Machine Vision Market Contracts in 2012, Gains Expected in 2013

Total sales of machine vision components and systems fell more than 4 percent in 2012, but they are expected to rebound in 2013, according to statistics from industry trade group AIA.

The overall North American vision market totaled $1.8 billion in 2012. Some segments, such as cameras, lighting and imaging boards, saw increased sales, while the market declined for optics, software, smart cameras and application-specific machine vision systems.

“In 2012 the vision market in North America suffered from a slowdown in the second half of the year, caused in part by the uncertainty over the US presidential election as well as a cooling manufacturing environment,” said AIA President Jeff Burnstein. “However, based on surveys of our members, we see an optimistic outlook about the economy and North American manufacturing, which indicates a likely return to growth in 2013.”

“The contraction in machine vision sales in 2012 was not surprising, as many companies reduced capital equipment expenditures late in the year,” said Alex Shikany, AIA's director of market analysis. “Despite the decline, the industry's historical trend line still points upward.”

AIA’s Quarterly Machine Vision Sales Tracking Report is available for free to AIA members participating in the sales data program.

For more information, visit: www.visiononline.org