Ann Arbor, MI–According to the AIA, total sales of machine vision components and systems grew over 9% in 2013, more than double the initially forecasted growth. The AIA, a trade group representing vision suppliers and users, says last year’s growth was largely due to an increase in sales of machine vision systems, which comprises application specific machine vision systems (ASMV) and smart cameras.
Machine vision systems grew 11% in 2013, while sales of machine vision components remained flat. “Industry experts believe strongly that we will experience growth in component markets over the next six months,” added Alex Shikany, AIA’s Director of Market Analysis. “There isn’t as much optimism surrounding machine vision systems, however, with the majority of industry experts expecting sales to remain flat through the second quarter of 2014.”
The AIA represents over 330 vision suppliers, system integrators, users, researchers, and consulting firms from 32 countries. It is part of the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), which is a global advocate for the benefits of automating. A3 is the umbrella group for the Robotic Industries Association (RIA), AIA - Advancing Vision + Imaging, and Motion Control Association (MCA).
For more information, visit Vision Online.
Conard Holton
Conard Holton has 25 years of science and technology editing and writing experience. He was formerly a staff member and consultant for government agencies such as the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and the International Atomic Energy Agency, and engineering companies such as Bechtel. He joined Laser Focus World in 1997 as senior editor, becoming editor in chief of WDM Solutions, which he founded in 1999. In 2003 he joined Vision Systems Design as editor in chief, while continuing as contributing editor at Laser Focus World. Conard became editor in chief of Laser Focus World in August 2011, a role in which he served through August 2018. He then served as Editor at Large for Laser Focus World and Co-Chair of the Lasers & Photonics Marketplace Seminar from August 2018 through January 2022. He received his B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania, with additional studies at the Colorado School of Mines and Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.