Automated Material Handling Equipment Market - Global Forecast 2025-2032

Senior leaders are leveraging the automated material handling equipment market to increase resilience, streamline supply chain processes, and strengthen operational agility in today’s rapidly evolving industry landscape. Advanced automation now plays a central role in strategy, driving flexible workflows and supporting business continuity amid shifting market demands.

Market Snapshot: Automated Material Handling Equipment Market Overview

In 2024, the automated material handling equipment market achieved a valuation of USD 51.56 billion, with growth forecast to USD 57.02 billion by 2025 and a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.36%. This steady growth reflects increasing prioritization of automation across multiple industries, with organizations enhancing global supply chains and adapting to complex operational requirements. Investments in flexible, technology-driven solutions are enabling manufacturers and distributors to better manage workforce allocation, ensure supply chain efficiency, and remain responsive in the face of market disruptions. The drive toward automation is transforming not only operations but also strategic decision-making, helping enterprises stay competitive in a digital-first environment.

Scope & Segmentation

• Equipment Types: Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), automated storage and retrieval systems, industrial conveyors, cranes, hoists, palletizing systems, depalletizers, industrial robots, and sortation systems provide organizations with scalable and adaptable automation suited to diverse applications.
• System Types: Integrated automation solutions—blending conveyors and robotics—deliver streamlined material flows for organizations seeking end-to-end coordination, while standalone systems support sectors with targeted process or automation readiness needs.
• End-User Industries: Automotive, logistics, e-commerce, retail, food and beverage, healthcare, chemicals, electronics, metals, mining, and pharmaceuticals each turn to automation for compliance, enhanced safety, and increased operational visibility tailored to their sector demands.
• Automation Level: Environments range from full automation with robotics and advanced control systems to semi-automated sites, where strategic human–machine interaction delivers adaptable responses to changing workloads.
• Component Types: Actuators, including hydraulic, motor-driven, and pneumatic options, are vital to movement and control, complemented by advanced control systems (DCS, PLC, SCADA), conveyors, sensor networks (barcode, RFID), vision technology, and purpose-built fleet and warehouse management software.
• Regions: Demand fluctuates across the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and Asia-Pacific, under the influence of evolving regulations, infrastructure investments, and the unique priorities of major economies such as China, India, Japan, Australia, South Korea, and Southeast Asia.
• Major Companies Analyzed: Leading industry players, including Daifuku, KION Group, Murata Machinery, Honeywell International, Vanderlande Industries, SSI Schaefer, KNAPP, Swisslog, BEUMER Group, and Fives Group, are driving technological innovation and supporting global scaling requirements.

Key Takeaways for Strategic Decision-Making

• Integrating artificial intelligence and IoT technologies offers real-time facility monitoring, advanced predictive maintenance, and improved operational control across a range of automated settings.
• Rising e-commerce activity is fueling adoption of flexible automation systems, which enable organizations to keep pace with changing warehouse volumes and customer fulfillment expectations.
• Tight labor markets continue to drive demand for scalable solutions that maintain supply chain reliability and bolster overall business continuity.
• Sustainability objectives and stricter compliance regulations are influencing procurement toward energy-efficient systems, supporting responsible and environmentally conscious operations.
• Comprehensive integration across robotics, software, and critical material handling equipment delivers the transparency and consistency needed for reliable performance in modern supply chains.

Tariff Impact and Regulatory Shifts

With upcoming tariff changes slated for 2025, procurement within the automated material handling equipment sector is growing more complex. Business leaders are responding by pursuing nearshoring initiatives, expanding regional assembly operations, and deepening relationships with local manufacturing partners. These strategies help mitigate volatile pricing, diversify sourcing options, and increase agility in a shifting regulatory environment.

Methodology & Data Sources

This report’s analysis draws on recent industry publications, systematic tracking of technological advancements, and up-to-date regulatory reviews. The research is validated through interviews with senior executives and is further supported by tracking product launches, patent activity, and investment trends, ensuring insight that aligns closely with leadership decision frameworks.

Why This Report Matters

• Presents a strategic framework linking automation investments to technology trends, evolving regulation, and sustainability mandates, enabling organizations to anticipate and prepare for supply chain needs.
• Supports competitive segmentation and benchmarking, helping teams refine market entry or positioning strategies across varied end-user industries and regions.
• Empowers decision-makers with actionable market intelligence to manage risk, build value in automation partnerships, and realize returns across both mature and emerging markets.

Conclusion

With comprehensive market insights, senior executives can identify growth avenues, address changing regulatory and operational risks, and confidently shape their long-term strategy in the evolving automated material handling equipment landscape.

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