North American companies bought about the same number of robots in the first quarter of 2025 as they did a year ago, according to new data from the Association for Advancing Automation (A3). A total of 9,064 robots were ordered, up just 0.4% from Q1 2024. But the total value of those orders jumped 15% to $580.7 million, showing that companies are spending more on higher-end systems.
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Automakers led the way. Orders from automotive OEMs rose 42% in units and 78% in revenue, helping offset slowdowns in other sectors, including food, semiconductors, and metals. Orders from automotive parts suppliers dropped 29% in units.
“This quarter shows how resilient automation investment still is, especially in the auto industry,” said Alex Shikany, Executive Vice President at A3. “At the same time, some sectors are taking a more cautious approach as broader economic uncertainty persists.”
Also announced at Automate 2025 in Detroit this week: A3 is now tracking collaborative robots—or cobots—in its official quarterly reports for the first time. These are the smaller, flexible robots often used alongside people.
In Q1, companies ordered 1,052 cobots, worth $39.2 million. Cobots made up 11.6% of all robots sold, and demand was even higher in certain industries. In life sciences and food, they accounted for over 20% of total orders.
“We’re proud to launch this new level of reporting,” said Shikany. “Cobots are one of the fastest-growing areas of robotics adoption, and providing clear, reliable data on where they’re being used will help manufacturers, integrators, and suppliers make more informed decisions.”
Even with uneven demand across sectors, A3 says the long-term outlook for automation is strong.
“Automation is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity for competitive manufacturing,” said Shikany. “The record-setting interest we are seeing for Automate 2025 in Detroit underscores the urgency with which companies across sectors are looking to integrate robotics into their operations.”
