2024 saw a notable shift as non-automotive industries captured a larger market share. Manufacturers of food and consumer goods emerged as the year’s fastest-growing sector, with robot orders surging by 65 percent. This underscores the sector’s growing reliance on automation to meet consumer expectations, streamline supply chains, and address labor shortages.

The life sciences, pharmaceutical, and biomedical industries also posted strong results, with 46 percent growth in orders. These gains highlight automation’s critical role in advancing healthcare innovation and improving operational efficiencies.

In the fourth quarter of 2024, North American companies ordered 8,277 robots valued at $506 million, reflecting 8 percent growth in both units and revenue compared to the same period in 2023.

While growth was robust in many areas, challenges remained. Orders from the semiconductor and electronics industries fell by 37 percent annually, reflecting supply chain pressures and cooling demand. The metals and automotive components industries saw declines of 4 percent and 15 percent, respectively.

“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. As we look to 2025, the mood among our members is optimistic, reflecting a robust belief in the enduring value of robotics and automation technologies. These tools are essential for enhancing efficiency and competitiveness on a global scale.”