Mexican industry is being robotized rapidly. More than half of the robots that are now being used in Mexican industries were installed in the last three years, especially in the automotive sector. The use of robotics is also expected to rapidly extend to other manufacturing activities as well.

      During 2004, Mexico was the second largest robotic purchasing country in the Americas, next to the United States according to the IFR (International Federation of Robotics).

      In North America (United States, Canada, Mexico), the number of installations increased by 6 percent in 2004, to more than 13,400 units, the highest sales of multipurpose industrial robots ever recorded. After reaching a peak level of 13,000 units in 2000, sales dropped in 2001 and 2002 to just under 10,000 units. In 2003, however, there was a sharp recovery; the market expanded by 28% to about 12,700 units.

      In 2004, North America was the second largest market for robot installations, behind Japan but just ahead of Germany. Automotive parts producers and other industries were responsible for the growth, whilst car producers did not increase their robot investments.

      The tremendous increase of robots being purchased and installed in Mexico, offers a great market opportunity for U.S. firms that can provide new technology as well as competitive prices and maintenance service. Companies from countries such as Germany, Japan, and South Korea are rapidly advancing in this market, especially since they can offer financing. U.S. firms can use the services of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, to help finance exports to Mexico.

      The first thing that confirms that the North American robot industry is doing well, is its performance over the past five years. The industry is experiencing all-time highs in both units and dollars, with 1999 orders in dollars targeted at $1.3 billion and in units at 13,000.

      Why the robot industry is doing so well is easily explained by some key developments:

            •The computer age has given the manufacturing community the skill sets needed to implement and service robots. The responsibility for managing robots has moved from engineers to skilled trades. Today, with computer literacy high, the barriers to robot use are considerably lower than in previous years.

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