Machine vision market poised for a rebound

After 4% drop in 2012, AIA sees growth in the long term

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Total sales of machine vision components and systems fell more than 4% in 2012, but are expected to rebound in 2013 according to new statistics issued by AIA, the industry’s trade group.

“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 U.S. 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 overall North American vision market totaled $1.8 billion in 2012. While some segments such as cameras, lighting and imaging boards saw increased sales last year, optics, software, smart cameras and application specific machine vision systems sales declined.

“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.”