Global Automated Material Handling Equipment Market Size, Share, and Trends Analysis Report – Industry Overview and Forecast to 2032

Global Automated Material Handling Equipment Market Segmentation, By Product (Robots, Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS), Conveyor and Sortation Systems, Cranes, Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR), Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV), Tow Vehicle, Unit Load Carrier, Pallet Truck, Forklift Truck, Hybrid Vehicles, Others, and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV)), System Type (Unit Load Material Handling Systems, and Bulk Load Material Handling Systems), Software and Services (Software, and Services), Function (Assembly, Packaging, Transportation, Distribution, Storage, and Waste Handling), Industry (Automotive, Metals and Heavy Machinery, Food and Beverages, Chemicals, Semiconductor and Electronics, Healthcare, Aviation, E-Commerce, and Others) - Industry Trends and Forecast to 2032

 Automated Material Handling Equipment Market Size

• The global automated material handling equipment market size was valued at USD 34.77 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 73.94 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 9.89% during the forecast period
• This growth is driven by factors such as rising demand for automation in manufacturing, rapid expansion of e-commerce, and increasing focus on workplace safety and operational efficiency

Automated Material Handling Equipment Market Analysis

• Automated material handling equipment (AMHE) plays a crucial role in enhancing productivity, reducing labor costs, and improving safety across industries such as manufacturing, logistics, automotive, and e-commerce
• The demand for AMHE is significantly driven by the surge in e-commerce, need for efficient warehousing solutions, and increasing adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies

• Asia-Pacific is expected to dominate the automated material handling equipment market with largest market share of 39.4%, due to surging demand for cranes and hoists in the mining sector. This demand is further fueled by increased industrialization activities within the region, particularly in mining and construction industries
• North America is expected to be the fastest growing region in the automated material handling equipment market during the forecast period due to technological innovation, which is driving the development of new and more advanced automated material handling (AMH) equipment
• Robots segment is expected to dominate the market with largest market share of 22.01% due to the increasing demand for flexible, precise, and efficient handling solutions across various industries. Robots offer significant advantages in terms of speed, accuracy, and ability to operate continuously with minimal human intervention, making them ideal for applications in automotive, electronics, food and beverage, and e-commerce sectors

Report Scope and Automated Material Handling Equipment Market Segmentation

Automated Material Handling Equipment Market Trends

“Integration of AI, IoT, and Robotics in Material Handling Systems”

• One prominent trend in the automated material handling equipment market is the increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and robotics to create smart, adaptive handling systems
• These technologies enable real-time data analysis, predictive maintenance, and autonomous decision-making, significantly enhancing efficiency, throughput, and system reliability in warehouses and manufacturing environments

• For instance, AI-powered robotic systems can dynamically optimize picking routes and adapt to variable product flows, while IoT-enabled conveyors and storage systems provide continuous operational feedback to streamline supply chain operations

• This digital transformation is revolutionizing material handling processes, reducing downtime, improving resource utilization, and fueling the shift toward fully automated and intelligent logistics ecosystems

Automated Material Handling Equipment Market Dynamics

Driver

“Surging Demand for Automation Across Warehousing and Manufacturing”

• The growing need for operational efficiency, labor cost reduction, and enhanced productivity is driving the widespread adoption of automated material handling equipment across industries such as e-commerce, automotive, food & beverage, and pharmaceuticals
• As global supply chains become increasingly complex and demand for fast, accurate order fulfillment rises, companies are turning to automation to streamline processes, reduce errors, and improve safety in their operations
• The surge in e-commerce activities, especially post-pandemic, has placed immense pressure on warehouses and distribution centers to handle large volumes of inventory efficiently, further accelerating the adoption of automation

For instance,

• According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), the global installation of industrial robots reached 553,052 units in 2022, marking a 5% increase from the previous year—underscoring the rising reliance on automation in material handling and logistics

• As a result, the push for operational excellence and faster throughput is significantly increasing the demand for automated material handling equipment, making it a critical enabler of next-generation industrial and logistics infrastructure

Opportunity

“Growth in E-Commerce and Online Retailing Driving Demand for Automation”

• The rapid growth of e-commerce and online retailing is significantly fueling the demand for automated material handling solutions, as businesses seek faster, more efficient ways to manage large volumes of goods and ensure quick order fulfillment
• Automated systems like robotic pickers, conveyor belts, and automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) are becoming essential to handle high order volumes, improve accuracy, and speed up processing times in distribution centers and warehouses
• The demand for real-time inventory management, faster shipping, and error-free order picking is driving the need for sophisticated automation technologies

For instance,

• In February 2024, according to a report by Statista, global e-commerce sales were projected to surpass USD 5 trillion in 2025, with more than 50% of these sales being processed through automated warehouses and fulfillment centers. This growth in online retailing creates a substantial market opportunity for AMHE providers to develop innovative solutions that can handle complex logistics and meet customer expectations for rapid delivery

• The continued expansion of the e-commerce sector is creating significant opportunities for automated material handling systems, particularly in last-mile delivery and warehouse automation, positioning the market for sustained growth in the coming years

Restraint/Challenge

“High Initial Investment and Maintenance Costs Hindering Market Growth”

• The high upfront cost of automated material handling equipment, along with ongoing maintenance and operational expenses, poses a significant challenge for businesses, particularly in emerging markets and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs)
• Automated systems, which often require substantial capital investment in infrastructure, software, and integration, can range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars depending on the complexity and scale of the solution
• This financial burden can discourage smaller businesses from adopting automation, forcing them to rely on manual labor or outdated equipment, which hampers productivity and efficiency

For instance,

• In October 2024, according to a report by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), the high initial costs and long payback periods of automated systems are some of the main barriers for companies in developing regions to adopt advanced material handling solutions. The reluctance to invest in these systems results in slower adoption rates, particularly among businesses with limited budgets and smaller operations

• As a result, such limitations can hinder the widespread adoption of automation, especially in price-sensitive sectors, ultimately restricting the overall growth of the AMHE market

Automated Material Handling Equipment Market Scope

The market is segmented on the basis of product, system type, software and services, function, and industry

In 2025, the robots is projected to dominate the market with a largest share in product segment

The robots segment is expected to dominate the automated material handling equipment market with the largest share of 22.01% due to the increasing demand for flexible, precise, and efficient handling solutions across various industries. Robots offer significant advantages in terms of speed, accuracy, and ability to operate continuously with minimal human intervention, making them ideal for applications in automotive, electronics, food and beverage, and e-commerce sectors

The e-commerce is expected to account for the largest share during the forecast period in industry segment

In 2025, the e-commerce segment is expected to dominate the market with the largest market share of 20.01% due to increased penetration of online shopping platforms, the existence of large online merchants, and rising logistics infrastructure are expected to drive the demand for this product in the e-commerce industry. Several grocery stores have evolved into convenience stores that provide fast-food-like services, including frozen food, ready-to-eat meals, and fresh items, which has led to the rise of the food industry

Automated Material Handling Equipment Market Regional Analysis      

“Asia-Pacific Holds the Largest Share in the Automated Material Handling Equipment Market”

• Asia-Pacific is the dominant region in the global AMHE market with the largest market share of 35% of the market share in 2023
• China is a significant contributor to this growth with a largest market share of 23.3%, driven by its robust manufacturing sector, large-scale e-commerce operations, and government initiatives promoting automation
• India and Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia are rapidly adopting automation technologies to enhance productivity and meet the demands of expanding industries such as automotive, electronics, and logistics

“North- America is Projected to Register the Highest CAGR in the Automated Material Handling Equipment Market”

• North America, particularly the U.S., is experiencing significant growth in the AMHE market, with the U.S. projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.5% from 2025 to 2032
• The region's growth is fueled by advancements in AI, robotics, and IoT technologies, leading to the development of more efficient and intelligent material handling systems
• The automotive and e-commerce sectors in the U.S. are major drivers of this growth, with companies investing heavily in automation to improve efficiency and reduce labor costs

Automated Material Handling Equipment Market Share

The market competitive landscape provides details by competitor. Details included are company overview, company financials, revenue generated, market potential, investment in research and development, new market initiatives, global presence, production sites and facilities, production capacities, company strengths and weaknesses, product launch, product width and breadth, application dominance. The above data points provided are only related to the companies' focus related to market.

The Major Market Leaders Operating in the Market Are:

• Daifuku Co., Ltd. (Japan)
• Dematic (KION Group) (Germany)
• SSI Schaefer Group (Germany)
• Honeywell Intelligrated (U.S.)
• Vanderlande (Toyota Advanced Logistics Group) (Netherlands)
• Knapp AG (Austria)
• Murata Machinery Ltd. (Japan)
• Material Handling Systems (MHS) (U.S.)
• WITRON Integrated Logistics (Germany)
• Interlake Mecalux (Mecalux) (Spain)
• Beumer Group GmbH (Germany)
• Siemens Logistics (Germany)
• TGW Logistics Group GmbH (Austria)
• Swisslog AG (KUKA Robotics) (Switzerland)
• Fives Intralogistics (Fives Group) (France)
• Kardex AG (Switzerland)
• Bastian Solutions (Toyota Advanced Logistics Group) (U.S.)
• Elettric 80 (Italy)
• AutoStore AS (Norway)
• System Logistics SpA (Italy)

Latest Developments in Global Automated Material Handling Equipment Market

• In March 2023, THiRARobotics Co., Ltd. unveiled its next-generation autonomous mobile robots, marking a major advancement in logistics, warehousing, manufacturing, and healthcare operations. These cutting-edge robots represent a significant technological leap, offering improved efficiency, adaptability, and versatility across multiple sectors. This development underscores the increasing demand for intelligent, autonomous solutions to streamline material handling processes and enhance operational productivity
• In March 2022, Toyota Industries Corporation strengthened its logistics portfolio by acquiring Viastore, a prominent provider of material handling systems. This strategic acquisition enhances Toyota Industries' ability to offer advanced automation solutions, particularly designed for small and medium-sized enterprise distribution centers, further solidifying its leadership in the sector. This move highlights the growing trend of industry consolidation and the increasing demand for scalable, efficient automation solutions for diverse business sizes
• In September 2020, Bohus partnered with Jungheinrich to develop a state-of-the-art central warehouse near Oslo, Lillestrøm. The project integrates a comprehensive suite of automation solutions, including Miniload systems, conveyor technology, and high pallet racking warehouses. This initiative reflects Bohus’ commitment to optimizing its logistics operations and significantly enhancing the efficiency of its goods handling processes. This development exemplifies the growing demand for advanced automation technologies in warehouse and logistics operations. The integration of such innovative solutions underscores the industry's drive for improved operational efficiency, faster throughput, and cost-effectiveness, contributing to the continued expansion and evolution of the AMHE market globally
• In March 2025, Bastian Solutions merged with Viastore North America, integrating its operations into the Toyota Automated Logistics Group. This strategic collaboration combines Bastian Solutions’ expertise in systems integration with Viastore’s specialization in automated pallet handling technologies, thereby enhancing their combined capabilities in warehouse automation and storage solutions. This merger highlights the growing trend of consolidation within the industry to offer more comprehensive and advanced automation solutions
• In March 2024, OTTO Motors, a leader in autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), became a key player in autonomous production logistics, a groundbreaking sector within manufacturing innovation. With the acquisition of OTTO Motors into its portfolio, Rockwell Automation significantly expanded its material handling capabilities, providing a comprehensive solution for optimizing operations across entire facilities. This acquisition underscores the growing trend of integrating autonomous robotics into material handling systems to enhance efficiency, flexibility, and scalability 

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