Robots have not received much attention recently with the recent focus on generative AI software such as ChatGPT and its expected competitors. But sales of robots in North America just set a record, with more than 44,000 ordered in 2022, valued at more than $2 billion, according to the Association for Advancing Automation (A3).

The numbers represent rises of 11% and 18% over 2021, respectively, and a reminder that Industry 4.0 industrial automation remains a vibrant growth sector in driving the need for digital infrastructure.

More than half of the robots were sold to the auomative industry, driven by electric vehicles (EVs), according to A3. “Although labor shortage and supply chain issues impact nearly all industries in North America, automakers’ public commitment to move to EVs has set in motion a resurgence of robot orders in this market,” said Jeff Burnstein, president of A3.

Outside of the automotive markets, he added, “While the numbers of robots sold to non-automotive companies isn’t as staggering as it’s been over the last couple of years, it’s clear that companies in every industry see automation as necessary for success. We look forward to seeing more unique and increasingly easy-to-use robots that all industries can benefit from.”

Photograph from A3.