Global Automated Material Handling Equipment Market – Industry Trends and Forecast to 2031

Automated Material Handling Equipment Market Analysis and Size

In the automotive industry, the automated material handling equipment provides critical solutions for optimizing manufacturing processes. Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and robotic arms are extensively used to transport raw materials, components, and finished goods within manufacturing plants, facilitating seamless assembly line operations. These systems facilitate just in time (JIT) manufacturing by ensuring timely delivery of parts to the production line as required, thus reducing inventory storage expenses and enhancing operational efficiency. Moreover, automated material handling equipment enhances worker safety by reducing manual handling of heavy components and mitigating ergonomic risks.

Global automated material handling equipment market size was valued at USD 31.64 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 67.28 billion by 2031, with a CAGR of 9.89% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2031. In addition to the insights on market scenarios such as market value, growth rate, segmentation, geographical coverage, and major players, the market reports curated by the Data Bridge Market Research also include in-depth expert analysis, geographically represented company-wise production and capacity, network layouts of distributors and partners, detailed and updated price trend analysis and deficit analysis of supply chain and demand.

Report Scope and Market Segmentation       

Market Definition

Automated material handling equipment is a range of machinery and systems designed to automate the movement, storage, retrieval, and control of materials within manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and distribution centers. These systems include conveyors, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), robotic arms, palletizers, and automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS). They are equipped with sensors, actuators, and computer control systems to perform tasks such as loading and unloading, sorting, stacking, and transporting materials with minimal human intervention.

Automated Material Handling Equipment Market Dynamics

Drivers

• Increasing Food and Beverage Sector Drives Demand for Automated Material Handling Equipment

Automated systems, such as conveyor belts, robotic arms, and automated palletizers, facilitate the movement, sorting, and packaging of food products, minimizing manual handling and contamination risks. These systems adhere to strict hygiene standards and regulatory requirements, ensuring product integrity and safety. Automation improves throughout rates, reduces labor costs, and optimizes inventory management, enabling food and beverage companies to meet consumer demand efficiently while maintaining competitive edge in a dynamic market. The adoption of automated material handling equipment in this sector enables streamlined operations and consistent delivery of high-quality products to consumers.

• Enhancing Workplace Safety Through the Adoption of Automated Material Handling Equipment

With automating material handling processes, risks associated with manual labor, such as injuries from lifting heavy loads or accidents from machinery operation, are significantly reduced. Automated systems incorporate advanced safety features such as sensors, barriers, and emergency stop mechanisms to mitigate hazards and ensure compliance with safety regulations. These systems can optimize workflows to minimize worker exposure to hazardous environments, further enhancing workplace safety. The adoption of automated material handling equipment leads to a safer working environment, reducing the such aslihood of accidents and promoting employee well-being.

Opportunities

• Increasing Number of Warehouses Enhances Operational Efficiency

As e-commerce continues to expand and consumer expectations for faster delivery grow, companies are establishing more warehouses to improve proximity to customers and reduce shipping times. Automated material handling systems offer a solution to manage the higher volumes of goods handled in these warehouses efficiently. Automating tasks such as sorting, picking, and packing, these systems can enhance warehouse throughput, accuracy, and operational efficiency. Moreover, as warehouse space becomes more limited and expensive, automated solutions enable better utilization of available space, maximizing storage capacity and cost-effectiveness.

• Maximizing Storage Capacity with Automated Solutions

Automated systems, such as automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) and robotic solutions, enable efficient use of available floor space by compactly storing and retrieving materials. These systems can utilize vertical space, allowing for high-density storage configurations and maximizing storage capacity within warehouses and manufacturing facilities. It maximizes the footprint required for material storage and movement, businesses can optimize their operational layout, reduce the need for additional storage facilities, and ultimately lower overhead costs. This opportunity aligns with the growing demand for space-efficient solutions driven by urbanization, rising real estate costs, and the need to accommodate increasing inventory volumes in limited spaces.

For Instance,

In November 2021, Honeywell launched an intelligent automated handling solution, designed to optimize space utilization. Tailored for warehouses and manufacturing sites, it utilizes advanced automation such as AS/RS and robotics to enhance order processing efficiency and reduce storage footprint, catering to businesses aiming for increased productivity and cost savings.

Restraints/Challenges

• High Initial Investment Becomes a Burden for Small Businesses

Deploying automated systems involves substantial upfront costs for purchasing equipment, infrastructure setup, and software integration provided by material handling equipment suppliers. These investments can be particularly burden for smaller businesses or those with limited capital resources. Moreover, the complexity of automated solutions often necessitates additional expenditures on customization, training, and ongoing maintenance. The perceived financial risk associated with such significant investments may deter some companies from adopting automated material handling technologies, slowing down market growth and adoption rates.

• Rising Complexity Limits the Adoption of Automated Material Handling Equipment

Implementing these systems often involves intricate integration with existing infrastructure, requiring specialized knowledge and expertise. Compatibility issues with legacy systems and the need for customization further compound the complexity. Moreover, the diverse range of technologies involved, such as sensors, actuators, and software, adds layers of complexity to system design and operation. Managing and troubleshooting these complex systems can be challenging, leading to potential delays and increased costs.

This market, report provides details of new recent developments, trade regulations, import-export analysis, production analysis, value chain optimization, market share, impact of domestic and localized market players, analyses opportunities in terms of emerging revenue pockets, changes in market regulations, strategic market growth analysis, market size, category market growths, application niches and dominance, product approvals, product launches, geographic expansions, technological innovations in the market. To gain more info on the market, contact data bridge market research for an analyst brief, our team will help you take an informed market decision to achieve market growth.

Impact and Current Market Scenario of Raw Material Shortage and Shipping Delays

Data Bridge Market Research offers a high-level analysis of the market and delivers information by keeping in account the impact and current market environment of raw material shortage and shipping delays. This translates into assessing strategic possibilities, creating effective action plans, and assisting businesses in making important decisions.

Apart from the standard report, we also offer in-depth analysis of the procurement level from forecasted shipping delays, distributor mapping by region, commodity analysis, production analysis, price mapping trends, sourcing, category performance analysis, supply chain risk management solutions, advanced benchmarking, and other services for procurement and strategic support.

Expected Impact of Economic Slowdown on the Pricing and Availability of Products

When economic activity slows, industries begin to suffer. The forecasted effects of the economic downturn on the pricing and accessibility of the products are taken into account in the market insight reports and intelligence services provided by DBMR. With this, our clients can typically keep one step ahead of their competitors, project their sales and revenue, and estimate their profit and loss expenditures.

Recent Developments

• In March 2023, THiRARobotics Co., Ltd. launcheed its latest generation of autonomous mobile robots, poised to transform logistics, warehousing, manufacturing, and healthcare operations. These state-of-the-art robots signify a significant leap in technology, promising enhanced efficiency and flexibility across various industries
• In March 2022, Toyota Industries Corporation bolstered its logistics solutions by acquiring Viastore, a leading material handling systems provider. This strategic move enables Toyota Industries to expand its automation offerings tailored for small and medium enterprise distribution centers, reinforcing its position as a key player in the industry
• In September 2020, Bohus entrusted Jungheinrich with the construction of a cutting-edge central warehouse near Oslo, Lillestrom. The project encompasses a range of automation solutions, including Miniload systems, conveyor technology, and high pallet racking warehouses. This initiative signifies Bohus' commitment to optimizing its logistics operations and enhancing efficiency in handling goods

Automated Material Handling Equipment Market Scope

The market is segmented on the basis of product, system type, software and services, function and industry. The growth amongst these segments will help you analyse meagre growth segments in the industries and provide the users with a valuable market overview and market insights to help them make strategic decisions for identifying core market applications.

Product

• Robot
  • Fixed Robots
  • Articulated Robots
  • Cylindrical Robots
  • Scara Robots
  • Parallel Robots
  • Cartesian Robots
  • Mobile Robots
• Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS)
  • Unit Load
  • Mini Load
  • Vertical Lift Module
  • Carousel
  • Mid Load
  • Autostore
• Conveyor and Sortation Systems
  • Belt
  • Roller
  • Overhead
  • Screw
  • Cranes
  • JIB
  • Bridge
  • Gantry
  • Stacker
• Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR)
  • Goods-to-person picking robots
  • Self-driving Forklifts
  • Autonomous Inventory Robots
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
• Tow Vehicle
• Unit Load Carrier
• Pallet Truck
• Forklift Truck
• Hybrid Vehicles
• Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV)
• Others

System Type

• Unit Load Material Handling Systems
• Bulk Load Material Handling Systems

Software and Services

• Software
• Warehouse Management System
• Warehouse Control System
• Warehouse Execution System
• Services
• Maintenance and Repair
• Training
• Software Upgrades

Function

• Assembly
• Packaging
• Transportation
• Distribution
• Storage
• Waste Handling

Industry 

• Automotive
• Metals and Heavy Machinery
• Food and Beverages
• Chemicals
• Semiconductor and Electronics
• Healthcare
• Pharmaceuticals
• Medical Devices
• Aviation
• E-Commerce
• Others

Automated Material Handling Equipment Market Regional Analysis/Insights

The market is analysed and market size insights and trends are provided by country, product, system type, software and services, function and industry as referenced above.

The countries covered in the market report are U.S., Canada and Mexico, Germany, France, U.K., Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Russia, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Rest of Europe in Europe, China, Japan, India, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Rest of Asia-Pacific (APAC) in the Asia-Pacific (APAC), Saudi Arabia, U.A.E, Israel, Egypt, South Africa, Rest of Middle East and Africa (MEA) as a part of Middle East and Africa (MEA), Brazil, Argentina and Rest of South America as part of South America

The Asia-Pacific dominates the market, largely driven by a 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. APAC's dominance in this market is underscored by its robust infrastructure development and the growing need for efficient material handling solutions to support these growing sectors.

North America is expected for substantial expansion in the market. This growth is driven by escalating demands for infrastructure and heightened government investments in product development within the region. Such initiatives are expected to foster innovation and bolster the deployment of automated material handling solutions, propelling market growth significantly in North America.

The country section of the report also provides individual market impacting factors and changes in regulation in the market domestically that impacts the current and future trends of the market. Data points such as down-stream and upstream value chain analysis, technical trends and porter's five forces analysis, case studies are some of the pointers used to forecast the market scenario for individual countries. Also, the presence and availability of global brands and their challenges faced due to large or scarce competition from local and domestic brands, impact of domestic tariffs and trade routes are considered while providing forecast analysis of the country data.

Competitive Landscape and Automated Material Handling Equipment Market Share Analysis

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.

Some of the major players operating in the market are:-

• Anhui Heli Co., Ltd. (China)
• HAULOTTE GROUP (France)
• Ingersoll-Rand (U.S.)
• SSAB (Sweden)
• Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science&Technology Co., Ltd. (China)
• Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc. (U.S.)
• PALFINGER AG (Austria)
• Cargotec Corporation (Finland)
• Columbus McKinnon Corporation (U.S.)
• TOYOTA INDUSTRIES CORPORATION (Japan)
• KITO Corp. (Japan)
• XCMG Group (China)
• Linamar (Canada)
• Terex Corporation (U.S.)
• Jungheinrich AG (Germany)
• Liebherr Group (Germany)
• Konecranes (Finland)
• The Manitowoc Company, Inc. (U.S.)
• Tadano Ltd. (Japan)
• Crown Equipment Corporation (U.S.)
• Mammoet (Netherlands)
• Komatsu (Japan)
• MITSUBISHI LOGISNEXT CO.,LTD (Japan)

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