For the Automation Indistry, demand in 2018 held up for the first half, but after the summer it was clear that growth was crumbling as
it became harder to access project financing and exporters were holding back automation projects in order to assess the trade situation.
This year US automation demand was strong in general industries, but the automotive sector was weak. We believe multiple auto projects will be restarted as the new USMCA (New Nafta) agreement brings clarity. Automation demand is likely to stay firm in the domestic market and is looking promising in Southeast Asia and India.
Technology continues to make robotics and automation solution more efficient and powerful. IoT and data collection is penetrating the industry deeper as networks get smarter and sensors find their way into more mechanical components. We further see traceability as an emerging trend in manufacturing that will lead to improved quality and more efficient inventory control.
