Total sales of machine vision components and systems increased 11% to $1.04 billion in the first half of 2014, according to new statistics issued by AIA, the industry's trade group. This is the best first half performance by the North American machine vision market since AIA began tracking quarterly statistics in 2009.

Total machine vision sales include sales of machine vision components and systems. Total machine vision components are up 28% to $155 million through June, while total machine vision systems are up nine percent to $886 million. The second quarter of 2014 was especially strong, posting growth of 30% and 12% for machine vision components and systems respectively. Every component and system category increased in the second quarter of 2014 except for imaging boards. Cameras (41%), smart cameras (34%), lighting (28%), and software (20%) were the standout individual categories in terms of year over year growth for the second quarter of 2014.

"It is great to see record machine vision sales in North America this year," said AIA President Jeff Burnstein. "More North American companies are realizing the benefits of automating with machine vision, and that is a positive long-term sign for our industry."

"Despite the booming machine vision market and manufacturing sector, AIA membership is tempering its expectations for the second half of the year," added Alex Shikany, AIA's Director of Market Analysis. "Our most recent survey of industry experts shows that the majority of AIA members believe component and systems markets will remain flat in the next six months."

In addition to its quarterly sales tracking report, AIA offers its 2013 Machine Vision Camera Market Study, which is available at a discounted rate to AIA members. AIA also prepares studies on special topics, such as Life Sciences, which it makes available to all AIA members free of charge on its website.