NORTH American based robotics companies saw orders for new robots decline 36% in units and 47% in dollars through the first half of 2009, according to Robotic Industries Association (RIA), the industry's trade group.
The second quarter alone saw declines of 43% in units and 51% in dollars over the same period in 2008. The quarter was also down 29% in units and 26% in dollars from the first quarter of 2009.
Weakness in orders received from the automotive industry OEMs and suppliers is the major factor in the decline according to an industry spokesperson.
RIA estimates that more than 190,000 robots are now being used in the United States, placing the Unites States second only to Japan in overall robot use. It's estimated that more than one million robots are being used worldwide, with countries such as China, Korea and India rapidly expanding their investments in robotics.
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