The global machine vision hardware market is forecast to be worth $2.1 billion in 2012, up from $1.5 billion, its estimated value in 2007, according to a report from IMS Research. The compact vision systems and smart cameras and sensors market will see above-average growth for industrial automation and is expected to grow most rapidly in the Asia-Pacific region. Unit shipments are projected to increase more quickly than revenues as prices decrease steadily. Developments in software and sensor technology have helped manufacturers to produce greater functionality per dollar. Titled “The Worldwide Market for Machine Vision Hardware,” it was, published in May 2008.