Robotics Driving Global Growth in Motion Controllers

Double digit growth in the robotics and machine vision industries is driving global shipments for motion control products—growing it by 6.2% to $1.5 billion in the first half of 2014, according to the Motion Control Association (MCA), the industry’s trade group.  

“Manufacturers and distributors are optimistic that we’ll see continued growth in 2014,” said Dana Whalls, MCA vice president.

Alex Shikany, MCA director of market analysis, noted that since the beginning of 2009, the motion controller category has averaged 19% growth per quarter through the second quarter of 2014. Individually, the second quarter of 2014 followed a good first quarter with 8.4% growth to $764 million. The main growth categories for the second quarter were AC motors (36.9%), motion controllers (36%), and actuators/mechanical systems (12.4%).