PUBLISHER: Market Xcel - Markets and Data | PRODUCT CODE: 1673685
PUBLISHER: Market Xcel - Markets and Data | PRODUCT CODE: 1673685
Global logistics robotics market is projected to witness a CAGR of 16.14% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 10.74 billion in 2024 to USD 35.55 billion in 2032. The worldwide logistics robotics market is witnessing tremendous growth, fueled by the rise in e-commerce and the growing need for warehouse automation. The use of Industry 4.0 technologies like AI and IoT improves operational efficiency and minimizes human errors. However, high initial investments and skill shortages in handling robotics systems are impeding adoption. The Asia-Pacific area is a frontrunner due to high-tech industrialization, while other places are seeing notable investments in automation and AI.
As the market unfolds, businesses are concentrating on crafting more flexible and adaptable robotics options that can plug into current logistic systems. Such options include collaborative robots (cobots) that aim to work collaboratively with people, enhancing productivity and safety. Furthermore, sustainability is gaining increased importance, with firms looking for methods to lower energy usage and environmental footprint using robotics. Generally, the market is set to witness strong growth with potential in developing economies and green logistics practices.
For instance, in 2024, as per the International Federation of Robotics World Robotics report, logistics robots experienced robust growth in 2024 with 35% growth (113,000 units added). Growth of logistics robotics is also expected due to factors such as the need for seamless integration of indoor and outdoor intralogistics.
Expanding Role of Logistics Robotics in E-commerce
The extensive growth of e-commerce worldwide has spurred the extensive use of robotics in logistics. E-commerce companies are heavily relying on robotic solutions to automate repetitive processes, increase efficiency, and cope with the increasing customer demand for faster and more accurate order fulfillment. From automated guided vehicles and robotic arms in warehouses to autonomous vehicles and drones for last-mile delivery, robotics simplifies many areas of e-commerce logistics, resulting in lower labor expenses, better throughput, and better customer satisfaction. Lots of e-commerce giants are actively investing in automated solutions for home delivery, warehousing, and more. With e-commerce growing, the use of robotics in logistics is also poised to expand geographically and in other dimensions, redefining warehouse operations and reshaping delivery operations.
For example, in November 2024, Amazon's innovative Prime Air delivery service received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to operate drones "beyond visual line of sight" (BVLOS). This green light opens exciting possibilities for Amazon's drone delivery program, allowing it to expand its reach and enhance customer convenience. This illustrates how the role of drones and automated delivery is rising globally, especially in developed economies.
Shortage and Safety of Workers Fueling the Logistics Robotics Market Growth
The worldwide logistics robotics industry is growing by leaps and bounds, driven in part by labor shortages and requirements for greater workplace safety. Throughout Europe, Asia, and the United States, the supply chain of logistics is confronted with a shared issue of labor shortages, but with differing reasons and intensities.
For example, Japan's recent worktime legislation forces businesses to move even more toward automation. In the United States, a particular e-commerce warehouse shortage of logistics expertise requires technology support, whereas, in Germany, it is maintaining older employees in demanding jobs that require improved working conditions. Logistics robots provide a solution through the automation of mundane work, enhancing efficiency, and lowering the physical load on workers, making them an appealing investment for companies experiencing manpower issues. The growing trend of logistics robots in different sectors provides substantial productivity and profit improvements compared to human labor, thus primarily fueling the global logistics robots market.
For example, in November 2023, the International Road Transport Union (IRU) driver shortage report found that over three million truck driver jobs are unfilled, or 7% of total positions, in 36 countries studied, including Russia, China, Uzbekistan, and more. Also, without significant action, the growing gap between the number of young and old drivers is expected to nearly double over the next five years.
Collaborative Robots Getting More Acceptance across the World
Collaborative robots, or cobots, are increasingly becoming popular worldwide as a type of robotic automation that is meant to co-exist with human workers in the same working environment. In contrast with conventional industrial robots, which tend to keep away from human touch, cobots are meant for direct human-robot contact. Cobots are integrated with functionalities such as rounded corners, force restraints, and sensors that allow them to sense objects and humans and power down in the case of an unintended collision to guarantee safe operation. Cobots may aid workers in accomplishing different tasks, ranging from lifting heavy components to precision assembly to repetitive activities such as inspection and picking. This synergy increases efficiency and lowers the costs of operations by supplementing human intellect and problem-solving capacity with the precision and repeatability of machines. The more industries accept the returns available from this technology, the larger the market is likely to become for cobots.
For instance, in October 2024, Logisteed Ltd., a logistics solutions provider, launched its innovative autonomous mobile collaborative robot, "AutonMate". In contrast to conventional Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGVs), which use predetermined paths, AutonMate moves independently, detecting obstacles while supporting human workers in picking operations. With the coordination of several AutonMates, workers can now depend on these robots to lead them, minimizing their walking distance and overall labor load. Robots move in unison along the shortest path, maximizing productivity while reducing congestion.
Dominance of Warehousing in Logistics Robotics
Warehousing is a leading end-user in the logistics robotics industry, fueled by demands for optimized storage facilities, productivity, and cost savings. Robots are used to automate picking, sorting, packing, and moving goods, making the process much more efficient and accurate than human intervention. The growing volume of orders and rising online shopping fuel the need for robots to handle more inventory stock and orders in less time. This intense dependence on robotics to automate warehousing operations confirms its status as a major market segment. A lot of big firms are investing in AI-enabled warehousing automation solutions.
For instance, in November 2024, Addverb, a provider of AI-enabled warehouse automation solutions, will develop its first humanoid robot with Reliance, using Jio's AI platform and 5G services. The company deployed its advanced robotic solutions across Reliance's businesses, including grocery, fashion, petrochemicals, and healthcare. This shows how big players are investing in making warehousing operations automatic and efficiently.
North America Dominates Logistics Robotics Market Share
North America is leading the market for robotics logistics at present, holding a large share owing to its strong e-commerce industry, vast networks of warehouses, high usage of advanced logistics technology, and presence of prominent tech firms. The United States is the region's leader with its healthy economy and high investments in automated storage and retrieval systems, mobile robots, and smart software solutions.
For instance, in September 2024, FedEx Corporation announced a strategic partnership and investment in Nimble, a robotics and autonomous e-commerce fulfillment technology firm powered by artificial intelligence, to grow FedEx Fulfillment using their autonomous 3PL model. In support of this partnership, FedEx made a strategic investment in Nimble.
Nonetheless, the Asia-Pacific market is gaining considerable momentum at high speed, underpinned by significant investments by e-commerce juggernauts to increase warehouse effectiveness and manage to expand online order quantities. Manufacturers in Asia-Pacific are adopting robotics to maintain productivity, enhance quality, as well as minimize risk in operations. This wave of adoption among Asia-Pacific shifts it into a significant market for growth among logistics robotics businesses in the following years.
For example, in China, the "14th Five-Year Plan" for the development of the robotics industry runs until 2025. The program, published by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) in Beijing in December 2021, focuses on promoting innovation. The aim is to make China a world leader in robotics technology and industrial development.
Future Market Scenario (2025 - 2032F)
Technological advancements in sensor technology, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are improving the functionalities of logistics robots, enabling them to move independently in complex spaces and optimize operations in real time.
AMRs are becoming increasingly popular in warehouses because they are flexible and equipped with sophisticated navigation systems, enabling them to conduct activities such as order picking and inventory management more effectively than conventional fixed-path robots.
Areas such as Asia-Pacific are rapidly embracing logistics robots, driven by industrialization and infrastructure development in nations like China and India.
With an emphasis on sustainability, logistics robots will be used to maximize resource efficiency and minimize waste in supply chains, supporting larger environmental objectives.
Key Players Landscape and Outlook
Global logistics robots compete on various parameters such as technological innovation, efficiency in costs, and scalability of operations. Features such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) are major drivers in expanding robotic capabilities for activities like sorting, picking, and transportation. Firms also distinguish themselves by energy-efficient designs that foster sustainability and by providing collaborative robots (cobots) for small and medium-sized businesses. Furthermore, collaborations with logistics companies and the capacity to offer customized solutions for industries are essential competitive drivers.
In November 2024, Vecna Robotics, Inc. revealed they got USD 14.5 million in funding from existing investors. The startup said the funds will be used to accelerate its automation technology and improve its products for the automotive, general manufacturing, and high-volume warehousing industries. Vecna has raised USD 179 million to date.
In August 2023, ABB Limited opened a new facility in Alpharetta, Georgia, to serve as the company's dedicated center for robotic automation in the logistics and packaging industries. This new facility is part of ABB Robotics' USD 22 million investment in the United States.
All segments will be provided for all regions and countries covered
Companies mentioned above DO NOT hold any order as per market share and can be changed as per information available during research work.