Similar to vision technologies, technological advancements in robotics, reduced costs, and increased ease of use has enabled widespread robotic adoption in industrial automation, including packaging applications. According to the Robotics Industries Association, “A total of 22,591 robots valued at $1.39 billion were shipped to companies in North America in 2013, beating the previous record of 20,328 robots valued at $1.29 billion shipped in 2012.”
Recently reported in the business intelligence study, “Trends in Robotics Market Assessment 2014,” by The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies (PMMI, pmmi.org), more manufacturing companies are investing in robotic technology because of its impact on creating new jobs, greater safety and increased productivity.