During the first quarter of 2011, machine vision sales grew 34% in North America. According to the Quarterly Machine Vision Sales Tracking Report of the Automated Imaging Association (AIA), this is the fifth straight quarter of double-digit growth.
The recent report also found a continuation of widespread optimism in the industry. Over the first quarter 2011, approximately 1/2 of all companies submitting data for the report expect sales levels to improve in the next six months. Only eight percent of the companies included in this report expect sales to decrease.
This year, the market for machine vision in North America is showing signs of economic improvements.
"Large businesses continue to invest in equipment that boosts productivity, including machine vision systems," said Paul Kellett, AIA's Director of Market Analysis. "Expansion in the manufacturing sector is expected to continue despite some momentary softening and spur additional investment in machine vision software and equipment," Kellet added.
The AIA report recorded robust sales across almost all major machine vision supplier markets, including cameras, lighting, optics, software, application-specific machine vision systems, and smart cameras. For more information on AIA, visit Machine Vision Online.
