ROBOTICS' RAPID GROWTH

Source: Paul Sakuma/Associated Press via The New York Times

Sales of industrial robots, such as those used in automotive and electronics sectors, have risen dramatically in recent years. Between 2010 and 2014, industrial robotics sales increased 48% worldwide.

Growing robotics sales suggests that employers will rely increasingly on automated labor. In a 2015 Boston Consulting Group survey, 75% of 263 US manufacturing executives said they plan to invest in new automation or manufacturing technologies within five years.

See the plot below for annual industrial robotics sales over the last decade.

Worldwide Industrial Robotics Sales

Hover over a dot for details.

Source: International Federation of Robotics, World Robot 2015 Industrial Robot Statistics