KC Robotics experienced record growth in the first quarter of 2011, with a sales increase of 59% over the first quarter of 2010, and 21% over the previous quarter (4th quarter, 2010). “We saw an increase in every segment of our marketing – robots, parts, and integration,” says Ken Carrier, President of KC Robotics, Inc.
Similar trends have been posted throughout the robotic industry. The RIA reported on its website that North American robot orders from manufacturers surged 31% in the First Quarter of 2011.

http://www.robotics.org/content-detail.cfm/Industrial-Robotics-News/Robot-Orders-Surge-31-in-First-Quarter-of-2011/content_id/2750

According to the Robotic Industries Association, the first quarter of 2010 has shown great growth for robotic sales in North America.  For manufacturers, when compared to the first quarter of 2009, reports show an increase of 30% in dollar sales alone.  That number is even greater against the last quarter of 2009.  For the increase in unit sales, material handling maintains the largest application for new orders, accounting for nearly 60%.  RIA has estimated that roughly 196,000 robots are currently being used in U.S. factories, coming in only second to Japan for robotic use.

Jeff Burnstein, RIA President, points out that even though companies are aware that business in 2009 was severely weak overall, we’re all still hopeful that the growth we’re currently seeing will continue to steadily increase.  This attitude spans across America, as we are all pushing for continued success and survivability.

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Robot Orders Post Strong Gains in First Quarter of 2010