North American Robot Orders Rise in 2025, Led by Automotive Sector

What's Happening?

The North American robotics industry has seen a resurgence in the first half of 2025, with a 4.3% increase in robot orders and a 7.5% rise in revenue compared to the previous year, according to the Association for Advancing Automation (A3). The automotive sector led this growth, with a 34% year-over-year increase in robot orders. However, non-automotive sectors, including life sciences and electronics, surpassed automotive in Q2, accounting for 56% of total orders. Collaborative robots, or cobots, also gained traction, representing a growing share of the market.

Why It's Important?

The increase in robot orders reflects a broader trend towards automation as companies seek to enhance efficiency and resilience in a complex economic environment. The automotive industry's strong performance underscores its continued reliance on robotics for production efficiency. Meanwhile, the rise in non-automotive orders indicates a diversification of automation applications across various industries, such as life sciences and electronics. This trend could drive further innovation and investment in robotics, impacting labor markets and industrial processes.

What's Next?

The North American robotics market is poised for continued growth, potentially outperforming 2024 levels by mid-single digit rates by year-end. Companies are likely to increase investments in automation to address labor shortages and improve operational efficiency. The growing adoption of cobots suggests a shift towards more collaborative and flexible automation solutions. A3 plans to expand its reporting on sector-specific growth trends, providing valuable insights for industry stakeholders. Upcoming industry events hosted by A3 will further explore these developments and their implications.