Warehouse Robotics Market Size, Share, Forecast, & Trends Analysis by Product Type (Autonomous Mobile Robots, Automated Guided Vehicles, Articulated Robots), Function (Picking & Placing), Payload Capacity, End User (Retail & E-commerce, Automotive) and Geography - Global Forecast to 2031

The Warehouse Robotics Market was valued at $5.2 billion in 2023. This market is expected to reach $15.1 billion by 2031 from an estimated $5.9 billion in 2024, at a CAGR of 14.4% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

Warehouse Robotics Market Size & Forecast

The growth of the warehouse robotics market is primarily driven by the increasing use of autonomous mobile robots, the rising popularity of e-commerce platforms, and a heightened focus on optimizing warehouse operations for faster product delivery. Additionally, rapid advancements in robotics, AI, and machine learning technologies are anticipated to generate growth opportunities for the players operating in this market.

Warehouse Robotics Market Growth Drivers

Growing utilization of Autonomous Mobile Robots

The increasing use of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) in warehouses is transforming logistics and supply chain operations. These robots automate key tasks such as inventory retrieval, sorting, and transportation, leading to significant improvements in efficiency and throughput. Operating continuously without breaks, AMRs utilize advanced sensors and algorithms to navigate complex environments, enhancing workplace safety by reducing human involvement in hazardous tasks. In addition, integrating AMRs with warehouse management systems (WMS) boosts inventory accuracy and streamlines overall operations. As a result, the enhanced productivity, safety, and adaptability of AMRs make them essential for modern warehousing.

Some of the recent developments in this space are as follows:

• In July 2024, Geekplus Technology Co., Ltd. (China), a global leader in mobile robots and smart logistics solutions, collaborated with Körber AG (Germany) to deploy more than 20 autonomous mobile robots to accelerate e-commerce warehouse operations at Hawesko AG (Germany).
• In March 2024, ABB Ltd. (Switzerland) launched its first Flexley Tug T702 autonomous mobile robot equipped with AI-based Visual SLAM navigation technology and the new AMR Studio software, enabling first-time robot users to easily program and operate entire fleets of mobile robots.

Such developments are expected to drive the growth of this market.

Growing Popularity of E-commerce Shopping Platforms

The growing popularity of e-commerce shopping platforms is a significant driver of the warehouse robotics market. As online shopping becomes the preferred choice for consumers, the demand for efficient and rapid order fulfillment is rising sharply. This surge in demand requires innovative solutions to manage inventory and streamline operations, positioning warehouse robotics as a critical focus for many companies.

Warehouse robotics, particularly autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and automated guided vehicles (AGVs), significantly enhance operational efficiency by automating tasks such as picking, sorting, and transporting goods. These robots operate continuously, increasing throughput and reducing order processing times, which is essential for meeting consumer expectations in the fast-paced e-commerce environment.

Moreover, the integration of robotics with advanced technologies like AI and machine learning enables smarter inventory management and real-time data analysis, further optimizing warehouse operations. This technological synergy allows companies to adapt to fluctuating demand and effectively manage peak periods.

As a result, the growing e-commerce sector is driving increased demand for warehouse robotics. Additionally, market players are forming partnerships to develop advanced solutions, further supporting market growth. For instance, in November 2022, OSARO, Inc. partnered with SVT Robotics to accelerate the integration of pick-and-place robotics systems for e-commerce and logistics businesses.

Warehouse Robotics Market Growth Opportunity

Rapid Advancements in Robotics, AI, and ML Technologies

Rapid advancements in robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) technologies are creating significant growth opportunities for the warehouse robotics market. Modern robots equipped with sophisticated sensors and navigation systems can seamlessly navigate complex environments, automating tasks such as picking, sorting, and transporting goods. AI and ML algorithms analyze vast amounts of data in real time, optimizing inventory management and predicting demand fluctuations. This leads to faster and more accurate order fulfillment, which is crucial for meeting customer expectations in the e-commerce landscape.

Moreover, these advancements enable greater scalability and flexibility; robotic systems can be easily reprogrammed or upgraded to adapt to changing business needs without requiring major infrastructure changes. Enhanced safety features, such as advanced collision-avoidance systems, allow robots to operate safely alongside human workers, reducing the risk of accidents. Additionally, automation lowers labor costs and minimizes human error, resulting in higher operational efficiency.

As these technologies continue to evolve, they are reshaping the warehouse landscape, making robotics an integral component of modern logistics. The ongoing innovation in AI, ML, and robotics promises to enhance warehouse operations, driving growth and competitiveness in an increasingly demanding market.

Warehouse Robotics Market Analysis: Key Findings

The Autonomous Mobile Robots Segment to Dominate the Warehouse Robotics Market in 2024

Based on product type, the warehouse robotics market is segmented into automated guided vehicles, articulated robots, collaborative robots, autonomous mobile robots, SCARA robots, cylindrical robots, and other product types. In 2024, the autonomous mobile robots segment is expected to account for the largest share of 29% of the warehouse robotics market. This segment’s large market share is attributed to the increasing demand for customized autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) across various verticals, the growing utilization of AMRs in the retail and e-commerce sectors, and the rising deployment of these robots for quick last-mile delivery, which enhances customer satisfaction.

Moreover, this segment is slated to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The benefits provided by this segment—such as 24/7 operation, increased efficiency, enhanced safety, space optimization, and improved inventory management—contribute significantly to its growth.

The Picking and Placing Segment to Dominate the Warehouse Robotics Market in 2024

Based on function, the warehouse robotics market is segmented into palletizing and depalletizing, picking and placing, sorting, packaging, shipping, and other functions. In 2024, the picking and placing segment is expected to account for the largest share of 34% of the warehouse robotics market. This segment's large market share is attributed to the increasing adoption of advanced and reliable picking and placing systems, along with a rising need to optimize the picking process in warehouses and distribution centers.

However, the packaging segment is slated to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This segment's growth is driven by the increasing need to automate packaging tasks to sustain productivity, ongoing labor shortages, and rising wage costs that compel warehouses to implement automation solutions. Additionally, the rising demand for customized packaging solutions further contributes to this segment's rapid growth.

The Below 20 KG Segment to Dominate the Warehouse Robotics Market in 2024

Based on payload capacity, the warehouse robotics market is segmented into below 20 kg, 21-100 kg, 101-500 kg, 501-1000 kg, and above 1001 kg. In 2024, the below 20 kg segment is expected to account for the largest share of over 26% of the warehouse robotics market. This segment’s large share is attributed to the increasing adoption of robots with payload capacities below 20 kg in the consumer goods and electronics sectors. The rising need for these lightweight robots to efficiently handle smaller items, along with their growing use in micro-fulfillment centers for effective inventory management and order processing, further drives this segment's large market share.

However, the 21-100 kg segment is slated to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The increasing adoption of robots with payload capacities between 21-100 kg in the metal, machinery, and automotive sectors is expected to support the growth of this segment. These robots are essential for efficiently handling materials. Additionally, the rising demand for 21-100 kg payload capacity robots in warehouse management systems for real-time tracking and management of heavy inventory further contributes to this segment's growth.

The Retail & E-commerce Segment to Dominate the Warehouse Robotics Market in 2024

Based on end user, the warehouse robotics market is segmented into retail & e-commerce, semiconductor & electronics, food & beverage, healthcare & pharmaceuticals, automotive, metal and machinery, chemical, and other end users. In 2024, the retail & e-commerce segment is expected to account for the largest share of over 22% of the warehouse robotics market. This segment's large share is attributed to the increasing popularity of e-commerce shopping platforms, the rising demand for fast and efficient order fulfillment, and the growing adoption of collaborative robots in the retail and e-commerce sectors.

However, the healthcare and pharmaceuticals segment is slated to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The increasing adoption of warehouse robotics in these sectors, aimed at streamlining clinical workflows and hospital logistics, is expected to support the growth of this segment. Additionally, the rising demand for automation and efficiency in healthcare facilities further contributes to this growth.

Geographic Analysis

Asia-Pacific to Dominate the Warehouse Robotics Market

Based on geography, the warehouse robotics market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. In 2024, Asia-Pacific is expected to account for the largest share of over 52.7% of the warehouse robotics market. The presence of leading warehouse robotics companies is expected to bolster the large market share of this region. Additionally, the rapid growth of the e-commerce sector, the increasing use of autonomous mobile robots, and the rising demand for warehouse automation are all contributing to the growing demand for warehouse robotics in the area.

Moreover, Asia-Pacific is slated to register the highest CAGR of 16.2% during the forecast period. The rapid expansion of emerging economies, particularly in China, South Korea, Japan, and India, along with infrastructural development in the APAC region, is driving growth in this market. Additionally, the increasing focus of SMEs on enhancing logistics management efficiency, consistent technological advancements, and the rising use of warehouse robotics for quick last-mile delivery and improved customer satisfaction are further fueling growth. Increased investment by market players in developing warehouse robotics also contributes to the expansion of this regional market.

Warehouse Robotics Market: Key Companies

The report offers a competitive analysis based on an extensive assessment of the leading players’ product portfolios, geographic presence, and key growth strategies adopted in the last three to four years. Some of the key players operating in the warehouse robotics market are Daifuku Co., Ltd. (Japan), KUKA AG (Germany), ABB Ltd. (Switzerland), FUNUC Corporation (Japan), Toyota Material Handling India Pvt. Ltd.(India), Omron Corporation (Japan), Honeywell International Inc. (U.S.), Yaskawa Electric Corporation (Japan), Onward Robotics (U.S.), Zebra Technologies Corporation (U.S.), Hikrobot Co., Ltd. (China), SSI SCHÄFER - Fritz Schäfer GmbH (Germany), TGW Logistics Group (Austria), and Addverb Technologies Limited. (India).

Warehouse Robotics Industry Overview: Latest Developments from Key Industry Players

• In September 2024, KSP Fulfillment (U.S.) partnered with Peak Technologies LLC (U.S.) and Locus Robotics (U.S.), a leader in autonomous mobile robots, to deploy autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.
• In May 2023, Locus Robotics (U.S.), a leader in autonomous mobile robots, partnered with UDG Healthcare plc (Ireland) to deploy AMRs to improve warehouse productivity, accuracy, and safety.
• In September 2021, Berkshire Grey, Inc. (U.S.) partnered with Advanced Handling Systems (U.S.) to accelerate the development of next-generation warehouse robotics for Fortune 100 e-commerce and third-party logistics (3PL) providers.

Warehouse Robotics Market Research Summary

Key questions answered in the warehouse robotics market report: