Robot Report: F&B Industry Leads Automation Adoption

The North American robotics market demonstrated minor overall growth in 2024, reflecting resilience and adaptability as automation strengthened its role across industries. According to new data from the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), North American companies ordered 31,311 robots valued at $1.9 billion, representing slight increases of 0.5% in units and 0.1% in revenue over 2023. These modest gains mark stabilization after years of volatility and record-breaking growth.
Last year saw a notable shift as non-automotive industries captured a larger market share. Food and consumer goods emerged as the year’s fastest-growing sector, with robot orders surging by 65%. This underscores the sector’s growing reliance on automation to meet consumer expectations, streamline supply chains, and address labor shortages.
Life sciences, pharmaceutical, and biomedical industries also posted strong results, with 46% growth in orders. These gains highlight automation’s critical role in advancing healthcare innovation and improving operational efficiencies.
"In 2024, the North American robotics market saw mixed results following a challenging 2023," said Alex Shikany, executive vice president at A3. "While sectors such as automotive components are still navigating recovery, we have seen encouraging signs of resilience across various industries. As we look to 2025, the mood among our members is optimistic, reflecting a robust belief in the enduring value of robotics and automation technologies. These tools are essential for enhancing efficiency and competitiveness on a global scale."
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 over 1,300 manufacturers, component suppliers, system integrators, end users, academic institutions, research groups and consulting firms that drive automation forward worldwide.
Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!







