(A3: Ann Arbor, MI) -- Robot sales in North America plummeted 30% in 2023 following record orders during the two previous years, according to the latest report from the Association for Advancing Automation (A3).

The report says companies purchased 31,159 robots in 2023, compared to 44,196 in 2022 and 39,708 in 2021.

The 2023 orders were divided almost equally among automotive (15,723) and nonautomotive companies (15,436), representing a 34% drop in sales to automotive OEMs and suppliers and a 25% decrease in all other industries, compared to 2022.

A3 says the results point to a combination of factors, including a slower economy, higher interest rates, and overstocking amid supply chain uncertainty. The association says better Q4 results indicate a potential turnaround in mid-2024.

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