A3 Offers Insight on Machine Vision and Motion Control Markets

North American Machine Vision Market Down 4.6%

North American sales of machine vision systems and components contracted 4.6% comparing year to date numbers, to $2.07 billion through September, according to new statistics released today by the AIA, the industry’s trade group that is part of the Association for Advancing Automation (A3).

Machine vision systems saw a decrease of 2% year over year, at $599.9 million. This category includes smart cameras and application specific machine vision (ASMV) systems. The machine vision components market (cameras, lighting, optics, imaging boards, and software) dipped 4% to $92.1 million in the same time. Total machine vision financial transactions fell 2% to $694.1 million.

According to AIA’s survey of industry experts, 53% of respondents believe machine vision component market sales in total will increase, and 38% believe sales will remain flat. There is more consensus in the machine vision systems market, with 70% expecting flat performance, and 24% believing sales will increase in the next six months.

“Despite the overall market performance, vision and imaging technology is a key player in a variety of automation solutions and remains integral to the industry,” said Jeff Burnstein, president of the Association for Advancing Automation. “Growing global trends like autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, and autonomous mobile robots depend on strong vision and imaging systems, bolstering this industry.”

Global Motion Control and Motors Market Up 1.9%

Global motion control and motor suppliers have received orders at $2.65 billion through the third quarter of 2019, an increase of 1.9% compared to the same period in 2018, according to the Motion Control & Motor Association (MCMA), part of the Association for Advancing Automation (A3). Shipments also showed growth, at $2.92 billion up 1.5% over the first nine months of 2018.

Third quarter orders of $878.9 million were up 7.5% over the same period in 2018, while shipments totaling $977.5 million were up, at 1.8%, over third quarter shipments in 2018.

AC motors (44%) and ancillary components (19.7%) showed the most growth for orders, and AC motors (56.3%) and sensors & feedback devices (26.2%) showed the most growth for shipments. The largest product categories were motors, followed by actuators & mechanical systems, and electronic drives.

According to the latest MCMA survey of industry experts, 54% of respondents believe orders will increase in the next six months, while 33% expect flat performance.

“It’s encouraging to see growth as we near the end of the year and to report the positive projections from industry companies,” said Burnstein.