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North American Machine Vision Market Contracts in 2012, Gains Expected in 2013

ANN ARBOR -- Total sales of machine vision components and systems fell more than 4 percent in 2012, but are expected to rebound in 2013, according to new statistics issued by AIA, the industry's Ann Arbor-based trade group.

"In 2012 the vision market in North America suffered from a slowdown in the second half of the year caused in part by the uncertainty over the U.S. Presidential election as well as a cooling manufacturing environment," said Jeff Burnstein, AIA President. "However, based on surveys of our members, we see an optimistic outlook about the economy and North American manufacturing, which indicates a likely return to growth in 2013."

The overall North American vision market totaled $1.8 billion in 2012. While some segments such as cameras, lighting and imaging boards saw increased sales last year, optics, software, smart cameras and application specific machine vision systems sales declined.

Alex Shikany, AIA's Director of Market Analysis, said that "the contraction in machine vision sales in 2012 was not surprising, as many companies reduced capital equipment expenditures late in the year. Despite the decline, the industry's historical trend-line still points upward."

AIA's Quarterly Machine Vision Sales Tracking Report is available free of charge to all AIA members participating in AIA's sales data program. In addition to its quarterly sales tracking report, AIA's comprehensive Machine Vision Camera Study is available at a discounted rate to AIA members. AIA also prepares studies on special topics, which it makes available to all AIA members free of charge on its website, Vision Online.

Founded in 1984 to advance the understanding and use of imaging and vision technologies and to drive global expansion and growth through education and promotion, AIA now represents over 310 vision suppliers, system integrators, users, researchers, and consulting firms from 32 countries. AIA is best known for The Vision Show (April 15-17, 2014 in Boston); vision and imaging standards such as GigE Vision, Camera Link, Camera Link HS and USB3 Vision; the Automate Show (March 23-26, 2015 in Chicago); the annual AIA Business Conference (January 22-24, 2014 in Orlando); the Certified Vision Professional program; AIA Certified System Integrator company program; and Vision Online, the world's leading online resource for vision information.

AIA is part of the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), the not-for-profit umbrella association serving AIA, the Robotic Industries Association (RIA) and the Motion Control Association (MCA). For more information on AIA, visit Vision Online or contact AIA Headquarters at (734) 994-6088.

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