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Robot sales in North America jump 40 percent in first half of 2010

North American-based robotics companies saw orders jump 40 percent in units in the first half of 2010, according to new figures released by industry trade group Robotic Industries Association (RIA), Ann Arbor, Mich.

North American companies ordered a total of 6,316 robots valued at $411.4 million through June, a rise of 40 percent in units and 48 percent in dollars over the same period in 2009. When orders to companies outside of North America are included, the increases are even larger, up 54 percent in units and 62 percent in dollars.

In North America, the biggest gains came in orders by nonautomotive companies, with units rising 51 percent.

Among leading robot applications, arc welding showed a 52 percent gain in units, followed very closely by material handling, up 51 percent.