The North American robotics market exhibited modest growth in 2024, signaling stabilization after recent years of volatility and record-setting expansion. According to data released by the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), companies across the region ordered 31,311 robots valued at $1.963 billion. This reflects slight increases of 0.5% in unit orders and 0.1% in revenue compared to 2023.
The growth underscores the sector’s resilience as automation continues to play an expanding role across diverse industries. “In 2024, the North American robotics market saw mixed results following a challenging 2023,” said Alex Shikany, Executive Vice President at A3. “While sectors such as automotive components are still navigating recovery, we have seen encouraging signs of resilience across various industries.”
Expansion in Non-Automotive Industries
Non-automotive industries contributed significantly to the market’s performance, with food and consumer goods emerging as the fastest-growing sector. Robot orders in this category surged by 65% in 2024, driven by the need to meet evolving consumer demands, optimize supply chains, and address labor shortages.
The life sciences, pharmaceutical, and biomedical sectors also experienced strong growth, with a 46% increase in robot orders. This trend reflects the growing role of automation in supporting healthcare innovations and improving operational efficiencies.
Strong Fourth Quarter Performance
The final quarter of 2024 showed robust activity, with North American companies ordering 8,277 robots valued at $506 million. This represents an 8% increase in both units and revenue compared to the same period in 2023. The food and consumer goods sector led this growth with a 77% year-over-year increase, influenced by seasonal demand and continued investments in automation technologies.
Sector-Specific Challenges
Despite growth in several areas, some sectors faced challenges. Orders in the semiconductor and electronics industries declined by 37% annually, attributed to ongoing supply chain constraints and reduced demand. The metals sector saw a 4% decrease, while automotive components experienced a 15% drop as the industry continued to adjust to post-pandemic market shifts.
Outlook for 2025
Looking ahead, A3 members expressed optimism about the robotics market’s prospects in 2025. Shikany noted that while certain industries are still in recovery, the broader adoption of automation technologies is expected to support efficiency improvements and competitiveness on a global scale.