ANN ARBOR, MI-Machine vision sales grew 34% in North America in the first quarter of 2011, the fifth straight quarter of double-digit growth according to the Quarterly Machine Vision Sales Tracking Report of the Automated Imaging Association (AIA).

The AIA report recorded robust sales across almost all major machine vision supplier markets, including cameras, lighting, optics, software, application-specific machine vision systems and smart cameras.

The new report also found a continuation of widespread optimism in the industry. Approximately one-half of all companies submitting data for the report expect sales to improve over first quarter 2011 levels during the next six months. Of the remaining companies, most anticipate sales comparable to first quarter results. Only eight percent of the companies expect sales to decrease.

“The continuation of double-digit growth shows the strength of the machine vision market in North America”, says Jeff Burnstein, president of AIA. Paul Kellett, AIA’s director of market analysis, added: “Large businesses continue to invest in equipment that boosts productivity, including machine vision systems. Expansion in the manufacturing sector is expected to continue despite some momentary softening and spur additional investment in machine vision software and equipment.”

AIA’s Quarterly Machine Vision Sales Tracking Report is available free of charge to all AIA members participating in AIA’s sales data program.