Industrial robot sales in North America increased by 12% in 2022.

Cyclical growth in the automotive industry.

The 12% increase in the manufacturing sector in North America in 2022 was strongly dominated by the automotive industry. 20,391 were installed. industrial robots in the USA, Canada and Mexico - this is 30% more than last year. In the USA, this growth was particularly noticeable: 14,594 units were installed, which represents a 48 percent increase compared to 2021. This marks a rebound after several years of decline - from a peak of 15,397 units in 2017 to 9,854 in 2021. This growth clearly illustrates the cyclical nature of demand from the automotive sector, which often reacts to changes in production and investment.

In Mexico, growth was also strong: robot installations increased by 16% to 4,222 units - the second-best result since the record 4,805 in 2017. In Canada, the situation was different: although the automotive industry accounts for 40% of all installations, the number of robots installed fell to 1,258 units - this is less than the level of in 2019 (1,897). The decline mainly affected the production of parts and accessories, which fell by 45%.

Distribution of investments outside the automotive sector.

Outside the automotive industry, more than 4,000 units were installed in 2022. industrial robots in several other sectors. The largest increase was recorded in electronics and electrical engineering - by 28%. In the metal and machinery sector, although the number of installations decreased, it still accounted for a significant share of the market. A similar situation occurred in the chemical and plastics industry - there was a decrease. All these sectors together accounted for approximately 9% of the total number of installations. This shows that although the automotive industry dominates, investments in automation are also growing in other industrial branches.

It is worth noting that this data is presented as preliminary by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). This means that it may be subject to correction after the finalization of the data. However, even now, a clear trend can be seen: the manufacturing sector in North America is not only recovering its lost positions after the pandemic but is also growing dynamically - especially where demand is cyclical and strongly related to investments.

Significance for integrators and technology providers.

Increase in sales industrial robots in 2022 is of great importance for automation system integrators, such as NexaRob. The increase in demand, especially in the USA and Mexico, means a growing need for integrated solutions - from design through installation to service. Integrators can use this trend to develop offers tailored to the specifics of the automotive industry and other sectors that are beginning to invest in production digitization.

In turn, organizations such as Automate - the largest robotics and automation exhibition in North America - confirm the growing market interest. After two consecutive editions in 2022 and 2023, the organizers announced the return of the exhibition as an annual event. In 2024, it will be held in Chicago, and in 2025 - in Detroit. This confirms that the market is not only growing but also becoming more structured and organized.

Limitations and context of data.

It is worth emphasizing that all data relate to installations. industrial robots in the manufacturing sector and are presented as preliminary by IFR. This means that they may be subject to correction after the finalization of data from individual countries. In addition, the data does not include mobile robots, logistics robots or systems supporting employees - only industrial stationary and mobile units in production plants.

Growth in the USA and Mexico does not automatically mean a stable trend. The cyclical nature of demand, especially in the automotive industry, may lead to further declines if investments stop. In Canada, such a trend is already being observed - a decrease in installations despite the long-term involvement of the automotive sector. This means that integrators and suppliers must be prepared for market instability and develop adaptive strategies.