Automated Material Handling (AMH) Equipment Market Size
The Automated Material Handling Equipment (AMHE) Market is estimated to reach USD 33.39 Billion in 2025 and is projected to grow to USD 66.15 Billion by 2033, registering strong growth at a CAGR of 8.9% during the forecast period from 2026 to 2033.
AMH refers to any automation that lessens or does away with the need for people to check items in and out-organize materials or transport totes and bins storing library contents. Check-in devices, sorters, conveyors, singulators, stackers & unstackers, totes, bins, trolleys and tote carriers are a few examples of the mechanical equipment used in AMH systems. An AMHS uses conveyors, vertical elevators and autonomous vehicles to move material utilizing route and process step information given by the MES. The position of material or carrier for transport by the AMHS is determined using various technologies, including RFID, barcoding, optical character recognition (OCR), near-field communication or ultra-wideband indoor tracking.
As per DataM Intelligence, Automated Material Handling (AMH) Equipment Market study analysis offers an in-depth outlook on the market containing quantitative and qualitative data. It gives an outlook and forecast of the global market based on market segmentation. It also provides global Automated Material Handling (AMH) Equipment Market size, and growth, along with the latest trends, opportunities, and forecast till 2029 for the global market with esteem to major countries such as the United States, Canada, Brazil, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Russia, European countries, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Japan, China, India, South Korea, Australia, and rest of the countries over the globe.
Among all regions, the North American region is expected to hold the largest share of the global market over the forecast period. Automated Material Handling (AMH) Equipment Market in the United States and Canada produces the utmost share. Whereas the European Automated Material Handling (AMH) Equipment Market is projected to continue its presence globally during the period of 2026- 2033.
Automated Material Handling Equipment Market Scope
| Metrics | Details |
| Market CAGR | 8.9% |
| Segments Covered | By Product, By System, By End-user, and By Region |
| Report Insights Covered | Competitive Landscape Analysis, Company Profile Analysis, Market Size, Share, Growth, Demand, Recent Developments, Mergers and acquisitions, New Product Launches, Growth Strategies, Revenue Analysis, and Other key insights. |
| Fastest Growing Region | Asia Pacific |
| Largest Market Share | North America |
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Automated Material Handling Equipment Market Dynamics
The rise of the automated material handling equipment business is driven by the increasing use of automated storage and retrieval technologies due to COVID-19. On the other hand, the high prices of AMH equipment are projected to hinder market expansion.
The e-commerce sector's increasing use of automated technologies
The e-commerce industry is booming due to the unprecedented increase in online shoppers following the emergence of COVID-19. In reaction to the COVID-19 epidemic, the imposition of social distance rules, lockdowns and other precautions has prompted consumers to choose online shopping. As a result, there has been a rise in business-to-consumer and business-to-business e-commerce. The rise in B2C sales is most visible in online sales of medications, household items and food.
However, such rapid expansion in the e-commerce industry has put enormous pressure on companies to acquire and deliver many products in a short period. As a result, e-commerce enterprises have included automation in their operations. Mini loads or shuttles transport a case or tote to a goods-to-operator pickup station, the most efficient way to process orders. Most distribution centers operate on the operator-to-goods principle, which states that the operator must go to obtain the product.
Increasing technological progress
Better and more effective automated solutions are being released onto the market as new technologies arise. For instance, robotic systems do tasks with higher accuracy and precision and help to reduce operational expenses. Vision automated guided vehicles, for example, use new technologies to increase output while assuring safety and reducing personnel costs.
By implementing cutting-edge technologies, automated systems of higher quality and greater adaptability are produced, improving the market in the long run. Innovations have a minimal impact on the market for AHM equipment. However, it is anticipated to develop due to the e-commerce sector's growing usage of automated material handling technology to speed up client product delivery.
High initial expenditure
Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are crucial to the economic growth of a nation. SMEs provide large enterprises with raw materials and components. Therefore, material handling operations are crucial to the supply networks of these SMEs. However, SMEs cannot completely automate their supply chain operations due to the high initial costs of implementing AMH equipment.
Small enterprises must rely on manual/traditional material handling procedures since they cannot afford automated solutions. Some enormous firms lower their up-front expenditures by leasing equipment, renting industrial trucks or buying old equipment. It is anticipated to hinder the sale of new equipment.
Automated Material Handling Equipment Segmentation Analysis
By system, the automated material handling (AMH) equipment market is segmented into unit load material handling systems and bulk load material handling systems.
Unit load systems are increasingly being used
Most industrial goods are transported in "unit loads," or groups of items, as they move through the supply chain. Unit loads make the process of material handling, storage and distribution easier and more effective. Unit loads also decrease handling expenses and the risk of damage by minimizing individual unit handling. Systems for logistics and material handling had to advance due to Industry 4.0's novelty to keep up with the development of new technologies.
The AMH market saw a slowdown in growth due to the COVID-19 epidemic. However, it also raised awareness of unit load material handling systems among manufacturers and warehouse operators in the e-commerce, automotive, semiconductor and electronics industries. As a result, an increase in such technology in these industries is projected.
Automated Material Handling Equipment Geographical Share
The rising urbanization and e-commerce in Asia-Pacific
Asia-Pacific is expanding mostly due to rising urbanization, rising e-commerce sales and a substantial presence of technology companies. Businesses invest in operations for research and development to stay competitive. One of the most significant e-commerce hubs in the world has emerged as Asia-Pacific. Due to the region's expanding middle-class population in China, India and Indonesia, as well as the rising popularity of mobile devices, retail e-commerce in the region saw enormous growth.
China has been a major market in the growth of Asia-Pacific AMH market. Furthermore, rising demand for AMH goods in manufacturing, automotive and e-commerce, among others, is fuelling market expansion. The 2020 Beijing International Intelligent Warehousing and Material Handling Technology Expo (SMTS 2020) was held in Beijing. The event featured innovative material handling equipment such as AGV automatic guided truck, handling & conveying system, forklift, trailer, tractor, palletizing robot and handling robot.
Automated Material Handling Equipment Companies and Competitive Landscape
The automated material handling sector is highly fragmented and competitive. Product releases, substantial expenditure on R&D, partnerships & acquisitions and so on are the primary growth methods these organizations use to stay competitive. Major market companies include Daifuku Co. Ltd., Kardex Group, KION Group, KNAPP AG, JBT Corporation, Jungheinrich AG, TGW Logistics Group GmbH, SSI Schaefer AG, Mecalux SA and System Logistics S.p.A.
JBT Corporation
Overview: John Bean Technologies Corporation (JBT) is a global leader in providing high-value technological solutions to the food and beverage industries, emphasizing proteins, liquid meals and automated guided vehicles. Through its FoodTech segment, JBT designs manufacture and services sophisticated products and systems for multinational and regional food firms. JBT's AeroTech segment sells vital equipment and services to domestic and international air transportation customers.
Product Portfolio:
The Automated Systems business develops robotic automated guided vehicle systems for a repeated material movement that are stand-alone and fully integrated. JBT AV solutions include automated warehousing and distribution, pharmaceutical manufacturing material handling systems, driverless forklifts for food/beverage transport and a healthcare automated supply delivery system.
Recent Developments 2026
- April 2026 – Daifuku and KNAPP expanding warehouse automation systems
Daifuku Co. Ltd. and KNAPP AG increased deployment of automated storage, robotic picking, and conveyor systems to help e-commerce and retail companies improve fulfillment speed and accuracy. - March 2026 – KION and Jungheinrich advancing autonomous forklifts and AGVs
KION Group and Jungheinrich AG introduced next-generation autonomous forklifts and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) designed to enhance warehouse productivity and reduce labor dependency. - February 2026 – Kardex and SSI Schaefer enhancing smart intralogistics solutions
Kardex Group and SSI Schaefer AG focused on intelligent storage retrieval systems integrated with software analytics, enabling optimized space utilization and real-time inventory management. - January–April 2026 – Growth in integrated logistics automation projects
Companies such as TGW Logistics Group, Mecalux SA, JBT Corporation, and System Logistics expanded turnkey automation projects for manufacturing, cold chain, and distribution centers.
