Latest news with #AssociationforAdvancingAutomation
Business Wire
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Business Wire
New A3 Report Signals Steady Automation Investment in First Half of 2025
ANN ARBOR, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The North American robotics industry continued to build momentum in the first half of 2025. New data from the Association for Advancing Automation (A3) shows robot orders increased by 4.3% and revenue rose 7.5% compared to the first half of 2024, a promising sign for continued automation investment amid a complex economic landscape. Cobots made up nearly one in four robots sold in Q2 2025. Automotive Leads First-Half Gains, with Support from Life Sciences and Plastics North American companies ordered 17,635 robots valued at $1.094 billion in the first six months of 2025. Automotive OEMS led industry growth with a 34% year-over-year increase in units ordered. Other top-performing segments included plastics and rubber (+9%) and life sciences/pharma/biomed (+8%), reflecting broader trends like reshoring, labor shortages, and the push for greater operational efficiency. Life Sciences and Electronics Drive Q2 Growth In Q2 alone, companies ordered 8,571 robots worth $513 million, marking a 9.0% increase in units over Q2 2024. Life sciences/pharma/biomed posted the strongest sector growth in the quarter (+22%), followed by semiconductors/electronics/photonics (+18%) and steady gains in plastics, automotive components, and general industry. 'The continued growth in robot orders underscores what we've been hearing from our members: automation is now central to long-term business strategy,' said Alex Shikany, Executive Vice President at A3. 'It's not just about efficiency anymore. It's about building resilience, improving flexibility, and staying competitive in a rapidly changing global market. If these patterns hold, the North American robotics market could outperform 2024 levels by mid-single digit growth rates by the end of the year.' Collaborative Robots Show Rising Influence Collaborative robots (cobots) accounted for a growing share of the market with 3,085 units ordered in the first half of 2025, valued at $114 million. In Q2 alone, cobots made up 23.7% of all units and 14.7% of revenue. These systems are increasingly favored for their ability to work safely alongside humans and address automation needs in space- or labor-constrained environments. A3 began tracking cobots as a distinct category in 1Q 2025 and plans to expand future reporting to include growth trends by sector. Automotive vs. Non-Automotive Sectors in Q2 The non-automotive sector took the lead over automotive in Q2, accounting for 56% of total units ordered. This move reflects the expanding role of automation in industries such as life sciences, electronics, and other non-automotive manufacturing sectors. More detailed market breakouts and graphs from the Q2 2025 report are available upon request for press and within the A3 Vault for member companies. A3 Launches New Premium Market Intelligence Platform for Members For even deeper insights, A3 members can now subscribe to MI+, the Association's new premium market intelligence platform. MI+ offers exclusive access to forecasts, deep-dive reports, and a growing library of sector-specific analyses. Upcoming features will include dynamic dashboards and customizable analytics tools to help members make smarter, faster business decisions. The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) is the leading global advocate for the benefits of automating. A3 promotes automation technologies and ideas that transform the way business is done. Members of A3 represent 1,380 manufacturers, component suppliers, system integrators, end users, academic institutions, research groups and consulting firms that drive automation forward worldwide. A3 hosts a number of industry-leading events, including the Humanoid Robot Forum FOCUS: Intelligent Vision & Industrial AI Conference (September 24-25, 2025, in Seattle, WA), International Robot Safety Conference (November 3-5, 2025, in Houston, TX), the A3 Business Forum (January 19-21, 2026 in Orlando, FL), and Automate (June 22-25, 2026, in Chicago, IL).
Business Wire
31-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
A3's Humanoid Robot Forum Returns September 23 to Explore the Future of Manufacturing with Humanoid Technologies
BUSINESS WIRE)--As humanoid robots move from concept to production reality, the Association for Advancing Automation (A3) is bringing the industry's top minds together for the second annual Humanoid Robot Forum, happening September 23, 2025, at the Sheraton Grand Seattle. Registration is open at This immersive event will explore how humanoid robots, combined with advancements in machine vision, artificial intelligence, and motion control, are beginning to transform manufacturing and logistics. Share This one-day, immersive event will explore how humanoid robots, combined with advancements in machine vision, artificial intelligence, and motion control, are beginning to transform manufacturing and logistics. From early trials to active deployments, the forum will highlight what's working, what's next, and how to get involved. 'With the pace of innovation accelerating, and real use cases now taking shape, this forum is arriving at exactly the right time,' said Jeff Burnstein, president of A3. 'We're focused on the practical applications of humanoid robots and how they can help companies in manufacturing, logistics and related sectors.' Agenda Highlights Attendees will hear from industry leaders, researchers, and robotics developers who are advancing humanoid systems and related technologies, including safety, AI, and machine vision. The program features keynotes, fireside chats, and expert panels that offer actionable insight into how and where humanoids are being applied today. Keynote sessions include: Lessons from the Warehouse: Why Humanoids Are Different from Other Automation, Adrian Stoch, Chief Automation Officer, GXO Advancing Humanoid Robotics Through Generative AI and Simulation, Amit Goel, Head of Robotics Ecosystem, NVIDIA Corporation What Our First Million Hospital Deliveries Taught Us About Humanoid Robotics, Andrea Thomaz, CEO, Diligent From Lab to Life: Practical Lessons Deploying Humanoid Robots, Melonee Wise, Chief Product Officer, Agility Robotics Deepen the Learning with FOCUS: Intelligent Vision and Industrial AI For those looking to expand their understanding of enabling technologies, A3 is also hosting FOCUS: Intelligent Vision and Industrial AI Conference on September 24 and 25 at the same venue. This two-day event explores how advanced vision systems and industrial AI are unlocking new levels of performance, flexibility, and insight across the automation ecosystem. Attendees can register for both conferences with a $100 discount to gain a deeper understanding of the technologies shaping the future of automation. Registration and Sponsorship Information Event registration is now open: Register Here. Sponsorships and speaking opportunities are still available and can be arranged by contacting the A3 sales team at sales@ The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) is the leading global advocate for the benefits of automating. A3 promotes automation technologies and ideas that transform the way business is done. Members of A3 represent 1,380 manufacturers, component suppliers, system integrators, end users, academic institutions, research groups and consulting firms that drive automation forward worldwide. A3 hosts a number of industry-leading events, including the Humanoid Robot Forum (September 23, 2025, in Seattle, WA), FOCUS: Intelligent Vision & Industrial AI Conference (September 24-25, 2025, in Seattle, WA), International Robot Safety Conference (November 3-5, 2025, in Houston, TX), the A3 Business Forum (January 19-21, 2026 in Orlando, FL), and Automate (June 22-25, 2026, in Chicago, IL).
The Hill
18-07-2025
- Business
- The Hill
Washington needs to get serious about robotics
After years of treating robotics policy as a novelty or niche concern, Washington is finally beginning to wake up to reality: we cannot win the race for artificial intelligence leadership if we ignore the robotics race. Artificial intelligence is software. Robotics is hardware. The two are inextricably linked. A national AI strategy that doesn't include robotics is not a national AI strategy but a mere half-measure. And as China pours state resources into dominating both AI and robotics — with over $350 billion in planned investment made over the past decade as part of its Made in China 2025 initiative — the United States risks falling behind in the physical deployment of smart systems across our economy, from the factory floor to the battlefield. Fortunately, there are signs of a long-overdue policy shift in the nation's capital. Several major think tanks and associations, including the Special Competitive Studies Project, the Association for Advancing Automation, and the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International, have all recently called for urgent action and attention toward robotics. This spring, the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party hosted a 'Robotics Symposium,' which marked one of the most focused congressional discussions to date on robotics competitiveness. And in May, a bipartisan group of lawmakers launched a reinvigorated Congressional Robotics Caucus, aiming to educate their colleagues and shape a comprehensive legislative agenda on robotics. These moves echo growing recognition across government that robotics is essential to our national competitiveness. Just last month, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick rightly called robotics 'the future of American manufacturing' and a critical pillar of domestic industrial revitalization. Over 50 organizations mentioned the importance of robotics in their submissions to the White House's National AI Action Plan, and many expect robotics-related recommendations to be incorporated into the Action Plan. But momentum alone isn't strategy. The U.S. needs a full-fledged national robotics strategy — one that ensures we out-innovate, out-produce, and out-compete global competitors. That means investing in next-generation robotics research and development, rebuilding our advanced manufacturing base, countering unfair trade practices, and equipping the American workforce with the skills to lead in robotics engineering, design, operations, and maintenance. An executive order is one way to do this. An executive order on robotics could meet the moment by mobilizing all relevant government agencies to prioritize robotics policies and unleash America's robotics industry. There are several meaningful actions that could help do so, including, but not limited to: The Office of Science and Technology, as the leading federal science and technology body, could organize and direct a whole-of-government strategy, establish a central robotics office in government and an interagency working group with academic and industry leaders. The Bureau of Industry and Security could investigate unfair trade practices by foreign competitors and recommend policy actions to secure the domestic robotics supply chain. Other agencies, including the National Institute of Standards and Technology, as the nation's standards setting body, could develop technical standards associated with robotics and automated technologies. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, as the nation's workplace safety governing body, could issue best practices for the deployment and usage of robotics to give industry increased confidence to buy and sell robotics. The National Science Foundation, as the nation's scientific research entity, could begin to prioritize grants and awards for applied robotics and support training and education opportunities in robotics. Congress could also take a big step this year by establishing a national commission on robotics, akin to successful commissions on key technology fields such as artificial intelligence, cyber and biotechnology, to identify specific recommendations to ensure the U.S. leads and doesn't fall behind other countries. Robotics drives productivity. It underpins national security. And it is poised to transform sectors ranging from agriculture to elder care. In short, robotics is the physical expression of American ingenuity — and it's time our policies and strategy reflected that. Washington must act with urgency. The robotics race is not just a subset of AI — it is the proving ground where AI becomes real. And it's a race we can't afford to lose.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
A3 and 3M Bring Premier Robotic Grinding & Finishing Conference to Minneapolis, July 22-23
Agenda now available for next-gen robotic material removal and finishing event ANN ARBOR, Mich., June 04, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) today announced the full agenda for its Robotic Grinding and Finishing Conference, set for July 22-23 at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis. Co-presented with 3M, the two-day event will unite manufacturers, integrators, and automation experts for deep-dive technical sessions, live robotic demos, and peer networking focused on next-generation material-removal solutions that boost quality, throughput, and worker safety. Registration is open at "Robotic grinding and finishing applications are rapidly gaining traction across manufacturing today," said Jeff Burnstein, president of the Association for Advancing Automation (A3). "By partnering with industry leaders such as FerRobotics, FANUC America, and other innovators, and featuring a keynote by Mike Kesti, senior vice president of 3M's Corporate Research Laboratory, this year's program will deliver actionable insights, live demos and peer connections that manufacturers can apply immediately. We're excited to lead the next wave of robotic material‑removal innovation." Agenda Highlights The newly released schedule kicks off with Kesti's keynote, "Evolving R&D at 3M by Leveraging Digital," and packs more than a dozen sessions over two days, including: CobotandGo - Latest Trends and Tech Advancements Making Cobots Even More Accessible Than Ever, Jerry Perez, Manager, FANUC America May The Force Control Be With You, Michael Haas, Vice President America, FerRobotics Active Compliance for Precision Robotic Grinding: A Modular Solution for High-Mix Manufacturing, Simone Bianchi, Head of Solution Portfolio Management, Suhner Switzerland The Next Frontier: Unlocking Robotic Material Removal for Small and Medium Manufacturers, Maximiliano Falcone, VP of Sales Engineering, PushCorp Exclusive Opportunities for Conference Attendees In addition to the core sessions, registrants can opt into two special experiences available only to conference participants: 3M Center Tour – Gain insider access to 3M's global headquarters in St. Paul, where attendees will explore eight live robotic automation demos tackling real‑world production challenges and engage directly with 3M experts. Seating is limited to the first 120 registrants; charter buses will be provided. 3M Open PGA Golf Tournament – Cap off the conference with a complimentary hospitality‑tent pass to the opening round of the 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minnesota. (Transportation to the course is not included.) Registration and Sponsorship Information Event registration is now open: Register Here. Tabletops booths and sponsorships are still available and can be reserved by contacting the A3 sales team at sales@ About 3M 3M (NYSE: MMM) believes science helps create a brighter world for everyone. By unlocking the power of people, ideas and science to reimagine what's possible, our global team uniquely addresses the opportunities and challenges of our customers, communities, and planet. Learn how we're working to improve lives and make what's next at About Association for Advancing Automation (A3) The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) is the leading global advocate for the benefits of automating. A3 promotes automation technologies and ideas that transform the way business is done. Members of A3 represent 1,380 manufacturers, component suppliers, system integrators, end users, academic institutions, research groups and consulting firms that drive automation forward worldwide. A3 hosts a number of industry-leading events, including the A3 Mexico Business Forum (September 3-4, 2025, in Querétaro, México), Humanoid Robot Forum (September 23, 2025, in Seattle, WA), FOCUS: Intelligent Vision & Industrial AI Conference (September 24-25, 2025, in Seattle, WA), the International Robot Safety Conference (November 3-5, 2025, in Houston, TX), and the A3 Business Forum (January 19-21, 2026 in Orlando, FL). View source version on Contacts Media Contacts:Jackie RoseAssociation for Advancing Automationjrose@ Katie SchimmelOutlook Marketing Serviceskatie@ Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Business Wire
04-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
A3 and 3M Bring Premier Robotic Grinding & Finishing Conference to Minneapolis, July 22-23
ANN ARBOR, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) today announced the full agenda for its Robotic Grinding and Finishing Conference, set for July 22-23 at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis. Co-presented with 3M, the two-day event will unite manufacturers, integrators, and automation experts for deep-dive technical sessions, live robotic demos, and peer networking focused on next-generation material-removal solutions that boost quality, throughput, and worker safety. Registration is open at Robotic grinding and finishing applications are rapidly gaining traction across manufacturing today. This year's program will deliver actionable insights, live demos and peer connections that manufacturers can apply immediately. Share 'Robotic grinding and finishing applications are rapidly gaining traction across manufacturing today,' said Jeff Burnstein, president of the Association for Advancing Automation (A3). 'By partnering with industry leaders such as FerRobotics, FANUC America, and other innovators, and featuring a keynote by Mike Kesti, senior vice president of 3M's Corporate Research Laboratory, this year's program will deliver actionable insights, live demos and peer connections that manufacturers can apply immediately. We're excited to lead the next wave of robotic material‑removal innovation.' Agenda Highlights The newly released schedule kicks off with Kesti's keynote, ' Evolving R&D at 3M by Leveraging Digital,' and packs more than a dozen sessions over two days, including: CobotandGo - Latest Trends and Tech Advancements Making Cobots Even More Accessible Than Ever, Jerry Perez, Manager, FANUC America May The Force Control Be With You, Michael Haas, Vice President America, FerRobotics Active Compliance for Precision Robotic Grinding: A Modular Solution for High-Mix Manufacturing, Simone Bianchi, Head of Solution Portfolio Management, Suhner Switzerland The Next Frontier: Unlocking Robotic Material Removal for Small and Medium Manufacturers, Maximiliano Falcone, VP of Sales Engineering, PushCorp Exclusive Opportunities for Conference Attendees In addition to the core sessions, registrants can opt into two special experiences available only to conference participants: 3M Center Tour – Gain insider access to 3M's global headquarters in St. Paul, where attendees will explore eight live robotic automation demos tackling real‑world production challenges and engage directly with 3M experts. Seating is limited to the first 120 registrants; charter buses will be provided. 3M Open PGA Golf Tournament – Cap off the conference with a complimentary hospitality‑tent pass to the opening round of the 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minnesota. (Transportation to the course is not included.) Registration and Sponsorship Information Event registration is now open: Register Here. Tabletops booths and sponsorships are still available and can be reserved by contacting the A3 sales team at sales@ About 3M 3M (NYSE: MMM) believes science helps create a brighter world for everyone. By unlocking the power of people, ideas and science to reimagine what's possible, our global team uniquely addresses the opportunities and challenges of our customers, communities, and planet. Learn how we're working to improve lives and make what's next at The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) is the leading global advocate for the benefits of automating. A3 promotes automation technologies and ideas that transform the way business is done. Members of A3 represent 1,380 manufacturers, component suppliers, system integrators, end users, academic institutions, research groups and consulting firms that drive automation forward worldwide. A3 hosts a number of industry-leading events, including the A3 Mexico Business Forum (September 3-4, 2025, in Querétaro, México), Humanoid Robot Forum (September 23, 2025, in Seattle, WA), FOCUS: Intelligent Vision & Industrial AI Conference (September 24-25, 2025, in Seattle, WA), the International Robot Safety Conference (November 3-5, 2025, in Houston, TX), and the A3 Business Forum (January 19-21, 2026 in Orlando, FL).
