saw a decline in both units ordered (down 7.9 percent to 15,705 units) and revenue (down 6.8 percent to $982.83 million) during the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

Despite some bright spots in specific industries, the overall performance reflected in the latest report from the Association for Advancing Automation (A3) shows a pullback in robotics investments across key areas, influenced by ongoing economic headwinds faced by North American manufacturers during the first six months of 2024.

Jeff Burnstein, president, A3, says: “Rising inflation and borrowing costs have dampened spending on robotics, with many companies opting to delay major investments. [Read more…] about Robot orders in North America ‘down 8 percent in first half of 2024’

International Robot Safety Conference to discuss ‘most important standard in robot safety’

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Companies deploying robots can get clear guidance on how to keep human workers safe at the International Robot Safety Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio, October 1-3.

Hosted by the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), which develops robotic standards in the US, the conference will feature revisions to the industrial robot flagship standard – ISO 10218 – along with talks describing technologies and best practices around risk assessment, regulatory compliance, mobile and collaborative robotics, and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI).

Carole Franklin, director of standards development, robotics, A3, says: “The need for comprehensive robot safety knowledge couldn’t be more critical. [Read more…] about International Robot Safety Conference to discuss ‘most important standard in robot safety’

Association for Advancing Automation to hold event for humanoid robots

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The latest technology and application advances for humanoid robots will be the focus of the Humanoid Robot Forum hosted by the Association for Advancing Automation (A3) on Monday, October 7, at the Renasant Convention Center in Memphis, Tennessee.

The new educational conference will be held in conjunction with A3’s successful Autonomous Mobile Robots & Logistics Conference, sponsored by FedEx, on October 8-10, also at the Renasant Convention Center.

The previous Autonomous Mobile Robots & Logistics Conference in Memphis in 2021 attracted over 650 industry leaders. [Read more…] about Association for Advancing Automation to hold event for humanoid robots

2023 North America robot orders down 30 percent from record high in 2022

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After record orders in both 2021 and 2022, robot sales in North American declined by 30 percent in 2023, according to the latest report from the Association for Advancing Automation (A3).

Companies purchased 31,159 robots in 2023, compared to 44,196 ordered in 2022 and 39,708 in 2021. These 2023 orders were divided almost equally among automotive (15,723 robots sold) and non-automotive companies (15,436 robots sold), a 34 percent drop in sales to automotive OEMs and automotive suppliers over 2022 and a 25 percent total decrease in all other industries.

Jeff Burnstein, president of A3, says: “While robot sales naturally ebb and flow, the return to more typical robot sales after the last two record years can likely be attributed to a few obvious issues: a slow US economy, higher interest rates and even the over purchasing of robots in 2022 from supply chain concerns. [Read more…] about 2023 North America robot orders down 30 percent from record high in 2022

Association for Advancing Automation celebrates 50th anniversary

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The Association for Advancing Automation (A3), the world’s largest robotics and automation trade group, celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2024.

The global advocate for the benefits of automation now represents more than 1280 member companies as it promotes automation technologies and ideas that transform and redefine the business environment.

Jeff Burnstein, who joined A3 in 1983 and has served as president of the association since 2007, says: “The success of A3 for the past five decades is directly attributable to the unflagging support of our members, the incredible advances in automation technology, and the resilience and talent of the team we’ve assembled. [Read more…] about Association for Advancing Automation celebrates 50th anniversary

North America industrial robot orders drop for second quarter

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A slow US economy and high interest rates have taken a toll on robot orders in North American, resulting in a decline for the second quarter in a row after record purchases in 2021 and 2022.

According to the latest report from the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), companies ordered 7,697 robots valued at $457 million from April to July 2023, a 37 percent decline in robot orders and 20 percent drop in value over the same period in 2022.

When combined with first quarter results, the robotics market in North America is down 29 percent compared to the first half of last year with a total of 16,865 robots ordered. [Read more…] about North America industrial robot orders drop for second quarter

Korea Association of Robot Industry to operate Korea Pavilion at Automate Show

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The Korea Association of Robot Industry (KAR) says it will be operating a “Korea Pavilion” at the Automate Show, which starts in a couple of days. Nine Korean companies will feature their products in Korea Pavilion located in booth number 3250 and 3452.

KAR has participated in many trade shows held in Europe and East Asia for the decades, but it has never participated in Automate or any other trade shows held in the US.

While China remains the largest market for Korean robot companies with exports worth of $319 million, The United States is the second-largest market with exports amounting to $204 million, according to the Korean Robot Industry Survey. [Read more…] about Korea Association of Robot Industry to operate Korea Pavilion at Automate Show

Kollmorgen Automation partners with Spanish Association of Mobile Robotics

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The Spanish Association of Mobile Robotics (ARME) and Kollmorgen Automation have entered into a strategic partnership to offer high quality integration solutions for AGVs and mobile robots, based on the NDC8 platform.

With this union, ARME aims to strengthen the position of AGVs and mobile robots at the Spanish market.

Tobias Byfeldt, vice president, Kollmorgen Automation, says: “We are very happy about this partnership. [Read more…] about Kollmorgen Automation partners with Spanish Association of Mobile Robotics

Global semiconductor equipment sales grow 5 percent to $25 billion

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Global semiconductor equipment billings grew 5 percent year-over-year to $24.7 billion in the first quarter of 2022, according industry association SEMI.

The figures were revealed in SEMI’s Worldwide Semiconductor Equipment Market Statistics Report. Quarter-over-quarter billings in the seasonally soft first quarter declined 10 percent.

Ajit Manocha, SEMI president and CEO, says: “Year-over-year first quarter equipment revenue growth is in sync with positive forecasts for 2022 as the semiconductor industry continues its robust increase of fab capacity. North America and Europe logged healthy quarter-over-quarter rises in equipment spending as they intensify efforts to bolster domestic chipmaking.” [Read more…] about Global semiconductor equipment sales grow 5 percent to $25 billion