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Europe Cold Storage AGV Market Size, Share and Outlook - Growth Analysis Report and Forecast Trends (2026-2035)

Published Mar 17, 2026
Length 118 Pages
SKU # EMAR21035793

Description

The Europe cold storage AGV market was valued at USD 7.80 Million in 2025 . The industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 46.90% during the forecast period of 2026-2035 to reach a value of USD 365.02 Million by 2035 . The market increasingly demands automation solutions that operate reliably in sub-zero environments while addressing labor shortages and safety challenges.

Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) specifically designed for freezer conditions enhance productivity by enabling continuous, 24/7 operations without the occupational health risks faced by human workers. In June 2023, Dematic launched its third-generation freezer-rated AGVs in Australia, featuring advanced sensors, 360° safety scanning, and navigation technology that exceed global safety standards. These vehicles are capable of performing high-reach and counterbalance tasks at temperatures down to –25°C, significantly reducing manual handling risks such as hypothermia, frostbite, and fatigue.

By aligning with international standards like ISO 3691-4, Dematic demonstrates a commitment to both operational excellence and regulatory compliance. Such advancements underscore how leading suppliers are innovating AGV solutions to support cold chain efficiency, minimize workforce exposure to hazardous conditions, and enhance throughput in temperature-controlled warehouses, setting benchmarks for European cold storage operators seeking high-performance automation.

Key Trends and Recent Developments

October 2025 - RepairJet Provides Advanced Mortgage Insurance Software Solution to CoreLogic

At Romark Logistics, a fleet of AGVs deployed in refrigerated aisles optimized storage and operational efficiency. In collaboration with Jungheinrich AG and fueled by Kollmorgen Autonomous Mobile Solutions for enhanced navigation and control, this solution allows for optimized and automated workflows within cold storage facilities.

May 2025 – Multiway Robotics Launches E-Series AGV Forklift

At the event of LogiMAT and PROMAT 2025, Multiway Robotics introduced E-Series counterbalanced forklifts with cold chain models designed for temperatures as low as –25°C. With the use of the latest technologies for laser SLAM navigation, visual recognition, and 360° safety, this series provides maximum efficiency and least labor expenditure in the food and pharma industries.

May 2025 - Cartken and Stirling Ultracold Unveil Autonomous Cold-Chain Transport Offering

Cartken and Stirling Ultracold are collaborating on a novel autonomous cold chain offering, which will enable fully autonomous transportation of ultra-low temperature materials within an indoor, outdoor, and multi-level environment. This solution brings together the Hauler AGVs designed by Cartken with Stirling’s ULT25NEU portable freezers, which operate in a temperature range of −86°C to −20°C.

Oct 2023 - E80 Group Increases Cold Storage Automation

Italian E80 Group is improving its deep-freeze warehouses through its SM.I.LE80 platform and its laser-guided vehicles operating until –30°C. When combined with automated storage and retrieval systems, this optimizes warehousing and pallet handling for food and beverage producers operating in Europe's cold chain industry.

Expanded AGV Deployments Enhance Throughput and Reliability

The European cold storage market has observed a shift in reliance on automated guided vehicles. This trend aims to improve throughputs even in low-temperature conditions. The top robot integrators are expanding their vehicle capacities and their use of functions to keep up with increased material flow. In September 2025, EK Robotics has also expanded its AGV solution at Niederrhein-Gold brewery in Moers, Germany. This upgrade has involved custom-built vehicles designed specifically to support more filling lines and storage zones. This clearly supports continuous three-shift operation.

Long-Term Partnerships Validate AGV Investment Decisions

Continuous joint endeavors between suppliers of automation solutions and companies using them to improve confidence in AGVs regarding cold storage logistics. It was September 2024 when ek robotics and Arla Foods celebrated 11 years of fruitful collaboration at the automated cold storage of its dairy company in the UK, where 90 special robots have accomplished millions of transport tasks, thereby ensuring improved reliability of material flow. Such fruitful collaboration pushes other companies in Europe to strategically utilize AGVs.

Regional Distribution Partnerships Broaden Market Presence

Regional collaborations between AGV suppliers and local distributors help to promote the acceptance of automated systems. To promote market penetration in Central Europe, MTS spol. s r.o. was appointed as the distribution partner for AGVs from K.Hartwall for Slovakia in October 2025. The move aims to make A-MATE AGVs from K.Hartwall more accessible to industries and cold storage facilities. Collaborations between suppliers and distributors help to overcome obstacles for mid-sized companies to implement AGVs.

Industry Events Drive Awareness of Cold Storage Solutions

Trade shows and industry events provide significant platforms and channels for AGV suppliers and manufacturers where they exhibit their innovations and hold direct discussion forums with key decision-makers of cold storage facilities. The purpose of such initiatives is to enhance visibility and establish relevance between AGVs and cold storage facilities. In January 2025, Swisslog announced that they are participating in ProMat 2025 to exhibit their cold storage and omnichannel automation solutions.

Organizational Structuring Strengthens AGV Business Focus

Leading players in the automation industry are restructuring their organizations with a focus on warehouse automation and time-to-market with overall solutions that incorporate AGVs. These moves help in quick decision-making, customer alignment with a regional perspective, and overall solution portfolios based on hardware, software, and services. Toyota Industries Corporation had announced restructuring plans for its warehouse automation businesses in Europe and the US in November 2025 to launch a new “Toyota Automated Logistics” brand to emphasize their strategic emphasis on intralogistics automation.

Europe Cold Storage AGV Industry Segmentation

The EMR’s report titled “Europe Cold Storage AGV Market Report and Forecast 2026-2035” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Type
  • Reach Truck AGVs
  • Very Narrow Aisle AGVs
Key Insight: Europe's cold storage AGV market includes Reach Truck AGVs and Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) AGVs designed for specific warehouse layouts. Reach Truck AGVs like Mitsubishi Logisnext's ACT are designed for heavy lifting in high bay and deep rack warehouses to enhance handling efficiency and throughput. VNA AGVs are designed for narrow aisles to allow for optimized space usage and lower travel paths. VNA AGVs from companies like Jungheinrich, Toyota, and Mitsubishi Logisnext are catering to varying needs and improving safety and laser guidance solutions to meet specific application demands. ACT has received an iF DESIGN AWARD for its flexibility and ease of usage in confined aisles.

Market Breakup by Temperature Range
  • 0°C to -18 °C
  • -18°C to -25°C
  • Less than -25°C
Key Insight: The application of cold storage AGVs in Europe is found to be across various temperatures, such as 0°C to -18°C, -18°C to -25°C, and below -25°C. AGV providers such as Epson, Swisslog, and Mitsubishi Logisnext use temperature-resilient components and high-end navigation systems based on the segments they serve. For instance, Swisslog unveiled the automated logistics of deep-freeze storage at the Cold Chain Live! 2024 exhibition, focusing on the storage requirements of frozen food warehouses.

Market Breakup by Application
  • Food and Beverages
  • Pharmaceutical
  • E-Commerce
  • Others
Key Insight: Application segments comprise Food and Beverages, Pharmaceutical, E Commerce, and Other (specialty cold logistics). The food and beverage industry propels the use of AGVs to address seasonal peaks in demand and eliminate risks of human intervention in inventory movement. The pharmaceutical industry demands strict temperature control and traceability, which is being addressed through partnerships for real-time temperature control. Online e-commerce cold storage facilities use hybrid installations involving AGVs and conveyor systems to enable quick pickup. The other segments, including chemical and cold storage for industry, use AGVs for safety and consistency in inventory movement. Companies such as Swisslog, Dematic, and Mitsubishi Logisnext are improving their modular and intelligent solutions to enable different applications.

Market Breakup by Country
  • Italy
  • Germany
  • France
  • Netherlands
  • UK
  • Others
Key Insight: The European AGV cold storage market research report covers the EU countries Italy, Germany, France, Netherlands, UK, and Others. The Germany market is growing due to the demand for advanced pharmaceutical and logistics automation. The French retail and food sector accelerates the use of AGV in cold storage. The UK market gets stimulated by the strong automation infrastructure and conferences such as the Cold Chain Live! where Swisslog introduced frozen logistics automation. Italy and Netherlands are major distribution centers using flexible AGV systems. The Other countries in Europe include Spain and Scandinavia. These are increasingly adopting AGV in the cold chain.

Europe Cold Storage AGV Market Share

Based on type, Reach Truck AGVs hold a large market share

The Reach Truck AGVs solution is emerging with growing relevance within the European cold storage industry, particularly with high bay warehouse facilities undergoing modernization among their operators. Automated reach trucks minimize vertical pallet movements and improve the functionality of cold zones with decreased use of human labor, while increased safety benefits continue with improved high bay functionalities. Vendors continue to diversify their solution portfolios with modular-based, automated reach truck solutions to meet varied warehouse configurations with faster delivery times. In November 2025, Dematic introduced their new RTS 120 Reach Truck AGV with high bay racking functionality, equipped with laser-based precision navigation to handle 1,200 kg capacity.

Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) AGVs assist European cold storage warehouses increase storage space utilization and enhance productivity by transporting materials in very narrow aisles, reducing manual intervention in low-temperature environments. These autonomous carriers use sophisticated navigation and safety scanners to move safely within close-proximity racking environments. The integration of warehouse management systems enables efficient and uninterrupted operations in chilled and frozen environments. At ProMat 2025 in March 2025, Scott Technology launched its NexBot modular AGV with various tools and modules available to facilitate automation of all VNA operations, from traditional balance forks to tugger modules.

By temperature range, the 0°C to –18°C category sees significant adoption

In the 0°C to –18°C chilled range, an increasing number of applications involving the use of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) can be seen for the distribution of foodstuffs, cold chain retailing, and the handling of pharmaceuticals. Chilled range AGVs require high levels of navigation capabilities and thermal requirements that ensure the functionality and functionality of the system with less maintenance. Utilization of chilled range AGVs diminishes labor intensity, improving safety and efficiency. One such advancement is observed with the use of the freezer rated version of Dematic's automated guided vehicles for high reach automated operations that function for extended periods even below –25°C.

–18° to –25° represents deep freeze storage environments where particular attention in terms of higher insulations, low temperature batteries, and accurate sensors in AGVs enable seamless operations. This temperature zone is most sensitive with regard to frozen meals in addition to biologic storage chains. Deep freeze temperature zone-agile AGVs enable seamless pallet movement, thus less human exposure to deep freeze temperatures. Technological advancement occupies headlines in modular launches such as NexBot designed by Scott Technology for various warehouse operations.

By application, Food and Beverages Industry Exhibits Strong Growth

In the Food & Beverage application area, the role of AGVs has become vital for efficiency improvement, compliance, and enhanced throughput of chilled and frozen supply chains. Cold storage facilities have started adopting automated solutions for meeting requirements of safety standards, especially against a backdrop of rising labor costs in chilled storage facilities. AGVs help automate pallet handling operations through seamless interfaces with warehouse management systems, allowing for constant operating cycles. AGV implementation by Dematic of its latest freezer-rated high reach AGV solutions for a meat processing plant brings forth the efficacy of sophisticated AGVs for greater productivity in chilled supply chains.

The cold storage of pharmaceuticals calls for accuracy, traceability, and regulatory control. The traceable and precise cold chain solutions offered by Swisslog with Pharma AGVs and AutoStore(R) Solutions, and Daifuku with unit load AGVs and controlled environment AMRs from Daifuku, and Dematic's temperature-regulated warehouses are ideal for transporting sensitive items. When coupled with real-time locationing, their reliability and potential for regulatory audit and traceability improve. The temperature-regulated AGV solutions offered by Swisslog for pharmaceutical warehouses perform well regarding cold chain management and regulatory control and exhibit integrity of data.

Europe Cold Storage AGV Market Regional Analysis

By Country, Italy displays strong performance

The cold storage industry in Italy is experiencing a rise in the adoption of automatic solutions because of the increasing demand in the food service and hospitality industries. AGVs and stacker cranes achieve efficient usage of storage capacity, increased processing, and also ensure safe working conditions in cold storage warehouses. To meet the requirements, Globalpesca, in collaboration with Dematic, initiated a partnership in January 2024 to set up a 1,400 m² low-temperature storage facility with RapidStore® UL1200 stacker cranes, BK25 pallet conveyors, and Ergopal picking stations, increasing the reliability of the product and improving ergonomics, catering to future growth capacity.

Although global coverage remains limited by its infancy and industry polarization and acceptance factors, cold storage automation by AGV technology has been predominantly exemplified by Europe and North America. In Europe, cold storage automation by AGV technology is most prominently represented by Germany due to its superior logistics infrastructure and industry adoption of Industry 4.0. Automation increases efficiency and traces and maintains temperature integrity. Players with solutions that range from RapidStore freezer AGVs to AutoStore systems and Pharma AGVs and unit load AGVs for cold storage apply industry focus and solutions for cold storage. Recent installation successes of Swisslog AutoStore Systems within German cold storage facilities promote cold storage automation and strategic alignment within Europe.

Competitive Landscape

Factors like product diversification, integrated systems, and operating conditions in sub-zero environments are being focused upon by players operating in the Europe Cold Storage AGV Market. They are developing components designed for operating in cold conditions, battery solutions for energy efficiency, and software solutions for the warehouse management system, enabling smooth material flow in cold storage facilities.

Paralleling these innovations is a focus on collaborations and geographical growth by key players to promote greater integration within the region. Partnerships in the food, pharma, and logistics industries enable suppliers to implement AGV solutions to specific requirements, while expansions of facilities help to increase AGV deployments. These measures are gradually integrating AGVs into a fundamental automation tier amidst the cold chain systems development in Europe.

JBT Marel Corporation

JBT Marel Corporation is a global company offering automation and technology solutions related to the food processing and intralogistics sector. They provide material handling and automated solutions. JBT Marel Corporation was formed after the merger of JBT and Marel, and its head office is based in Chicago, USA. They have operations in Europe, the Americas, and Asia.

Dematic Group Limited

Dematic Group Ltd. is a prominent provider of automated warehouse solutions, intralogistics, and supply chain solutions for the cold storage, retail, and manufacturing industries. This company traces its origin back to 1819 and has its corporate base in Atlanta, United States of America. It has a robust operational background in European countries.

Anhui Yufeng Int. Tech Co., Ltd.

Anhui Yufeng Int. Tech Co., Ltd. is an automated equipment producer with expertise in AGVs, conveyors, and intelligence warehousing. The company was incorporated in 2005 with its registered office located in Anhui, PRC. The company is gradually extending its operations globally.

E80 Group Spa

E80 Group Spa: E80 Group Spa is an industry automation firm that concentrates on AGV-based intralogistics and smart factory solutions with an emphasis on the food and beverage and consumer products sectors. It was founded back in 1992 with its headquarters based in Viano, Italy.

Other players in the market are Multiway Robotics Co., Ltd. among Others.

Key Highlights of the the Europe Cold Storage AGV Market Report
  • Historical performance and accurate forecasts via 2035.
  • Emphasizes innovations in products, including freezer-rated AGVs, VNA solutions, and modular reach trucks.
  • Profiles major home and global competitors offering information on strategies, alliances, and extensions.
  • Regional market analysis for countries like Germany, Italy, France, Netherlands, and UK to recognize upcoming opportunities is provided.
  • Offers investment-oriented insights with data on market growth and adoption of technologies.
Why Choose Expert Market Research?
  • Reliable insights based on significant primary research.
  • Decision-quality data Actionable data has many
  • Analysis on region and product level for business strategies.
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United States Cold Storage AGV Market

Table of Contents

118 Pages
1 Executive Summary
1.1 Market Size 2025-2026
1.2 Market Growth 2026(F)-2035(F)
1.3 Key Demand Drivers
1.4 Key Players and Competitive Structure
1.5 Industry Best Practices
1.6 Recent Trends and Developments
1.7 Industry Outlook
2 Market Overview and Stakeholder Insights
2.1 Market Trends
2.2 Key Verticals
2.3 Key Countries
2.4 Supplier Power
2.5 Buyer Power
2.6 Key Market Opportunities and Risks
2.7 Key Initiatives by Stakeholders
3 Economic Summary
3.1 GDP Outlook
3.2 GDP Per Capita Growth
3.3 Inflation Trends
3.4 Democracy Index
3.5 Gross Public Debt Ratios
3.6 Balance of Payment (BoP) Position
3.7 Population Outlook
3.8 Urbanisation Trends
4 Country Risk Profiles
4.1 Country Risk
4.2 Business Climate
5 Europe Cold Storage AGV Market Analysis
5.1 Key Industry Highlights
5.2 Europe Cold Storage AGV Historical Market (2019-2025)
5.3 Europe Cold Storage AGV Market Forecast (2026-2035)
6 Europe Cold Storage AGV Market by Type
6.1 Reach Truck AGVs
6.1.1 Historical Trend (2019-2025)
6.1.2 Forecast Trend (2026-2035)
6.2 Very Narrow Aisle AGVs
6.2.1 Historical Trend (2019-2025)
6.2.2 Forecast Trend (2026-2035)
7 Europe Cold Storage AGV Market by Temperature Range
7.1 0°C to -18 °C
7.1.1 Historical Trend (2019-2025)
7.1.2 Forecast Trend (2026-2035)
7.2 -18°C to -25°C
7.2.1 Historical Trend (2019-2025)
7.2.2 Forecast Trend (2026-2035)
7.3 Less than -25°C
7.3.1 Historical Trend (2019-2025)
7.3.2 Forecast Trend (2026-2035)
8 Europe Cold Storage AGV Market by Application
8.1 Food and Beverages
8.1.1 Historical Trend (2019-2025)
8.1.2 Forecast Trend (2026-2035)
8.2 Pharmaceutical
8.2.1 Historical Trend (2019-2025)
8.2.2 Forecast Trend (2026-2035)
8.3 E-Commerce
8.3.1 Historical Trend (2019-2025)
8.3.2 Forecast Trend (2026-2035)
8.4 Others
9 Europe Cold Storage AGV Market by Country
9.1 Italy
9.1.1 Historical Trend (2019-2025)
9.1.2 Forecast Trend (2026-2035)
9.2 Germany
9.2.1 Historical Trend (2019-2025)
9.2.2 Forecast Trend (2026-2035)
9.3 France
9.3.1 Historical Trend (2019-2025)
9.3.2 Forecast Trend (2026-2035)
9.4 Netherlands
9.4.1 Historical Trend (2019-2025)
9.4.2 Forecast Trend (2026-2035)
9.5 UK
9.5.1 Historical Trend (2019-2025)
9.5.2 Forecast Trend (2026-2035)
9.6 Others
10 Market Dynamics
10.1 SWOT Analysis
10.1.1 Strengths
10.1.2 Weaknesses
10.1.3 Opportunities
10.1.4 Threats
10.2 Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
10.2.1 Supplier’s Power
10.2.2 Buyer’s Power
10.2.3 Threat of New Entrants
10.2.4 Degree of Rivalry
10.2.5 Threat of Substitutes
10.3 Key Indicators of Demand
10.4 Key Indicators of Price
11 Investments in Cold Storage and AGV Technology
11.1 Investments in Cold Storage Facilities
11.2 Investments in AGV Technology
12 AGV Value Chain Analysis
12.1 Key Stakeholders
12.2 Stages in the Value Chain
13 Critical Technical Specifications for Cold Storage AGVs
13.1 Key Technical Requirements for AGVs in Cold Storage by Application
13.2 Required Design Modifications in AGVs To Operate at Sub-Zero Temperature
13.3 Battery Technology and Performance
13.4 Key Technical and Economic Barriers
13.5 AGV Workflow in Cold Storage Warehouse
13.6 Challenges and Solutions for AGV Temperature Resistance, Battery Life and Charging Infrastructure
14 Critical Compliance Standards for Cold Storage AGVs
14.1 Regulatory Environment for Cold Chain
14.2 Safety and Environmental Standards Affecting AGV Use
14.3 ASTM Regulations for AGVs
15 Competitive Landscape
15.1 Supplier Selection
15.2 Market Share of Key Players in AGV Market
15.3 Competitive Positioning of Key AGV Market Players
15.4 Key Player Strategies
15.5 AGV Testing & Validation in Cold Environments
15.6 Company Profile
15.6.1 JBT Marel Corporation
15.6.1.1 Company Overview
15.6.1.2 Product Portfolio
15.6.1.3 Demographic Reach and Achievements
15.6.1.4 Certifications
15.6.2 Dematic Group Ltd.
15.6.2.1 Company Overview
15.6.2.2 Product Portfolio
15.6.2.3 Demographic Reach and Achievements
15.6.2.4 Certifications
15.6.3 Anhui Yufeng Int. Tech Co., Ltd.
15.6.3.1 Company Overview
15.6.3.2 Product Portfolio
15.6.3.3 Demographic Reach and Achievements
15.6.3.4 Certifications
15.6.4 E80 Group Spa
15.6.4.1 Company Overview
15.6.4.2 Product Portfolio
15.6.4.3 Demographic Reach and Achievements
15.6.4.4 Certifications
15.6.5 Multiway Robotics Co., Ltd.
15.6.5.1 Company Overview
15.6.5.2 Product Portfolio
15.6.5.3 Demographic Reach and Achievements
15.6.5.4 Certifications
15.6.6 Others
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