The Automated Imaging Association (AIA) reports that North American machine vision market enjoyed its fifth straight quarter of double-digit growth. In its Quarterly Machine Vision Sales Tracking Report, AIA stated that the machine vision sales grew 34 percent in North America in the first quarter of 2011.
The association also recorded robust sales across almost all major machine vision supplier markets, including cameras, lighting, optics, software, application-specific machine vision systems, and smart cameras. 

Additionally, AIA reports a continuation of widespread optimism in the industry. Approximately one-half of all companies submitting data for the report expect sales to improve over first quarter 2011 levels during the next six months. Of the remaining companies, most anticipate sales comparable to first quarter results. Only eight percent of the companies expect sales to decrease.

"The continuation of double-digit growth shows the strength of the machine vision market in North America", said Jeff Burnstein, president of AIA. Paul Kellett, AIA's Director of Market Analysis, adds, "Large businesses continue to invest in equipment that boosts productivity, including machine vision systems. Expansion in the manufacturing sector is expected to continue despite some momentary softening and spur additional investment in machine vision software and equipment."

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