North American Robot Orders Rise 4.3% in Q2 as Non-Automotive Demand Surges
Event summary
- North American companies ordered 8,940 robots valued at $622M in Q2 2026, up 4.3% in units and 21.3% in revenue YoY.
- Non-automotive customers accounted for 56% of Q2 robot orders, continuing a diversification trend.
- Collaborative robots represented 15.4% of all units ordered in H1 2026, with strong adoption in life sciences and electronics.
- Semi & Electronics/Photonics saw the largest growth at +38% YoY, while Automotive OEM orders declined 25%.
- Manufacturing PMI remained in expansion territory for a sixth consecutive month in June 2026.
The big picture
The first half of 2026 highlights a structural shift in robotics demand, with non-automotive sectors increasingly driving growth. While automotive OEM orders declined, industries like semiconductors and life sciences posted double-digit gains, reflecting broader adoption trends. The data suggests manufacturers view automation as a long-term competitiveness tool, despite economic uncertainties.
What we're watching
- Industry Diversification
- Whether non-automotive sectors can sustain current growth rates as automotive demand fluctuates.
- Automation Investment
- The pace at which collaborative robots penetrate new industries beyond life sciences and electronics.
- Economic Sensitivity
- How broader economic conditions will impact automation investment in the second half of 2026.
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