Global Automated Material Handling Equipment Market Size, Trend & Opportunity Analysis Report, by Product (Robots, Automated Storage and Retrieval System AS/RS (Unit Load, Mid & Mini Load, Vertical Lift Module (VLM), Carousel, Shuttle), Conveyors Systems,

Market Definition and Introduction

The automated material handling equipment market was worth about USD 66.96 billion in 2024, and the value is set to shoot up to an astonishing USD 185.39 billion by the end of 2035, with a modest CAGR of 9.7% throughout the entire forecast period of 2025-2035. The increasing digitalisation of logistics and their subsequent transformation by enterprises in the automotive, e-commerce, and manufacturing sectors is leading to an increasingly critical demand for efficient material movement, cost-effective systems that deliver high throughputs. Automated material handling (AMH) equipment is seen to be not only a luxury today but also a mission-critical tool in managing inventories, streamlining workflows, and scaling massively with growing customer demand and supply chain complexity.

Key equipment enabling change comes in the shape of robotics, an automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS), and smart software platforms designed to make warehouse logistics operate faster, smarter, and more precisely than ever before. Firms are replacing their old manual labour systems with autonomous guided vehicles, robotic arms, and other conveyor intelligences not because they provide more value than human work, but simply because they will lower human error and safety risks while reducing turnaround times. These AMH technologies have met the changing conditions of modern performance standards, shortening production cycles while increasing last-mile delivery expectations without adding financial weight to ongoing operational expenditures.

Vigorous activity is further driven by technological advancements in machine vision, IoT, AI-based predictive analytics, as well as cloud-based warehouse management systems. Automated material handling systems are then paving the foundation of next-gen logistics-whether it be an e-commerce hub executing thousands of order fulfillments per hour or an automotive plant juggling just-in-time inventory flows. Hence, AMH equips factories not solely for optimisation gains but also in times of abrupt global disarray, labour insufficiencies, and inconstant market fluctuations.

Recent Developments in the Industry

In October 2024, KION Group’s subsidiary Dematic announced a strategic partnership with Cognex Corporation to incorporate advanced 3D vision technology into its automated picking and sorting systems, aiming to enhance order accuracy in high-volume retail warehouses.

In June 2024, Toyota Industries Corporation unveiled a next-gen range of autonomous lift trucks powered by AI-based navigation software that allows seamless coordination with fleet management platforms.

In February 2024, Swisslog Holding AG secured a major automation contract with a European pharmaceutical distributor to install an AS/RS-based cold storage warehouse, helping improve storage efficiency for temperature-sensitive medications.

In January 2023, Daifuku Co., Ltd. acquired Vega Conveyors & Automation Pvt. Ltd. to strengthen its presence in the rapidly growing Indian logistics automation sector and expand its conveyor system portfolio.

Market Dynamics

Growing Shift Towards Operational Agility and Warehousing Optimisation Across Industries

Across sectors like automotive, e-commerce, and consumer goods, companies strive to reduce warehouse congestion and material flow bottlenecks, which in turn may surely increase scalability. Automated material handling equipment, especially AS/RS and mobile robots, enables enterprises to minimise labour dependency while accomplishing just-in-time replenishment and real-time inventory visibility. This shift is now allowing companies to optimise capital allocation, space utilisation, and throughput-these would count as the key vectors of competitive differentiation in an era of fast delivery expectations.

Acceleration of E-Commerce Driving High Volume Fulfilment Infrastructure Expansion

The meteoric rise in e-commerce demand has put unprecedented stress on order fulfilment networks. Companies are investing heavily in high-density automated warehousing systems that can deal with growing SKU diversity, faster delivery cycles, and seasonality peaks. Robotic picking systems and conveyor-integrated sorters are being deployed across dark stores, micro-fulfilment centres, and omnichannel retail warehouses, transforming static storage spaces into dynamic order engines capable of operating 24/7 with little human intervention.

Technological Convergence to Enhance System Intelligence and Forecasting Power

AI-embedded IoT and Digital Twin technologies, when embedded in AMH equipment, dramatically enhance equipment uptime, decision-making, and coordination across logistics layers. Cloud-integrated fleet orchestration, condition monitoring sensors, and autonomous navigation software allow systems to self-optimise based on load patterns, route traffic, and demand surges. This increases reliability while equipping organisations with data insights needed to facilitate continuous improvement in their logistical performance.

Expansion of Modular and Scalable AMH Solutions Supporting Flexible Deployment

Particularly valued by small and mid-sized enterprises undertaking phased implementation without much upfront capital investments, modular automation solutions are coming of age. AMH vendors are increasingly offering plug-and-play platforms that can scale as operations grow while integrating with legacy systems. From mobile robots that can be deployed overnight to software platforms for managing hybrid fleets, the flexibility offered by today's AMH ecosystem has removed traditional barriers to automation.

Skilled Labour Shortages and Rising Wage Pressures Driving Automation Demand

Due to persistent labour shortages and rising wage pressures being faced by almost all industries, particularly those in warehousing and manufacturing operations, automation can thus be viewed as a strategic hedge. Automated handling systems not only help reduce labour dependency but also guard against risks associated with workforce unavailability, compliance issues, and injury-related liabilities. This structural change will continue to sustain the market's growth of robotics and AS/RS systems on a global scale.

Attractive Opportunities in the Market

Robotic Process Expansion – Smart robots equipped with AI and vision systems for real-time material routing
AS/RS Adoption – Warehouses leverage space-saving vertical systems for inventory retrieval efficiency
Last-Mile Logistics Automation – Urban fulfilment centres integrate automated sorting and loading platforms
E-Commerce Warehousing Growth – Increased product velocity driving demand for conveyorised picking systems
Automotive Industry Evolution – Automated tuggers and forklifts streamline just-in-sequence manufacturing
Energy Efficiency Mandate – Green logistics solutions include low-energy and regenerative braking systems
Modular Deployment Models – Scalable systems reduce upfront cost barriers for SMEs
Software-Driven Fleet Orchestration – Predictive task allocation improves system throughput in multi-bot fleets
Retrofit Solutions – Legacy warehouses adopting add-on robotics for lean transformation
Industrial IoT Integration – Connected systems generate real-time analytics for predictive maintenance

Report Segmentation

By Product:

Robots
Automated Storage and Retrieval System AS/RS (Unit Load, Mid & Mini Load, Vertical Lift Module (VLM), Carousel, Shuttle)
Conveyor Systems
Sortation Systems
Cranes
Warehouse Management System (WMS)
Collaborative Robots
Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) (Goods-to-Person Picking Robots, Self-driving Forklifts, Autonomous Inventory Robots, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles)
Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) (Tow Vehicle, Unit Load Carrier, Pallet Truck, Forklift Truck, Hybrid Vehicles, Others)

By System: Unit Load Material Handling, Bulk Load Material Handling

By Vertical: Automotive, Semiconductor & Electronics, E-Commerce, 3PL, Metals & Heavy Machinery, Food & Beverages, Chemicals, Healthcare, Aviation, Others

By Region: North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico), Europe (UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, Australia, South Korea, Rest of Asia-Pacific), LAMEA (Brazil, Argentina, UAE, Saudi Arabia (KSA), Africa Rest of Latin America)

Key Market Players

Daifuku Co., Ltd., Honeywell International Inc., KION Group AG, Toyota Industries Corporation, Murata Machinery Ltd., SSI Schäfer, Swisslog Holding AG, Dematic (a KION Group company), BEUMER Group, TGW Logistics Group GmbH

Report Aspects

Base Year: 2024
Historic Years: 2022, 2023, 2024
Forecast Period: 2025-2035
Report Pages: 293

Dominating Segments

Approach of robotic segment commands, the market shares are changing, as AI-powered mobile solutions are changing the processes of workflow design.

The robots segment is at the forefront of automated material handling equipment because of the wide use of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and collaborative robots (cobots) in organisational and commercial logistics. These solutions, powered largely by machine vision, AI, and navigation based on sensors, are transforming material movement by adapting to floor layout changes and dynamic task assignments. Robotic systems are increasingly being employed in industries for transporting pallets, picking SKUs, and automating last-mile deliveries with more accuracy and quicker turnaround times.

ASRS: Accelerating Fulfilment Efficiency across Multi-Faced Distribution Networks

Automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) are gaining quite a bit of traction, given that they uniquely are able to efficiently store and retrieve goods in dense configurations imposed by various operations-especially in high-throughput environments such as e-commerce and pharmaceutical fulfilment centres. With space becoming more abundant and the demand for 24-hour operations increasing, ASRS provides vertical scalability, lowers human error, and improves inventory control. The integration of the ASRS with warehouse execution systems (WESs) gives real-time tracking and load balancing of the materials being managed, thus making ASRS one of the cores of any truly future-ready logistics facility.

Automotive Adoption of Robotics Improves Floor Agility and Safety

For the automotive vertical, uninterrupted production, precise parts handling, and ensuring labour safety are among the drivers for AMH robots and AGVs' adoption. These systems are called on to transport chassis components, deliver tooling kits, and manage returnable containers with a high degree of accuracy. With automotive manufacturers moving toward adopting smart factory concepts, AMH solutions are solidifying their position as guarantees for synchronised workflows and lean inventory practices, supported by an increasing number of EV production lines.

Full Automation Scenario for the E-commerce Industry During the Surge in Order Complexity

The most aggressive adoption of automated material handling technologies has occurred in the e-commerce sector, propelled by increasing order volumes, SKU explosion, and customer expectations for ever-faster delivery. Conveyor sorters, robotic shuttles, and mobile picking carts are being exploited for multi-line and high-turnover inventory handling. Companies are investing in dark store automation and micro-fulfilment centres, along with AI-based warehouse orchestration platforms, to speed up fulfilment while minimising human involvement.

Key Takeaways

Robots Dominate – Mobile and collaborative robots drive real-time, flexible logistics
E-Commerce Drives Growth – Surge in online shopping fuels micro-fulfilment automation
AS/RS Rises – Space-constrained facilities adopt high-density inventory storage
Automotive Transformation – Industry shifts to automated tools for lean manufacturing
Software Orchestration – AI-based fleet and WMS platforms elevate system intelligence
Energy-Efficient Systems – Low-energy and regenerative braking enhance sustainability
SME Participation – Modular, plug-and-play systems attract smaller logistics operators
Retrofitting Revolution – Legacy warehouses automate with minimal infrastructure overhaul
IoT Integration – Predictive analytics reduce downtime and optimise throughput
Asia-Pacific Surge – Manufacturing growth and e-commerce boom fuel regional demand

Regional Insights

North America Remains the Technological Powerhouse for Automatic Material Handling Equipment Deployment

North America continues to hold an important position in the global market for automated material handling equipment. This is mainly due to large investments in industrial automation, early acceptance of warehouse robotics, and a stronghold of players such as Honeywell and Dematic. With warehouse modernisation sweeping through the U.S. e-commerce space and logistics companies looking to increase dark store capacities, the demand for high-speed fulfilment coupled with AI-integrated AMH systems is expected to accelerate.

Europe Speeds up the Development of Smart Logistics Infrastructure to Meet Green and Operational Mandates

Europe's AMH capabilities are accelerating fast due to the Industry 4.0 Roadmap and stringent environmental laws. Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands are among the countries investing in robotic warehousing systems, green transport automation, and streamlined distribution facilities. Having a mature automotive and manufacturing base, the region nevertheless stands tall in sophisticated AMH deployment to reduce the carbon footprint while increasing the responsiveness of the supply chain.

Asia-Pacific with High-Tech Manufacturing Integration Emerges as the Fastest-Growing Market

Asia-Pacific is expected to garner the highest CAGR in the automated material handling equipment market through 2035. The growth trend is stimulated by rising manufacturing operations, booming e-commerce sectors, and smart city initiatives. Nations such as China, India, Japan, and South Korea lead the integration of technologies such as robotics, IoT, and smart logistics into their national infrastructure. Besides, wage differentials and rising expectations on delivery performance push for adoption within both domestic and export-oriented projects.

Slowly but Steadily, Latin America and the Middle East & Africa Witness Gradual Adoption amidst Industrial Modernisation

LATAM and MEA are undergoing steady growth in AMH technology adoption, prompted by industrial diversification and rising investments in logistics. The use of warehouse automation to shore up retail and import-export trade is being experimented with by Brazil and the UAE. East Africa will see some infrastructure uplift, resulting in wider penetration of material handling automation with mature supply chains in the region.

Core Strategic Questions Answered in This Report

Q. What is the expected growth trajectory of the automated material handling equipment market from 2024 to 2035?

The global automated material handling equipment market is projected to grow from USD 66.96 billion in 2024 to USD 185.39 billion by 2035, reflecting a CAGR of 9.7% over the forecast period. This growth is driven by increased automation in logistics, rising e-commerce volumes, and the need for safer, scalable material handling solutions across manufacturing and retail sectors.

Q. Which key factors are fuelling the growth of the automated material handling equipment market?

Several factors are fueling growth:

Rapid growth in e-commerce and omnichannel retail
Automation needs are driven by labour shortages and rising wages
Technological integration of AI, IoT, and cloud systems
Growing emphasis on warehouse optimisation and real-time tracking
Expansion of automated automotive manufacturing lines
Green logistics mandates are pushing energy-efficient AMH solutions

Q. What are the primary challenges hindering the growth of the automated material handling equipment market?

Key challenges include:

High initial investment and integration complexity
Limited awareness in developing regions
Legacy infrastructure resistance to automation
Skill gaps in managing advanced automation systems
System downtime risk and cyber vulnerabilities

Q. Which regions currently lead the automated material handling equipment market in terms of market share?

North America leads the market, driven by technological leadership and robust e-commerce infrastructure. Europe follows with its Industry 4.0 initiatives and mature logistics network. Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region due to manufacturing capacity expansion and digital transformation.

Q. What emerging opportunities are anticipated in the automated material handling equipment market?

Emerging opportunities include:

Rise of AI-powered robotic logistics
Adoption of cloud-based orchestration and WMS systems
Increasing SME access through modular solutions
Growth in urban fulfilment and micro-logistics
Automation in temperature-controlled and pharma distribution

Key Benefits for Stakeholders

The report offers a quantitative assessment of market segments, emerging trends, projections, and market dynamics for the period 2024 to 2035.
The report presents comprehensive market research, including insights into key growth drivers, challenges, and potential opportunities.
Porter's Five Forces analysis evaluates the influence of buyers and suppliers, helping stakeholders make strategic, profit-driven decisions and strengthen their supplier-buyer relationships.
A detailed examination of market segmentation helps identify existing and emerging opportunities.
Key countries within each region are analysed based on their revenue contributions to the overall market.
The positioning of market players enables effective benchmarking and provides clarity on their current standing within the industry.
The report covers regional and global market trends, major players, key segments, application areas, and strategies for market expansion. Show more