The study suggests that material handling is a large untapped market for robots. Most companies that don't use robots for material handling have never been contacted by a robotics supplier. "It's clear that there's an opportunity for the robotics industry if suppliers can more effectively communicate the benefits of the technology, especially how robot systems can be cost-justified," says Pete Chomyn of the Allegheny Marketing Group, which conducted the study for the RIA.

Only 15 percent of manufacturers that have robots use the technology for palletizing and packaging.

To purchase a copy of the study, call the RIA at 734-994-6088 or visit www.roboticsonline.com.