Automated Storage And Retrieval System Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type, By Function (Assembly, Distribution, Kitting, Order Picking, Storage), By Vertical, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Report Overview

The global automated storage and retrieval system market size was valued at USD 5.71 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8% from 2023 to 2030. Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) include hardware and software for automating the storage function. The AS/RS provides high-density storage and saves about 85% of the space by racking and shelving. AS/RS systems reduce labor costs by about 60% compared to manual shelving. The several benefits offered by AS/RS are improving the adoption and are expected to boost the demand for them during the forecast duration significantly.

The market penetration of AS/RS in warehouses is only about 15% to 20%, which presents a tremendous growth opportunity to tap the pending 80% to 85% of the untapped market. AS/RS provides 99.9% pick accuracy for the desired item or product from the storage. The high pick accuracy ensures smooth warehouse operations for any functions, including storage, order picking, and assembly. It also helps in avoiding any possible delays in product retrieval. Different types of systems are deployed depending on the load or weight of the product, the volume of storage, and the industry vertical.

Automated storage and retrieval systems have certain disadvantages, including vulnerability to power outages, mechanical breakdowns, the need for regular maintenance, and occasional misplacing of items. Due to their complex nature, automated systems such as AS/RS require expertise to operate and manage. Inadequacy of skilled labor, especially in nations such as India and China, is a restraining factor for the growth of the target market. Moreover, the rapidly changing technologies and nature of end-use markets such as retail and healthcare create a challenge to developing flexible, adaptable, and scalable systems.

COVID-19 Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted several economies and industries across the globe. Border closures and strict lockdowns announced by governments worldwide impacted businesses extensively. The production facilities were either shut down entirely or operated at minimal capacity. The logistics and warehousing sectors were also impacted by the pandemic. The warehousing facilities already reeling with labor shortages felt the brunt even more during the peak of the pandemic.

The pandemic accelerated the adoption of warehousing automation solutions such as automated storage and retrieval systems. AS/RS ensures the smooth functioning of warehousing with reduced labor requirements. Post-pandemic, several manufacturing and retail companies have started investing in automation to improve inventory management and control. The pandemic has significantly boosted the growth of the target market. Key players are now partnering with the end-user businesses to provide turnkey solutions specific to the requirements.

Type Insights

Based on type, the market is segmented into unit load cranes, mini load cranes, robotic shuttle-based, carousel-based, vertical lift module, and robotic cube based. The unit load cranes segment's revenue share was 22.15% in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.0% through the forecast period. The unit load cranes are suitable for big/bulky loads and freezer environments, thus finding application in cold storage facilities along with regular warehousing. Unit load cranes can manage weights between 550 kg to 2,500 kg.

The robotic shuttle-based AS/RS segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR of 9.1% through the forecast period. The shuttle AS/RS runs on a specific track.  One shuttle is dedicated to one level each, or one moves across different levels on the storage racks. Elevators are used to move the shuttles across different levels. The Carousel-based AS/RS segment is also among one of the fastest-growing segments. In a carousel-based system, bins move vertically or horizontally around a track. These systems provide high storage density and are primarily suitable for small items.

Function Insights

Based on function, the market is segmented into assembly, kitting, distribution, storage, order picking, and others. The storage function segment dominated the market in 2022, with a market share of 25.51%. It is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 7.9% through the forecast period. Storage is vital for products that are slow or medium movers that need to be stored for a longer duration. AS/RS provides increased storage capacity and maximum space utilization and ensures safety for storage function and is thus being adopted extensively for long-term buffer storage.

The order-picking function segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 8.4% through the forecast period. The AS/RS aids in picking multiple items simultaneously. It provides faster access to the products with 99.9% pick accuracy and thus enables faster order fulfillment. Efficient and error-free order picking is critical for faster fulfillment in the e-commerce sector. The robust growth of e-commerce has led to increased demand for AS/RS from e-commerce fulfillment centers and even hub warehouses.

Vertical Insights

Based on vertical, the market is segmented into healthcare, retail & e-commerce, electronics & semiconductors, automotive, and others. The retail and e-commerce segment dominated the market in 2022, with a revenue share of 28.97%. The retail & e-commerce sector uses automated storage and retrieval systems solutions to meet the robustly changing demands of online and brick & mortar retail and quickly adapt to new industry trends. The retail sector is increasingly adopting an omnichannel distribution strategy to stay competitive, which adds to the complexity of logistics. To manage the complexities, retail companies are increasingly adopting automated solutions. 

The healthcare vertical segment is anticipated to register a significant market share over the forecast period. Healthcare products, especially pharmaceuticals, require the highest standards of storage. Hygiene, quality assurance, and process reliability are given utmost importance in the healthcare sector. AS/RS provides FDA-compliant storage solutions along with the function of batch traceability. AS/RS systems also aid healthcare facilities in maintaining the everyday inventory in compliance with the regulations in a hygienic manner.

Regional Insights

North America led the target market in 2022, with a revenue share of 38.14%. The region's growth can be attributed to the high technology adoption rate across industries in North America. Additionally, the speedy implementation of new technologies and the existing modern infrastructure in the region further supports the growth of the target market. The U.S. is the dominant market in the region owing to the presence of retail giants such as Walmart, Target, The Home Depot, Costco, Best Buy, and Amazon.com, among others, who are rapidly adopting AS/RS across its warehouses spread across the country.

The Asia Pacific region is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 8.6% over the forecast period. Asia Pacific is witnessing continued economic growth, especially in India and ASEAN countries. These countries are enjoying a growing presence of international manufacturing companies. Also, local/regional companies are investing massively in automated warehouse systems. The systematic and strategic investments in the regions are expected to significantly boost the growth of AS/RS market in Asia Pacific countries.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The market is highly competitive in nature, owing to the presence of several regional and global players in the industry. The key players include Dematic Corp. (Kion Group AG), Daifuku Co. Limited, SSI Schaefer AG, and TGW Logistics Group GmbH. Market players focus on launching new products to expand their market share. For instance, in November 2021, Honeywell International Inc. launched a new AS/RS system powered by machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms. The system optimized the warehousing operation by adjusting to the user's needs through decision intelligence. Also, Honeywell's AI-powered AS/RS can manage 20,000 stock-keeping units (SKU) with 40% more throughput.

The key players are researching and developing new technologies related to automated storage and retrieval systems to improve the product offering. Players also offer customized or turnkey solutions as per the client's requirements. For instance, in May 2023, Kardex Group commissioned a customized solution for Nordics, a leading 3PL provider. The solution was designed specifically to the requirements and was developed combining a vertical lift module, vertical carousel module, and color pick system. Some prominent players in the global automated storage and retrieval system market include:

• Kardex Group

• Daifuku Co., Ltd. 

• Murata Machinery, Ltd.

• SSI Schaefer AG

• TGW Logistics Group GmbH

• Dematic Corp. (Kion Group AG)

• Mecalux, S.A.

• Knapp AG

• Beumer Group GmbH & Co. KG

• KUKA AG

• Bastian Solutions, LLC

• System Logistics Corporation

Automated Storage And Retrieval System Market Report Scope

Global Automated Storage And Retrieval System Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growths at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2017 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global automated storage and retrieval system market report based on type, function, vertical, and region:

• Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2017 - 2030)

  • Unit Load Cranes

  • Mini Load Cranes

  • Robotic Shuttle-based

  • Carousel-based

  • Vertical Lift Module

  • Robotic Cube-Based

• Function Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2017 - 2030)

  • Assembly

  • Distribution

  • Kitting

  • Order Picking

  • Storage

  • Others

• Vertical Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2017 - 2030)

  • Retail & E-commerce

  • Healthcare

  • Automotive

  • Aerospace & Defense

  • Electronics & Semiconductors

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2017 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • UK

    • France

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • South Korea

    • Australia

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

  • Middle East & Africa

    • KSA

    • UAE

    • South Africa