The AIA reports that machine vision components and sales totaled $1.8 billion in 2012, a four percent decline from 2011. An optimistic outlook about manufacturing in North America is leading to a positive growth outlook for 2013, however.

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Total sales of machine vision components and systems fell over four percent in 2012, but are expected to rebound in 2013 according to new statistics issued by Automated Imaging Association (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 Jeff Burnstein, AIA President. "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.

Alex Shikany, AIA’s Director of Market Analysis, said, "The contraction in machine vision sales in 2012 was not surprising, as many companies reduced capital equipment expenditures late in the year." Shikany added, "Despite the decline, the industry’s historical trend-line still points upward."

Automated Imaging Association (AIA)

www.visiononline.org