Watch CBS News

Machine Vision Sales in North America Climb 10% First Quarter 2013

ANN ARBOR -- Machine vision sales in North America grew 10 percent year-over-year for the first quarter of 2011, according to new statistics from AIA, the industry's Ann Arbor-based trade group.

Sales of machine vision systems, the largest category, rose 11 percent year-over-year while sales of machine vision components saw an increase of 4 percent.

The increase in machine vision system sales resulted primarily from the resurgence of Application Specific Machine Vision systems, which grew 12 percent over last year. Smart Cameras sales, which are included in machine vision systems, grew 4 percent.

The increase in sales of machine vision components resulted primarily from sales of cameras, the largest machine vision components market in North America, which rose by nine percent compared to first quarter 2012. Software and Imaging Boards also posted single digit growth.

Said AIA President Jeff Burnstein: "Our industry has benefited from a healthy manufacturing sector so far this year, which has helped spur this growth. We are hopeful it will continue throughout the year."

Alex Shikany, AIA's Director of Market Analysis, added "In addition to the positive news about overall growth, many industry experts are specifically optimistic about machine vision components. In a recent survey, 70% of machine vision experts believe machine vision component sales will increase in the next six months."

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 sales tracking report, AIA will be releasing an updated 2013 version of its Machine Vision Camera Market Study this summer, and will make it available at a discounted rate to AIA members. AIA also prepares various market opportunity studies, 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 more than 300 vision suppliers, system integrators, users, researchers, and consulting firms from 32 countries. AIA is best known for The Vision Show; vision and imaging standards such as GigE Vision, Camera Link, Camera Link HS and USB3 Vision; the Automate Show; the annual AIA Business Conference; the biennial AIA Networking Reception at VISION in Stuttgart, Germany; the Certified Vision Professional program; AIA Certified System Integrator company program; and Vision Online (www.visiononline.org), the world's leading online resource for vision information.

For more information on AIA, visit Vision Online or contact AIA Headquarters at (734) 994-6088.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.