Automated Material Handling Equipment Market (2025 - 2030)

Automated Material Handling Equipment Market Summary

Companies want to automate manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, reduce labor costs, and improve product quality. Material handling is a critical aspect of modern production systems, where the movement, storage, and protection of materials and products are essential for the efficient flow of operations.

This process is integral to the manufacturing, distribution, consumption, and disposal of goods and impacts the system's overall performance. A well-designed material handling system can reduce labor costs, minimize equipment expenses, and improve product quality. By selecting the correct type of equipment, manufacturers can ensure the smooth flow of materials and products throughout the production process, increase the speed of production, reduce the risk of damage to materials and products, and improve the safety of workers. Therefore, material handling equipment is an essential investment for any manufacturing or production business seeking to streamline operations and optimize efficiency.

The automated material handling industry is expected to benefit from the increasing trend toward smart factories. With advancements in motion control, robots have become more agile and precise, allowing them to creatively manipulate work pieces or products and perform a wide range of tasks. Monitoring the manufacturing process, including picking, sorting, and conveying systems, is necessary to improve efficiency and reduce waste. Smart factories integrated with automated systems enable real-time monitoring of every process.

In addition, the industry is driven by intuitive technologies such as cloud-based software, IoT, and machine learning, which enable real-time data monitoring and analysis, identifying inefficiencies, and optimizing operations. Cloud-based software can monitor equipment performance and detect issues, while IoT sensors can track the movement of materials and products throughout the supply chain. As a result, the material handling industry is expected to continue growing as manufacturers seek to improve efficiency and reduce waste by adopting smart technologies. Machine learning (ML) algorithms can also be used to optimize material flow, reduce bottlenecks, and enhance the system's productivity.

System Insights

The unit load material handling segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2024. The unit load material handling equipment activity involves moving and storing a single entity, including pallets and containers. It carries a single load despite the individual items that make it up. Unit load equipment carriers are economical and quicker to transfer many items simultaneously compared to moving each item individually.

The bulk load material handling segment is estimated to grow significantly over the forecast period. Bulk load material handling priorities are increasing efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing safety. Bulk load equipment carriers reduce manual labor and cost by eliminating the number of human laborers required to execute the assigned task. Inventory management is achieved with greater accuracy and control by ensuring no issues related to damage, misplaced items, and other problems. For instance, in March 2025, Ocado Group plc launched the Porter AMR, a pallet-stirring autonomous mobile robot to automate key warehouse roadmaps such as bulk-item picking, cross-docking, putaway, and pallet movement. Porter AMR can precisely pick, move, and place densely packed pallets directly from the floor, even when aligned back-to-back, and can also be configured to transport cages, enhancing flexibility and fulfillment capabilities. It supports a payload capacity of 3,300 pounds, carries either two roll cages or one pallet in a single trip, and has an onboard touchscreen with a live front-camera view for manual operation.

Vertical Insights

The e-commerce segment held the largest market revenue share in 2024. The e-commerce industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors, relying on AMH equipment to streamline warehousing and fulfillment operations. In addition, e-commerce has led to a significant increase in the demand for automated material-handling equipment. These systems can handle large volumes of orders efficiently, reducing the need for manual labor. There is also a growing emphasis on workplace safety, and automated material handling equipment can significantly improve safety by reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.

The e-commerce segment is predicted to experience significant growth in the forecast years. To ensure efficient and accurate handling of the goods, E-Commerce companies utilize a variety of AMH Equipment. By integrating these systems, E-Commerce providers can achieve end-to-end visibility and control over the entire supply chain, from product storage to final delivery. It can lead to better coordination, faster response times, and improved customer service. There is a trend toward using collaborative robots in E-Commerce warehouses. Unlike traditional industrial robots, cobots are designed to work alongside human workers, assisting them with tasks such as picking, packing, and sorting, thus helping to improve worker safety, reduce labor costs, and increase productivity.

Product Insights

The robots segment led the market and accounted for over a 22% share of the global revenue in 2024. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and ML technologies in robotic systems is driving the growth of the robot segment in the market. For instance, Third Wave Autonomation Reach forklifts use its Collaborative Autonomy Platform, which offers fleet management software with intelligent features and remote assistance capabilities. The platform incorporates ML and AI to help businesses enhance their forklift operations.

The warehouse management system segment is expected to showcase lucrative growth over the forecast period. Warehouse Management System (WMS) software provides a range of features and functionalities, such as inventory management, order processing, and shipping and receiving. With an effective WMS, paper use in warehousing can be significantly reduced by automating processes like counting, receiving, monitoring, and dispatching. For instance, as of March 2023, Maersk has improved its warehouse fulfillment process speed by introducing new software and scanning technology in WMS. According to Steve Belardi, who serves as the Vice President of Operations at Performance Team in the US, this has enabled them to meet the increasing demand for faster order fulfillment for mobile and store orders while improving accuracy.

Regional Insights

The North America automated material handling equipment market is anticipated to witness significant growth due to North America being a hub of technological innovation, which is driving the development of new and more advanced automated material handling (AMH) equipment. Companies in the region are investing heavily in research and development to create more efficient, flexible, and intelligent systems. For instance, in March 2023, ABB announced the expansion of a manufacturing facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan, subsequently expanding the installation of AMH equipment. The expansion of the Auburn Hills facility is expected to create new job opportunities in the region, further strengthening ABB's contribution to the local economy.

U.S. Automated Material Handling Equipment Market Trends

TheU.S. Automated Material Handling (AMH) equipment industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.5% from 2024 to 2030. The U.S. is a major producer of automated material handling equipment for warehouse automation, including fulfillment centers. The production of such equipment is rapidly increasing, fueled by advancements in technology and increased investments in automation. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, sensors, mobile networking technology, and vision technology have significantly enhanced the mobility, connectivity, and collaboration of automated material handling equipment.

Asia Pacific Automated Material Handling Equipment Market Trends

Asia Pacific Automated Material Handling (AMH) equipment industry dominated globally with a 39.3% revenue share in 2024. The market has been experiencing significant growth in recent years, attributed to several factors, including the increasing demand for automated material handling systems across various industries such as e-commerce, automotive, and food & beverage. Significant players such as Daifuku, Toyota Industries, and SSI Schaefer are also driving the market's growth in the Asia Pacific region.

The China Automated Material Handling (AMH) equipment industry held a significant share in the Asia Pacific. China is a significant market for automated material handling equipment, with many companies investing in this technology to improve their manufacturing and logistics operations. For instance, in August 2024, Kudan, an industrial autonomous mobile robot, consumer robotics, and autonomous driving/HD map provider, announced that China-based Beijing Youshi Technology Co., Ltd. will commercially launch a new generation of its autonomous mobile robot (AMR), integrating Kudan’s multi-sensor fusion SLAM software to improve positioning accuracy and reliability for last-mile delivery in retail and logistics.

Europe Automated Material Handling Equipment Market Trends

The Automated Material Handling (AMH) equipment industry in Europe is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period. Automated material handling equipment is gaining momentum in Europe due to the increasing demand from the manufacturing industry. The need for efficient and automated manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics processes has led to a growing demand for solutions that can streamline operations, increase productivity, and reduce costs.

Key Automated Material Handling Equipment Company Insights

Some key companies in the AMH equipment industry are Daifuku Co., Ltd., KION GROUP AG, Schaefer Systems International, Inc., and Honeywell International Inc.

• Daifuku Co., Ltd. specializes in the design, manufacture, installation, and after-sales service of logistics systems and material handling solutions. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio that includes manufacturing and distribution systems, cleanroom production line systems, airport baggage handling, and automobile production line systems. Daifuku’s solutions serve a diverse range of industries such as e-commerce, retail, warehousing, food, pharmaceuticals, and transportation, providing advanced automation to improve operational efficiency and reliability.

• KION Group AG is a provider in the automated material handling equipment market, offering a broad spectrum of products such as forklift trucks, warehouse equipment, and integrated automation technologies. Operating under well-known brands such as Linde Material Handling, STILL, and Dematic, KION delivers solutions that span industrial trucks, warehouse automation, and supply chain optimization software. The company’s offerings are widely used in sectors including automotive, e-commerce, food and beverage, logistics, and apparel, addressing the growing demand for efficient intralogistics and automated storage and retrieval systems.

Recent Developments

• In March 2025, Bastian Solutions merged with Viastore North America into its operations to strengthen material handling equipment services as part of the Toyota Automated Logistics Group. This integration combines Bastian Solutions’ expertise in systems integration with Viastore’s specialization in automated pallet handling technologies, expanding capabilities in warehouse automation and storage solutions.

• In January 2025, May River Capital merged its portfolio companies, Automated Handling Solutions (AHS) and Advanced Material Processing (AMP), to create a consolidated platform offering material processing and handling equipment along with aftermarket services. The newly formed entity serves various sectors, including food and beverage, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries.

• In March 2024, OTTO Motors by Rockwell Automation, specializing in AMRs, unveiled its involvement in autonomous production logistics, a pioneering sector in manufacturing innovation. With the acquisition of OTTO Motors into its portfolio, Rockwell Automation broadened its material handling capabilities, offering a comprehensive solution for streamlining operations throughout entire facilities.

Automated Material Handling Equipment Market