The IFR Statistical Department evaluated a world wide application of over 951.000 industrial robots at the end of 2006. Almost 50% are being used in Asia, 33% in Europe and 16% in America. Nearly 1% is splitted up on Australia and Africa.

A sturdy growth of averagely 4% between 2008 and 2010 is realistic. The increase of orders in the automotive industry is going to slow down. In contrast the efforts of the robot manufacturers to offer robot solutions beyond the automotive industry have already increased the demand in the past year and for the upcoming years the demand will rise further. It is estimated that there will be a worldwide stock of over 1.2 million robot units until the end of 2010.

The EU supports for example the project IWARD (until 2010), which affords the development of simple activities in hospitals such as moving sick people, serving meals and cleaning jobs.

The manufacturer Vision Robotics settled in California wants to further mechanize the fruit harvesting in the USA by developing a scout that can identify oranges on the tree and establish a 3D-model. A prototype is expected to be finished at the end of 2008. The 8-armed harvesting machine is expected to follow in 2 to 3 years. In case the robot will work dependably other branches (cherry and asparagus) will follow.

• 
• The SMErobot-systems allow flexible degree of automation, with low lifecycle costs.

• New business models create options for funding and operation of automation solutions with variable, uncertain quantity, short product life and easy qualification of personnel.

• The cooperation within the value chain is optimized with regard to the needs of SMEs.