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November 1, 2001
UN releases its 2001 World Robotics survey
UNECE (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe) has issued its survey about the evolution of Robotics.
The number of robots working in the industry is 750,000 units, half of them in Japan, 198,000 in the European Union and 90,000 in North America. According to the UN, "2000 was a record year with almost 100,000 new robots being installed worldwide, representing an increase of as much as 25% over 1999". The population of industrial robots is expected to grow again, reaching almost 1 million units by year 2004.
For the first half of 2001, the worldwide order intake of industrial robots has decreased by 7%, although it is still expanding in Europe (+11%), compared with the same period in 2000.
Concerning domestic robots, the study reveals that a huge increase in sales should be expected in the period 2001-2004, with a projection of 40,000 units for functional robots (such as lawnmower robots) and 200,000 units for entertainment robots. Considered as "very promising", this market could also become much bigger, estimates the UN.
Photo © UNECE
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UNECE Robotics Survey
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