U.N. releases World Robotics 2004 survey

Medical robots, underwater robots, surveillance robots, demolition robots and many other types of robots for carrying out a multitude of tasks are doing very well. A stock of some 21,000 units was estimated at the end of 2003. In the period 2004-2007, another 54,000 units are projected to be added to the stock.

Results in the first half of 2004 - robot sales continue to surge

Looking at the first half of 2004, the UNECE/IFR quarterly survey on order intake of industrial robots, which includes most of the world's largest companies, showed that worldwide order intake increased by 18%, compared with the same period in 2003. It was the highest order intake of industrial robots ever recorded, worldwide.

In the long run, according to the UNECE survey, service robots will be everyday tools for mankind. They will not only clean our floors, mow our lawns and guard our homes but they will also assist old and handicapped people with sophisticated interactive equipment, carry out surgery, inspect pipes and sites that are hazardous to people, fight fire and bombs and be used in many other applications described in the present issue of World Robotics 2004. Huge military investment in service robots will give spin-off effects both for the market of professional service robots and for the market of consumer products.

The publication World Robotics 2004 - Statistics, Market Analysis, Forecasts, Case Studies and Profitability of Robot Investment is available through the usual United Nations sales agents in various countries or from the United Nations Office at Geneva (see address below), priced at US$150:

http://www.unece.org/press/pr2004/04robots_index.htm