Global Retail Automation Market Size By Product (Point-Of-Sale, Camera, Barcode And RFID), By Implementation, By End-User, By Geographic Scope And Forecast

Retail Automation Market Size And Forecast

There is a rising desire for improved client experiences and operational efficiency. Retailers are implementing automated solutions such as self-checkout systems, smart vending machines, and AI-powered inventory management to cut labor costs, eliminate errors, and streamline operations is surpassing USD 18.47 Billion in 2024 and reachingUSD 36.98 Billion by 2031.

Furthermore, the rise of e-commerce and omnichannel retail tactics has compelled conventional merchants to engage in automation to remain competitive. The COVID-19 epidemic has accelerated consumers' thirst for speedier, contactless, and personalized purchasing experiences, which is driving the implementation of retail automation solutions is expected to grow at aCAGR of about 10% from 2024 to 2031.

Retail Automation Market: Definition/ Overview

Retail automation is the use of technology and automated processes to simplify retail operations, reduce manual labor, and improve consumer experiences. It comprises self-checkout systems, automated kiosks, smart shelves, and AI-powered inventory management. These programs assist retailers in streamlining operations, lowering operational expenses, and improving accuracy in areas such as stock management and customer service. The future of retail automation seems optimistic, thanks to advances in AI, machine learning, and IoT. With rising demand for personalized, frictionless shopping experiences and retail efficiency, automation is likely to play an important role in modernizing the industry, making it more adaptable and customer-centric.

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Will Increasing Adoption of AI-Powered Inventory Management Drive the Retail Automation Market?

The retail automation industry is expected to develop significantly as AI-powered inventory management becomes more widely adopted. AI-powered technologies are revolutionizing the way merchants manage inventory by allowing for real-time tracking, demand forecasting, and stock level optimization. This technology lowers human mistake, prevents stockouts, and assures a more efficient supply chain. As businesses seek to increase operational efficiency and satisfy rising customer expectations, the integration of AI-powered technologies is becoming increasingly important. The ability of these systems to analyze massive amounts of data and give actionable insights is a major reason for their growing popularity, as it enables merchants to decrease costs, improve decision-making, and improve consumer happiness.

According to a report released by the United States Census Bureau in August 2023, e-commerce sales in the second quarter of 2023 accounted for 15.4% of total retail sales, up from 14.9% in the same quarter the previous year, indicating a growing need for sophisticated inventory management solutions to handle omnichannel retail operations.

In July 2024, the United States Department of Commerce issued a paper calling for the wider use of AI in retail, emphasizing how AI-powered solutions may help retailers adapt more effectively to market trends and consumer requests. These improvements, backed up by both private-sector investments and government encouragement, suggest that the use of AI in inventory management will continue to drive the retail automation market, increasing productivity and streamlining operations across industries.

Will High Implementation Costs for Automated Systems Hamper the Growth of the Retail Automation Market?

High implementation costs for automated systems provide a significant impediment to the expansion of the retail automation business. Adoption of new technologies such as AI, robots, and IoT sometimes necessitates significant initial investments in hardware, software, and system integration. Many merchants, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, may struggle to justify these costs, especially when weighing short-term operational needs against long-term rewards. Furthermore, as the technology environment advances, the cost of maintaining and improving these automated systems rises. These financial constraints can hinder the general adoption of retail automation, particularly in areas with small margins and shops operating on tight budgets.

The complexity of incorporating automated technologies into existing retail infrastructures can add to the cost-related problems. Retailers must deal with difficulties such assuring compatibility with legacy systems, training employees to use new technology, and managing interruptions throughout the transition period. These difficulties may result in delayed adoption and decreased excitement for automation, particularly if the return on investment (ROI) is not immediately apparent. While automation provides major long-term benefits, financial and operational challenges may limit its growth in specific market segments, delaying the overall rise of the retail automation business.

Category-Wise Acumens

Will Rising Usage of Point-of- Sale (POS) the Growth of Retail Automation Market?

The growing use of Point-of-Sale (POS) systems is accelerating the expansion of the retail automation market. POS systems simplify transactions, provide real-time inventory tracking, and improve customer experience by enabling faster and more convenient payment methods, such as mobile and contactless payments. The shift to digital payments and e-commerce integration has expedited the adoption of POS solutions in retail, making them an essential tool for firms aiming to improve operational efficiency and consumer happiness. This increased reliance on POS systems is also motivated by retailers' desire to acquire greater insights into consumer behavior and improve inventory management through data analytics.

In August 2024, Square announced the release of a new AI-integrated POS system built Designed to increase the efficiency of small and medium-sized enterprises through powerful analytics and customer engagement technologies. Similarly, in July 2024, the European Commission issued a study supporting the use of digital payment technologies, particularly point-of-sale (POS), to modernize retail operations and boost economic growth. Governments are progressively encouraging the use of digital and automated technologies to boost retail sector growth and competitiveness. These reasons show that the increased use of POS systems is a major driver of retail automation, assisting retailers in optimizing their operations and meeting the changing demands of modern consumers.

POS, or automated kiosks, is the second fastest-growing market sector. Automated kiosks are becoming popular because they provide self-service options that shorten wait times and improve the entire customer experience. These kiosks are becoming more popular in a variety of retail settings, including quick-service restaurants, convenience stores, and airports, fueling their rapid expansion. The growing emphasis on client autonomy and operational efficiency helps to fuel the growth of both the POS and automated kiosk industries.

Will Rising Sales through In-Store Premises Boosting the Retail Automation Market?

Rising in-store sales are considerably boosting the retail automation market, generating demand for innovative in-store technologies. As merchants strive to improve the shopping experience in order to attract and retain customers, automated solutions such as self-checkout kiosks, digital signage, and interactive customer support systems are increasingly being adopted. These technologies optimize processes, shorten wait times, and provide individualized shopping experiences, resulting in enhanced consumer satisfaction and sales. The increased emphasis on omnichannel retail and the integration of digital solutions into physical stores increases the demand for advanced in-store automation systems.

In September 2024, Walmart stated that it would be deploying new self-checkout and interactive kiosks throughout its U.S. shops to increase operational efficiency and customer service. This approach mirrors a broader trend of major retailers investing in automation to increase sales and improve the shopping experience. Furthermore, in July 2024, the United States Department of Commerce issued a report outlining the role of in-store automation in supporting retail growth, stating that technological advancements in physical stores are critical for fulfilling changing consumer expectations and growing sales. These developments show that increased in-store sales are driving the growth of the retail automation market by encouraging the deployment of innovative technologies that improve retail operations and customer engagement.

The In-Warehouse market is the second fastest growing, driven by the demand for automation in inventory management, order fulfillment, and logistics. With the advent of e-commerce and omnichannel retail tactics, warehouses are progressively implementing robotics, AI-powered inventory systems, and automated sorting technologies to increase operational efficiency and fulfill rising customer demand. Both areas are quickly growing, but in-store premise automation is ahead due to its direct impact on customer experience.

Country/Region-wise

Will Rising Adoption of Advanced Technological Infrastructure in North America Drive the Retail Automation Market?

The growing deployment of advanced technical infrastructure in North America is a significant driver of the retail automation market. North America, including the United States and Canada, has been at the forefront of incorporating advanced technologies into retail operations. The region's strong emphasis on innovation, combined with significant investments in automation technologies such as AI, IoT, and machine learning, is changing the retail scene. This includes the widespread use of self-checkout systems, smart shelves, and powerful data analytics platforms to increase operational efficiency and the consumer experience. The integration of these technologies is critical for merchants looking to remain competitive in an increasingly digital economy.

According to a report released by the United States Department of Commerce in March 2024, investments in retail IT infrastructure climbed by 18% year on year in 2023, totaling USD 32.7 Billion. This significant investment is accelerating the development and deployment of a variety of automation technologies, such as AI-powered inventory management systems, self-checkout kiosks, and robotic warehouse solutions.

In June 2024, the United States Department of Commerce issued a report emphasizing the importance of modern technical infrastructure in fostering retail innovation and growth. The survey emphasized that merchants who use cutting-edge technologies are better positioned to fulfill changing consumer needs and streamline operations. These developments in technology infrastructure highlight North America's leadership in retail automation and its significance in driving market expansion.

Will Rising Rapid Urbanization in Asia-Pacific Propel the Retail Automation Market?

Rising rapid urbanization in Asia-Pacific is expected to considerably drive the retail automation industry. As cities around the region see explosive expansion, there is an increase in demand for modernized retail solutions to meet the growing urban population. Automation technologies, such as self-checkout systems, digital payment solutions, and AI-powered inventory management, are becoming increasingly important in meeting consumers' demands for efficiency and convenience. Densely populated urban locations necessitate more streamlined and automated retail operations to manage high transaction volumes and provide better customer experiences, which drives technology adoption.

In July 2024, Alibaba announced a significant expansion of its smart retail initiatives in China, implementing advanced automated technology in new urban locations to improve shopping experiences and successfully manage enormous client flows. Furthermore, in August 2024, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) released a report highlighting the impact of rapid urbanization on retail technology adoption, stating that urban growth is increasing the demand for automation solutions to keep up with changing consumer behaviors and high-density retail environments. These developments demonstrate how urbanization is generating demand for retail automation in Asia-Pacific, resulting in market growth as merchants adjust to the needs of quickly developing cities.

Competitive Landscape

The competitive landscape of the retail automation market is marked by the presence of a wide range of regional and global players, including technology providers, solution integrators, and software developers. Companies are competing by offering innovative solutions such as self-checkout systems, automated kiosks, and smart shelves to improve the efficiency of retail operations. With advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and IoT, firms are focusing on enhancing customer experiences through personalized and automated services. Moreover, partnerships and collaborations with retailers, as well as investments in R&D for cutting-edge automation technologies, are key strategies employed to gain a competitive edge in this fast-evolving market.

Some of the prominent players operating in the retail automation market include:

Datalogic S.P.A

First Data Corporation

Fujitsu Limited

Honeywell Scanning & Mobility

NCR Corp.

Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions, Inc.

Wincor Nixdorf AG

Posiflex Technology, Inc.

Pricer

Zebra Technologies Corp.

Latest Developments

In May 2024, Kroger has introduced new in-store robotics for shelf scanning and restocking in its major supermarkets. The robots are intended to assure precise inventory and lower labor costs.

April 2024, IKEA installed interactive digital kiosks in its stores to help consumers with product information and in-store navigation, seeking to improve the shopping experience and expedite customer service.

In March 2024, Best Buy launched a new AI-powered customer service chatbot on its website and in-store tablets to provide tailored shopping assistance and answer frequent questions, hence increasing customer support and engagement.