Japan Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems Market Assessment, By Type, By Function, By Industry, By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, FY2018-FY2032F

Japan automated storage and retrieval systems market is projected to witness a CAGR of 8.14% during the forecast period FY2024-2032F, growing from USD 415.38 million in FY2024 to USD 776.85 million in FY2032.

The automated storage and retrieval system market in Japan is growing because e-commerce and just-in-time manufacturing are driving demand for efficient warehouse management solutions with limited space and high real estate costs in urban areas companies are turning to automated storage and retrieval system technology to maximize warehouse capacity while minimizing the need for large warehouses. These systems enhance operational efficiency by reducing human error, improving inventory accuracy, and optimizing picking processes. Additionally, Japan's aging workforce has accelerated the adoption of automation to address labor shortages and maintain productivity. Technological achievements such as integrating AI and systems with IOT support further strengthened the market, allowing more reasonable and adaptive storage solutions. Industrial industries such as retail trade, car, and food and drinks are leading adoptive parents using automated storage and retrieval systems to increase the efficiency of the supply chain and reduce operating costs. In addition, government initiatives promoting industrial automation and sustainability have encouraged businesses to invest in automated storage and retrieval system solutions. These factors collectively contribute to the rapid growth of Japan's automated storage and retrieval system market because companies prioritize automation to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving economy.

In February 2024, Skechers USA partnered with Hai Robotics to launch a high-tech distribution center in Tokyo, Japan, featuring Hai's automated goods-to-person system. This system utilizes 69 Autonomous Case-handling Mobile Robots to enhance warehouse efficiency, order accuracy, and fulfillment speed. By condensing storage space, adapting to demand, and reducing labor dependency, this facility addresses labor shortages and operational challenges. The integration with Manhattan Associates' warehouse management system and ergonomic workstations has improved employee productivity and reduced physical strain. This collaboration not only boosts Skechers' operational success in Japan but also showcases the potential for growth in automated storage and retrieval Systems in the region, offering innovative solutions for efficient warehousing and order fulfillment.

Labor Shortage and Rising Costs Fueling the Market

Labor shortages and increasing costs are highly contributing factors to the growth of the automated storage and retrieval system market in Japan. With the shrinking workforce in Japan due to an aging population, industries are unable to maintain productivity and fulfill business demands. Rising labor costs further aggravate the problem, making manual operations less profitable. ASRS provides an efficient solution by automating storage and retrieval processes, increasing accuracy and efficiency while reducing human dependency. These systems optimize operations, optimize the warehouse space, and minimize errors, which allows enterprises to achieve higher productivity with fewer resources. Since companies seek to adapt to these problems of the labor market the adoption of ASRS has become a strategic necessity contributing to growth in this market and increasing the competitiveness of Japanese industries.

In January 2024, Geekplus deployed its high-storage-density Shelf-to-Person PopPick System at the ASKUL Value Center in Kansai, marking Japan's largest installation of this system with over 318 robots. This advanced automation solution enhances warehouse efficiency, increases storage density by 50%, and doubles throughput capacity. By streamlining operations and reducing costs, it meets the growing demand for a more efficient logistics system, ultimately improving customer experience. This significant implementation showcases the potential for growth in Japan's Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems, setting a new industry benchmark for warehouse automation and operational productivity.

Growing Emphasis on Workplace Safety Driving Market Growth

In Japan, the increasing interest in workplace safety has been a key driver for the adoption of automated storage and retrieval systems. With industries putting more emphasis on the health and safety of the workforce, ASRS offers a highly efficient solution that reduces human intervention in dangerous environments. They find the best applicability in areas like manufacturing, logistics, and warehousing industries wherein handling heavy loads, which cause accident, injury, or death in various instances, is an affair. As the systems do automated storage and retrieval functions, ASRS would help achieve both improved productivity along minimum possibility of the hazard at workplaces, making work areas safer to operate in. However, with the integration of innovative technologies such as robotics, AI, and IoT, further assurance of precision and reliability is provided to ASRS, enhancing the safety standard. As a result of this increased emphasis on workplace safety coupled with technological input, the growth of the Japanese ASRS market has been thrust forward, as companies look to safeguard their employees while optimizing operations.

In addition to addressing labor shortages, the system will operate 24/7 with few or no workers, improving efficiency through advanced transportation planning. Future steps include establishing operations between Tokyo and Osaka, Japan's two largest cities, and positioning the system as one of the key transportation methods for cargo. Estimates suggest that up to 26% of goods currently transported by trucks, including food and clothing, could shift to autoflow road, making this system a highly anticipated move-in logistics.

Retail and E-commerce Dominate Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems Market

Retail and e-commerce businesses are pushing growth in the automated storage and retrieval systems market in Japan with a need for effective inventory management and faster order fulfillment. As online shopping has taken place, companies are spending lavishly on automated storage and retrieval systems to enhance warehouse functions, cut down labor and achieve real-time tracking of inventories. Retailers are now embracing these systems to be able to deliver to customers within a very short period and enhance the availability of products. Systems with robotics and AI automation further enhance efficiency, which makes automated storage and retrieval systems crucial for competition in Japan's high-speed market.

In December 2024, JD Logistics officially opened its first tone-operated storehouse in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, the installation leverages advanced warehousing technologies, including hundreds of robots and automated operation lines, to further than double processing effectiveness. JD Logistics plans to expand its services with fresh storage and multi-country air weight routes, enhancing its "2-3 Day Delivery Circle" across the Asia-Pacific. This strategic move improves force chain effectiveness and client satisfaction, demonstrating the eventuality for growth in Japan's automated storage and retrieval Systems (ASRS) by showcasing slice-edge robotization in e-commerce logistics.

Central Japan Dominates Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems Market Share

The Central region's dominance in Japan's automated storage and retrieval systems market can be attributed to several key factors. Companies in this region have established a strong foothold through technological innovation, offering cutting-edge solutions that cater to Japan's advanced industrial sectors. These companies have been quick to adopt and implement new automation technologies such as AI, robotics and IoT integration, which appeal to Japan's high standards for efficiency and precision. In addition, Japanese companies have strategically partnered with firms in building their trust and achieving long-term contracts. Due to its scalable flexibility, companies here provide flexible solutions across manufacturing, logistics and retail industries and are strongly positioned in this market. Japan has technological competencies as well however, the ASRS market continues to propel itself ahead in Japan due to Central region's companies' expertise and international reach.

In September 2024, Panasonic Energy relocated its dry cell battery production to the newly renovated Nishikinohama Factory in Kaizuka City, Osaka which is located in Central region, which now serves as the company's only dry cell battery production site in Japan. This move involved introducing advanced automation solutions, including overhead transport systems and automated storage and retrieval systems. The factory, marking Panasonic Energy's 100th anniversary, aims to be a global flagship for smart production, enhancing efficiency and meeting future market demands. This initiative demonstrates the potential for growth in Japan's ASRS sector by showcasing how automation can significantly improve production processes and operational efficiency in large-scale manufacturing facilities.

Future Market Scenario (FY2025 - FY2032F)

Automatic storage and retrieval systems will heavily incorporate AI and robotics to enhance precision, speed, and flexibility, making operations more efficient and reducing human error.

Energy efficient automatic storage and retrieval systems technologies, towards a carbon footprint, and relevant environmental sustainability objectives in the future.

Modularity and scalability will be key features for automatic storage and retrieval systems, as companies keep changing demands and layouts without stopping or making heavy investments.

An Internet of Things will be leveraged to enhance the real-time collection and systems of data for optimization of inventory management and operational efficiency.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

Japanese companies in the automated storage and retrieval systems market are adopting several strategies to maintain their competitive advantage. They are investing in technological advancements that improve the efficiency and accuracy of their systems, thus meeting the growing demand for automation across various industries. Collaborations and partnerships with other industry players are also common, enabling the development of integrated solutions that meet diverse customer needs. In addition, these companies are expanding their product portfolio to include a variety of automated storage and retrieval system types such as unit loads, mini-loads, vertical lift modules and carousels to effectively serve different industries. Japanese automated storage and retrieval systems companies focusing on innovation, strategic partnerships, and diversifying products are strengthening their market status and stimulating the development of developed logistics and warehouses.