The global market for motion controls slowed down last year compared to 2004, when it recorded a dramatic spurt of 20%. In 2005, the growth eased off to around 6.5%, generating sales worth $5.58bn.

According to the market analyst IMS Research, last year`s slowdown was attributable largely to a decline in the semiconductor machinery market, which contracted by 10%. The decline was set off to some extent by strong gains in the packaging machinery sector, notably in the Asia-Pacific region. IMS expects the semiconductor business to bounce back this year.

The Asia-Pacific market was the fastest growing region for motion controls last year, with sales expanding by an estimated 11.5%.

In terms of technologies, IMS expects servo motors to continue enjoying the fastest growth rate for the foreseeable future. This growth is being fuelled in part by cut-price servos produced in low-labour-cost economies, replacing hybrid stepper motors.