The International Federation of Robotics reported preliminary 2025 results showing U.S. industrial robot installations rose 11% year on year to 38,000 units, with automotive still the largest adopter at 13,500 units and food-industry adoption up 30%. IFR also reported U.S. robot density at 307 industrial robots per 10,000 manufacturing employees and said North American automation demand is supported by reshoring and skilled-labor shortages. For CNC buyers, the impact is that machine-tending readiness should move into the RFQ instead of being handled after machine selection. RFQs for VTM centers and CNC vertical lathes should state loading method, robot or manual tending plan, fixture repeatability, door and table access, cycle-time target, safety-interface expectations, operator training needs, and service support for automation integration.
What this means for CNC buyers
Prepare drawings, material, required operations, tolerance, acceptance method, delivery timing, spare parts, and service expectations before requesting a VTM or vertical CNC lathe quotation.
RFQ details to prepare
- Part drawing, sample photos, material, blank size, diameter, height, and weight.
- Current process route, number of setups, transfer points, clamping risks, and bottleneck operation.
- Required turning, milling, drilling, tapping, grinding, boring, inspection, or automation needs.
- Tolerance, surface finish, inspection method, target cycle time, annual quantity, and destination country.
- Preferred model range, factory space limits, loading method, packing, installation, and support expectations.