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Robot sales to manufacturing fell 18% in 2008, and industry experts don't expect things to get much better in 2009.
technology. This will require new automation technology throughout the value chain. Robotics will surely benefit from such investments," she asserted. Burnstein noted that there's also reason for optimism based on the strong non-automotive results in 2008. "Non-automotive orders rose 9% in units and 1% in dollars over 2007. The strongest gains came in the semiconductor/electronics/photonics markets, where units rose 63% and dollars jumped 55%. Plastics and rubber orders increa.sed 39% in units, 12% in dollars, while food and consumer goods saw increases of 3% in units and 51 % in dollars," Burnstein explained. "Non-automotive orders actually topped automotive orders, in terms of dollars, for the first time since we began collecting numbers 25 years ago," Burnstein noted. "In terms of units, the breakdown was 51% automotive, 49% non-automotive. This is very important for our industry as we continue to make progress in reaching new customers."
RIA estimates that more than 186,000 robots are now being used in the United States, placing the U.S. 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 and India rapidly expanding their investments in robotics. "Despite the financial crisis, there are great opportunities to expand the use of robotics in North America," Burnstein said. "In 2009, we're holding our International Robots. Vision & Motion Control Show (June 9-11, Rosemont, IL) that highlights the latest products and solutions. The show is held just once every two years and gives users and potential users a great way to find answers to their manufacturing challenges. "The need for improved productivity and product quality, flexibility, speed - these challenges don't disappear, if anything they become greater, when there's a downturn. We're hopeful that the show will be a catalyst to stimulate tbe market in the second half of R the year." Burnstein said. U