Autonomous Mobile Robots Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Component, By Type, By Battery Type, By Application, By Payload Capacity, By End Use, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

Market Size & Trends 

The global autonomous mobile robots (AMR) market size was estimated at USD 3.49 billion in 2023 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 15.3% from 2024 to 2030. AMRs pick, transport, and sort items within manufacturing and distribution facilities without manual intervention. AMRs leverage vision cameras, onboard sensors, and facility maps integrated with warehouse execution software (WES) to perform various operations, such as moving raw materials and manufactured goods within the facility.

AMRs are highly preferred owing to their myriad benefits, such as preventing product damage, reducing labor costs, enhancing productivity, and automating processes. Incumbents of several industries and industry verticals, including transportation & logistics, automotive, and food & beverages, are already reaping the benefits of adopting AMRs. AMR are increasingly being used in smart factories to increase production flexibility and automate goods delivery. Thus, market players are providing customized AMRs to help deliver a smart factory fleet management package.

For instance, in March 2024, AFORMIC, a provider of AMRs, introduced new showroom of AMRs for warehousing and flexible manufacturing in the North America. AFORMIC, is a part of the AIUT Group, known as one of the biggest robotic and automation integrators in Europe, is expanding its intralogistics solutions to the North American market. The company is dedicated to comprehending the requirements of intelligent factories to enhance production adaptability and automate the delivery of goods. It provides tailor-made AMRs as part of a comprehensive smart factory fleet management solution, which was showcased at the event in Atlanta.

Warehousing and retailing companies are implementing AMRs to transform their material handling operations. For instance, in June 2022, Amazon.com, Inc. revealed Proteus, the company's first completely AMRs that goes across facilities autonomously utilizing enhanced safety, vision, and navigation technology. The new AMR can augment simple, safe interactions between technology and people, such as lifting and moving Go-carts, the non-automated, wheeled vehicles used to carry items through our facilities.

Furthermore, giant e-commerce companies continue acquisitions of autonomous robots vendors to proliferate their warehouse operations. For instance, ABB Group announced the acquisition of ASTI Mobile Robotics Group, a manufacturer of AMRs with applications across a broad range of critical applications based on the company's software suites. Consequently, ABB will be able to offer a broader range of robotics and automation products, making it the only company to do so for the upcoming generation of flexible automation.

AMRs form an essential component of lean operations in the broader picture of various industrial scenarios as they are developed to address specific challenges associated with conventional industrial environments. These robots navigate inherently dynamic environments, such as construction sites. Since production facilities are pursuing leaner operations and are becoming more active, robots that can navigate and operate safely within these environments are poised for significant commercial growth.

Autonomous robots also enable warehouses and production facilities to introduce process automation without remolding the existing operating environment. For instance, in August 2022, Boston Dynamics and NFI signed a USD 10 million agreement to deploy the former's newest robots, Stretch, across NFI's U.S. warehousing operations. The mobile robots will start unloading trucks and containers at NFI's site in Savannah, Georgia, as part of a trial program in 2023.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The AMR market is characterized by a high degree of innovation by advancements in technologies such as artificial intelligence. The fleet management software with dashboards on the AMRs is one of the current leading technological trends in the industry. Al enables mobile robots with sensors and software for control and observation.

The AMR market is characterized by a high level of merger and acquisition (M&A) activity by the leading players as they seek to expand their market share by diversifying their product portfolios, targeting new customer segments, and strategically expanding their global presence into various industries. For instance, in October 2023, Continental AG, acquired KINEXON's specialist division, focusing on onboard operating systems for AMRs. The acquisition aims to focus on the "Brain" operating system, enhancing Continental AG's global development team and bolstering its system expertise in mobile robotics as part of its strategic move to advance the development of AMRs.

The U.S. standard ANSI B56.5 defines the safety requirements for powered, unmanned, guided industrial vehicles. The standard is a guide to safety requirements for system suppliers, manufacturers, and users for the design, construction, application, operation, and maintenance of unmanned guided industrial vehicles and automated functions of manned industrial vehicles. The two primary standards AMR manufacturers look for while designing their robots are ANSI B56.5 (U.S.) and EN1525 (EU).

AMRs are an excellent substitute for manual forklifts and conveyors. Although AMRs require a high initial investment, manufacturers acquire a high return on investment in the long run. AMRS increases overall operational efficiency and lowers operational costs by replacing labor. Therefore, the threat of substitutes is currently high.

End-user concentration is a significant factor in the AMR market, with the business segment, including manufacturing, wholesale and distribution, dominating with a high market share. This concentration significantly influences product development, pricing strategies, and the growth of the industry.

Component Insights

The hardware segment led the market in 2023, accounting for over 68% share of the global revenue. As the technology behind AMRs continues to advance, the hardware components used in these robots will likely become increasingly sophisticated, enabling them to play an even more significant role in various industries. For instance, in March 2022, NVIDIA Corporation unveiled Isaac Nova Orin, a cutting-edge compute and sensor reference platform to accelerate the development of AMRs. In addition to the platform's launch, the company provides new simulation capabilities and software to boost AMRs deployments, including hardware-accelerated modules essential for facilitating robots to navigate visually.

The software segment is expected to register the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. The software segment covers the programs used to build the AMRs. AMRs software includes software components such as scanning and visual processing software, motion planning, navigation systems, control systems, safety systems, fleet management systems, and payload, among others. AMRs are robots capable of operating independently without human intervention. They are equipped with sensors, navigation software, and other technology to move through their environment, avoid obstacles, and perform tasks such as picking and placing objects.

End-use Insights

The manufacturing segment led the market in 2023. The high share can be attributed to the continued process automation in the manufacturing industry worldwide. The segment has been further segmented into automotive, aerospace, electronics, chemical, pharmaceuticals, plastics, defense, FMCG, and others. The manufacturing segment covers the scope of the AMR that the manufacturers use for their product cycle.

The manufacturing industry has been one of the early adopters of AMRs, using them for various applications such as material handling, assembly, inspection, and quality control. AMRs are increasingly used in manufacturing facilities to automate routine tasks and improve efficiency, safety, and productivity. Manufacturing and warehousing areas already have a robots presence.

The wholesale & distribution segments are anticipated to exhibit a substantial growth rate over the forecast period. The wholesale and distribution industry has been exploring using AMRs to streamline and automate warehouse operations, including order fulfillment, inventory management, and shipping and receiving. AMRs can navigate warehouse environments using a combination of sensors, cameras, and software, allowing them to transport goods between different areas of the warehouse with minimal human intervention. This can reduce the time and cost associated with manual material handling and improve the overall efficiency of warehouse operations.

Type Insights

The goods-to-person picking robots segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2023. Goods-to-person picking robots are AMRs that are used in warehouses and distribution centers to automate the process of order picking. Instead of workers having to travel to different locations within the warehouse to pick items for an order, the goods-to-person picking robots brings the items to the worker, who can then fulfill the order from a stationary position. The use of goods-to-person picking robots has been growing in popularity in recent years owing to the benefits of these robots, such as increased efficiency, reduced labor costs, and improved accuracy.

By automating the order-picking process, companies can reduce the time it takes to fulfill orders, minimize errors, and optimize warehouse space utilization. For instance, in February 2023, DBA Brightpick, a warehouse automation solutions provider for order fulfillment, launched Brightpick Autopicker, an autonomous mobile picking robots. The new autonomous mobile picking robots is the only warehouse robots competent in picking and consolidating aisle orders.

The unmanned aerial vehicles segment is predicted to foresee significant growth in the coming years. The adoption of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for automated picking has been growing steadily in various industries, including e-commerce, logistics, and agriculture. One of the primary drivers of the growing adoption of UAVs is the need for increased efficiency and speed in supply chain management. By using UAVs for automated picking, companies can significantly reduce the time and cost of traditional delivery methods.

Battery Type Insights

The lead battery segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2023. The use of lead batteries in AMRs is expected to continue growing in the coming years. The increasing adoption of these robots in various industries, along with advancements in battery technology, is driving this growth. Additionally, lead batteries are environmentally friendly and can be recycled, making them a more sustainable option for mobile robots.

A significant advantage added to lead acid batteries is that they are the cheapest option for high capacity. Lead batteries are widely available and are like heavy boulders for mobile robots. They demand almost no maintenance for several years and can undergo a thousand discharge and charge cycles until the discharge is no more than 30% of their capacity. In addition, these batteries can output tons of current and are easy to charge.

The lithium-ion battery segment is predicted to foresee significant growth in the coming years. Lithium-ion batteries are also commonly used in AMRs due to their high energy density and long cycle life. These batteries can provide a large amount of power in a small package, making them ideal for mobile robots requiring a compact and efficient power source. As the demand for AMRs continues to grow, the use of lithium-ion batteries in these robots is also increasing. Lithium-ion batteries offer several advantages over lead batteries, including higher energy density, faster charging times, and longer lifespan. These advantages make them an attractive option for manufacturers of AMRs.

Application Insights

The assembly segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2023. Manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and fulfillment centers are all looking for ways to improve efficiency and productivity. AMRs can automate repetitive tasks such as material handling, freeing up human workers to focus on more complex activities. There is a growing shortage of skilled labor in various countries. Thus, AMRs can help to address this challenge by automating tasks that would otherwise be performed by humans.

The sorting segment is predicted to foresee significant growth in the coming years. Manual sorting can be prone to errors, leading to misplaced items, delays, and customer dissatisfaction. Sorting AMRs utilizes advanced sensors and AI algorithms to ensure accurate sorting, minimizing errors and improving overall efficiency. Moreover, modern sorting AMRs can integrate seamlessly with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS). This allows for real-time data exchange, optimizing sorting processes, and ensuring efficient inventory management. Thus, driving growth of the segment in the AMR market.

Payload Capacity Insights

The 100 kg to 500 kg segment accounted for the prominent market revenue share in 2023. AMRs can help to improve safety in assembly lines and warehouses by reducing the risk of workplace accidents. Since they don't require human operators, AMRs can be used to transport materials in hazardous areas or perform tasks that are physically demanding for humans.AMRs can be used to automate the process of loading and unloading pallets. This can be a physically demanding and time-consuming task for human workers.

The more than 500 kg segment is predicted to foresee significant growth in the coming years. The growing demand for automation in heavy-duty industries, coupled with advancements in technology and the limitations of traditional material handling equipment, is driving the market for high payload capacity AMRs. As these robots become more sophisticated and cost-effective, there is wider adoption of AMR across various industrial applications.

Regional Insights

Autonomous mobile robots market of North America is on the rise due to several trends in the industry. One of the main drivers of automation adoption is the shortage of skilled labor. With the aging workforce and a shrinking labor pool, companies are turning to automation to increase efficiency and productivity. Additionally, e-commerce has led to a significant increase in the demand for AMR. These mobile robots can handle large volumes of orders efficiently, reducing the need for manual labor. There is also a growing emphasis on workplace safety, and mobile robots can significantly improve safety by reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.

U.S. Autonomous Mobile Robots Market Trends

The U.S. autonomous mobile robots market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.8% from 2024 to 2030. The U.S. is the major producer of AMRs for warehouse automation, including fulfillment centers. The production of such equipment is rapidly increasing, fueled by advancements in technology and increased investments in automation. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, sensors, mobile networking technology, and vision technology have significantly enhanced mobile robots' mobility, connectivity, and collaboration.

Canada autonomous mobile robots market held a significant share in the North American region. Canada's AMR market is experiencing growth due to various factors. This includes the increasing adoption of automation in manufacturing, logistics, and warehousing industries, driven by the need to stay competitive, the boom in e-commerce, rising labor costs, emphasis on safety and productivity, and technological advancements. Companies are increasingly investing in AMRs to optimize material movement, reduce manual labor, minimize errors in their operations, improve efficiency, and remain competitive in the evolving business landscape.

The autonomous mobile robots market of Mexico held a significant share in the North American region. Mexico's government is committed to promoting the adoption of material handling equipment such as AMR and other Industry 4.0 technologies to improve the country's productivity and competitiveness. As part of the National Program for the Digital Transformation of Mexican Industries program, the government has partnered with private companies, universities, and research centers to develop new technologies and promote their adoption in the industry.

Europe Autonomous Mobile Robots Market Trends

Europe autonomous mobile robots market dominated with a revenue share of over 29% in 2023. The high share can be attributed to the increased focus on personalized learning and the adoption of digital skills. Moreover, the plenty of investments from venture capitalists and private equity investors in the AMRs sector propelled the market growth. For instance, in December 2023, Achieve Partners, a private equity firm, launched a USD 167 million fund focused on transforming technology approaches in K-12 schools and universities, aiming to enhance learning outcomes. The fund focuses on investing in software and tech-enabled services companies spanning K-12 through higher education and workforce development.

The autonomous mobile robots market of UK held a significant share in the European region. The market in the UK is experiencing significant growth. The UK's exit from the European Union (E.U.), commonly known as Brexit, has resulted in changes in trade policies, customs procedures, and supply chain dynamics. To adapt to the post-Brexit landscape, many businesses in the UK invest in mobile robots to optimize their supply chain operations, improve efficiency, and comply with new regulations.

Germany autonomous mobile robots market is expected to grow at a significant CAGR from 2024 to 2030. Germany represented the highest growth rate in e-commerce turnover in the European region, expected to boost the market demand for AMR over the coming years. Moreover, the German government has been promoting industry 4.0 initiatives, focusing on the digital transformation of manufacturing and logistics processes. This includes promoting the adoption of automation and advanced technologies, including AMR, through incentives, subsidies, and funding programs. These government initiatives have been encouraging companies in Germany to invest in AMR solutions.

The autonomous mobile robots market of France is expected to grow at a significant CAGR from 2024 to 2030. France is a central logistics hub in Europe, with a well-developed transportation and distribution network. Companies in France are increasingly focusing on optimizing their logistics and supply chain operations to enhance efficiency and competitiveness, and mobile robots play a crucial role in achieving these goals. Urban areas in France, particularly Paris, face challenges related to more space for warehousing and material handling. Material handling equipment, such as mobile robots, autonomous guided vehicles, and robotic systems, among others, optimize storage and handling in constrained urban environments, making them well-suited for urban logistics operations.

Asia Pacific Autonomous Mobile Robots Market Trends

Asia Pacific autonomous mobile robots market is anticipated to register the highest CAGR over the forecast period. The Asia Pacific autonomous mobile robots’ market has been experiencing significant growth in recent years, attributed to several factors, including the increasing demand for material handling systems across various industries such as e-commerce, automotive, and food & beverage. The market is projected to grow remarkably in Asia Pacific, especially in emerging countries such as India, China, and Japan. The region's flourishing manufacturing and automobile sectors are expected to spur the demand for mobile robots.

The autonomous mobile robots market of India held a significant share in the Asia Pacific region. The warehousing sector in India is developing quickly and is progressing towards material handling equipment, such as mobile robots or automated guided vehicles. The government's latest movement to give infrastructure status to the logistics sector has fetched much-needed support in buying equipment at cheaper costs and setting up infrastructure, further pushing the sales of warehousing equipment.

China autonomous mobile robots market held a significant share in the Asia Pacific region. China is a significant market for AMRs, with many companies investing in this technology to improve their manufacturing and logistics operations.. For instance, in December 2021, Dematic, a supplier of integrated automated technology, services, and software, invested in a new plant base in Jinan, China. The project is anticipated to draw investments totaling roughly USD 50 million and has a planned area of 150,000 square meters. It will start operating in the first quarter of 2023. The expansion would help the company scale its business and offer long-term growth benefits in China. Further, the government's focus on modernizing the manufacturing sector and promoting high-tech industries has also contributed to the growth of AMRs in the country.

The autonomous mobile robots market in Japan held a significant share in the Asia Pacific region. Japan has been one of the prominent adopters of autonomous mobile robots for several decades. The country has a highly developed manufacturing industry, and the adoption of mobile robots has played a significant role in improving the efficiency and productivity of manufacturing operations. Further, increasing the use of robotics technology in various industries to boost efficiency is driving market growth in Japan.

South Korea autonomous mobile robots market held a significant share in the Asia Pacific region. South Korean industries, particularly manufacturing and logistics, are heavily invested in automation to enhance productivity and efficiency. AMRs offer a flexible and adaptable solution for intra-logistics tasks within warehouses and manufacturing facilities.

The autonomous mobile robots market of Australia held a significant share in the Asia Pacific region. Australia faces skilled labor shortages in some sectors. AMRs can address this by automating manual tasks, freeing up human workers for higher-value activities that require human judgment and creativity.

Middle East & Africa Autonomous Mobile Robots Market Trends

The Middle East & Africa (MEA) autonomous mobile robots market is anticipated to thrive over the forecast period. Autonomous mobile robots adoption is increasing in the Middle East and Africa due to government investments in infrastructure development and modernization. As these efforts increase, there is a growing need for AMRs to support these initiatives. The growing e-commerce market is also driving adoption in the region. Automated systems are essential for efficiently handling large orders generated by online shopping.

The autonomous mobile robots market of UAE held a significant share in the MEA region. The UAE is a major logistics hub for the Middle East region. Efficient and high-volume cargo handling is crucial for maintaining this position. AMRs offer a solution to automate warehouse and distribution center operations, leading to faster throughput, reduced costs, and improved efficiency.

KSA autonomous mobile robots market held a significant share in the MEA region. The KSA government is actively investing in robotics research and development. This fosters innovation and creates a supportive environment for the AMR industry in the country.

The autonomous mobile robots market of South Africa held a significant share in the MEA region. South Africa has a rich resource endowment in mining and agriculture. AMRs have the potential to be deployed in these sectors for automated material handling, data collection, and potentially even autonomous mining vehicles in the forecasted period.

Key Autonomous Mobile Robots Company Insights

Key autonomous mobile robots companies include Daifuku Co., Ltd., ABB, and BALYO Companies active in the AMR market are focusing aggressively on expanding their customer base and gaining a competitive edge over their rivals. Hence, they pursue various strategic initiatives, including partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, collaborations, and new product/ technology development.

For instance, in January 2024, ABB acquired Sevensense Robotics AG, a provider of AI-enabled 3D vision navigation technology for autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). This partnership would let ABB focus on investing in innovative AI solutions to transform industries such as logistics and manufacturing. Further, the acquisition positions ABB as a prominent player in next-generation AMRs, combining Visual SLAM technology with its extensive hardware and software portfolio.

Recent Developments

• In July 2023, Advantech Co., Ltd., partnered with MOV.AI, a software solutions provider for mobile robots. The collaboration is aimed at simplifying the development of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) by offering integrators and robots manufacturers access to advanced industrial computing technology and a robust software platform for the construction, deployment, and operation of intelligent robots.

• In March 2023, WEG, an electric-electronic equipment company, unveiled the first version of the WMR (WEG Mobile Robots), an autonomous robots designed to enhance operational efficiency in industrial internal transport activities. This product launch aligns with the company's strategy to provide industry-specific differentiators, focusing on efficiency gains. The WMR, powered by electricity and batteries, not only supports resource conservation but also caters to customers aligned with industry 4.0 technologies.

• In February 2023, Omron Corporation, a prominent player in industrial automation solutions, introduced the MD Series of autonomous mobile robots (AMR) to enhance efficiency in production sites. This expansion of Omron Corporation's robots lineup aims to address a broader range of part and material transport applications.

Autonomous Mobile Robots Market Report Scope

Global Autonomous Mobile Robots Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth 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 autonomous mobile robots (AMR) market report based on component, type, battery type, application, payload capacity, end use, and region.

• Component Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • Hardware

  • Software

  • Services

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

  • Goods-To-Person Picking Robots

  • Self-Driving Forklifts

  • Autonomous Inventory Robots

  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

• Battery Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • Lead Battery

  • Lithium-Ion Battery

  • Nickel-based Battery

  • Others

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • Sorting

  • Transportation

  • Assembly

  • Inventory Management

  • Others

• Payload Capacity Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • Below 100 kg

  • 100 kg - 500 kg

  • More than 500 kg

• End Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • Manufacturing

    • Automotive

    • Aerospace

    • Electronics

    • Chemical

    • Pharmaceuticals

    • Plastics

    • Defense

    • FMCG

    • Others

  • Wholesale & Distribution

    • E-commerce

    • Retail Chains/Conveyance Stores

    • Others

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

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • UK

    • France

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

    • South Korea

    • Australia

    • South America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East and Africa (MEA)

    • UAE

    • KSA

    • South Africa