Europe Warehouse Automation Market Size
| Study Period | 2019 - 2029 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2023 |
| Market Size (2024) | USD 4.28 Billion |
| Market Size (2029) | USD 8.37 Billion |
| CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 14.40 % |
| Market Concentration | Medium |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
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Europe Warehouse Automation Market Analysis
The Europe Warehouse Automation Market size is estimated at USD 4.28 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 8.37 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 14.40% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
Furthermore, whereas warehouse robots have had enormous deployments, COVID-19 is likely to significantly increase deployment speed. The COVID-19 outbreak has prompted warehouse owners to explore expediting their automation and robotics implementation timelines. Those who have successfully adopted automation have also demonstrated the establishment of safer workplaces by limiting worker interactions while raising productivity to meet rising e-commerce needs. Thousands of brick-and-mortar stores have closed their doors due to the recent increase in e-commerce.
- In Europe, the warehouse automation growth increased post-pandemic. This results from two interconnected trends: a seemingly unstoppable rise in e-commerce and a persistent labor shortage resulting in rising labor prices. The market for warehouse robots in Europe has been driven by the growing number of warehouses and increased expenditures on warehouse automation, rising labor costs, and the availability of scalable technical solutions.
- Regarding demand and the presence of OEMs and System Integrators, Germany is one of the leading countries in warehouse automation. OEMs are well-represented in Europe, with strongholds in Germany, Italy, France, the Netherlands, and Spain. Central and Eastern Europe is a rapidly growing region within Europe, with Poland and the Czech Republic emerging as logistical hubs with promising economic potential. However, expansion and investment plans have been put on hold due to the present geopolitical circumstances, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
- The Internet of Things is driving inventory and warehouse automation developments. It's contributing to the transformation of the warehouse into a connected and coordinated system. In 2021 and beyond, lower costs and enhanced IoT sensors are expected to boost the use of IoT in warehouses. For Instance, In May 2020, DHL, a German logistics company, said that it had partnered with Cisco, a US technology company, to introduce IoT to three large warehouse operations across Europe.
- However, warehousing automation is extremely beneficial when it comes to lowering overall business expenditures and eliminating product delivery faults. Despite the benefits, 80 percent of warehouses are "still manually operated with no supporting automation," according to DHL, a notable 3PL business and a major end-user of warehouse automation technologies. Furthermore, conveyor-based, sorter-based, and pick-and-place warehouses account for 15% of all warehouses. In comparison, only 5% of today's warehouses are automated.
Europe Warehouse Automation Market Trends
This section covers the major market trends shaping the Europe Warehouse Automation Market according to our research experts:
Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) are Gaining Popularity Throughout Europe
- Two European warehouse automation developments include using autonomous robots capable of transferring filled shelves and updating forklifts to help automation during busy periods. To transfer and take over activities traditionally handled by mobile robots, conveyors, manual forklifts, carts, and towing devices can all be used. Other applications include packing, transportation, and sorting.
- Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) in logistical applications across Europe are displacing automatic guided vehicles (AGVs). AMRs, unlike AGVs, have more advanced onboard computers linked to inertial measuring units (IMU), laser scanning range finders, 2D and 3D color cameras, and motor controllers. AMR also opens up new possibilities for inventory management. These devices may now execute inventory sweeps autonomously at warehouse-determined schedules when paired with RFID-tagged products and equipment.
- For instance, the United Kingdom-based Iconsys expanded into autonomous mobile solutions with the launch of its iAM-R (Iconsys Autonomous Mobile Robot). It is designed to provide autonomous robotic solutions to the company's customers.
- In May 2022, Locus Robotics, a 2022 IFOY nominee and leader in autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for fulfillment warehouses, announced the expansion of its warehouse AMR line. These new form factors join the Locus Origin robot to form a comprehensive family of AMRs that handle the full range of product movement needs in today's fulfillment and distribution facilities, from e-commerce, case-picking, and pallet-picking to scenarios needing larger, heavier payloads.
- In June 2022, At LogiMAT in Stuttgart, ek robotics, the leading manufacturer and integrator of high-tech automated guided vehicles (AGVs) for production and warehouse logistics, announced a global technology partnership with OTTO Motors, the world's leading developer of flexible and intelligent autonomous mobile robots (AMR). Customers in the manufacturing and warehousing industries worldwide will benefit from the combination of AGV hardware and AMR software offered by the two firms.
High Adoption of Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) in Automotive Sector
- Many well-known vehicle brands are based in Europe, including Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Aston Martin, Bentley, Porsche, Lamborghini, Ferrari, and others. Numerous vehicle production facilities in Germany, France, and the United Kingdom rely heavily on AS/RS systems to stay competitive. Exmac Automation, situated in the United Kingdom, provides storage solutions for Aston Martin, Bentley, Jaguar, and IBC vehicles.
- For instance, Industore, a major AS/RS solution provider in the UK, has a wide range of products utilized in warehouses and small and large storage units. ExMac Automation, another key player in AS/RS, provides automated storage and retrieval crane systems (ranging from high-capacity mini-load cranes and racking to high-bay warehouse cranes) to various industries across the country.
- The European Commission supports worldwide technical harmonization and offers to fund R&D to help the automotive industry maintain its competitiveness and technological leadership. Furthermore, according to ACEA research, 569 automobiles per 1,000 people in the European Union. Luxembourg has the highest car density in the EU (694 cars per 1,000 people), while Latvia has the lowest. According to the OICA, total European passenger car sales reached 14.16 million in 2020.
- The demand-driven nature of the UK automotive supply chain (including increasing levels of customization within a car) is compelling OEM suppliers to choose warehouse automation with greater flexibility. The increasing adoption of AS/RS systems and automation in the automotive manufacturing process and the advent of digitization and AI are some of the primary factors driving the demand for digitalization in the automotive sector of the Netherlands.
- Moreover, Germany is one of the world's largest users of automated material handling systems. According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), Germany has the highest robot density (294 units per 10,000 workers), behind South Korea and Japan. These factors will increase the demand for warehouse automation throughout Europe.
Europe Warehouse Automation Industry Overview
The European warehouse automation market is fragmented by its competitive landscape. Dematic Group, Swisslog Holding AG, and Swisslog Holding AG (KUKA AG) WITRON, Logistik + Informatik GmbH SSI Schaefer AG BEUMER Group GmbH & Co. KG TGW Logistics Group GmbH, and Jungheinrich AG are some of the regional significant competitors in this sector.
These major competitors, which hold a considerable share of the market, are concentrating on growing their consumer base in new countries. Furthermore, market participants in the warehouse automation sector use major strategies, including product launches, acquisitions, and collaborations. The following are some of the most recent developments:
- February 2022 -DHL Supply Chain has deployed the first fully automated auto store logistics system with robot picking for the omnichannel auction site 1-2-3.tv in Braunschweig, Germany. The Autostore system was created by Element Logic, a logistics technology company, and it uses robot picking and a software solution to increase the processing speed of each order, improve operational efficiency, and maximize the location's storage capacity.
- November 2021 - Honeywell Intelligrated warehouse automation announced plans to create a new advanced research and development (R&D) testing center to fulfill the growing demand for technologies that enable speedier, more accurate supply chains. Honeywell hardware and software engineers will be able to create, prototype, and test novel warehouse automation systems utilized by logistics companies at the site.
Europe Warehouse Automation Market Leaders
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Swisslog Holding AG (KUKA AG)
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WITRON Logistik + Informatik GmbH
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SSI Schaefer AG
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BEUMER Group GmbH & Co. KG
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TGW Logistics Group GmbH
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Europe Warehouse Automation Market News
- May 2022 - Lineage expanded its fully automated warehouse in Peterborough by adding 45,000 pallet spots, bringing its total capacity to roughly 71,000 pallets. The additional warehouse creates a critical Southeast Superhub that will support retail and foodservice customers with specific supply chain needs.
- July 2021 - ABB has announced the acquisition of ASTI Mobile Robotics Group (ASTI), a leading global autonomous mobile robot (AMR) manufacturer with a broad portfolio of products enabled by the company's software package. ABB's robotics and automation offerings will be expanded due to the acquisition, making it the only business to offer a complete portfolio for the next generation of flexible automation.
Europe Warehouse Automation Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
- 1.1 Study assumptions and market definition
- 1.2 Scope of the Study
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. MARKET INSIGHTS
- 4.1 Market Overview
- 4.2 Value Chain / Supply Chain Analysis
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4.3 Industry Attractiveness -Porter's Five Forces Analysis
- 4.3.1 Threat of New Entrants
- 4.3.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers
- 4.3.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- 4.3.4 Threat of Substitute Products
- 4.3.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
- 4.4 Industry Value Chain Analysis
- 4.5 Warehouse Investment Scenario
- 4.6 Impact of Macro-economic Factors on the Warehouse Automation Market
- 4.7 Impact of COVID-19 on the Market
5. MARKET DYNAMICS
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5.1 Market Drivers
- 5.1.1 Exponential Growth of the E-commerce Industry and Customer Expectation
- 5.1.2 Increasing Manufacturing Complexity and Technology Availability
- 5.1.3 Industry 4.0 Investments Driving The Demand For Automation & Material Handling
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5.2 Market Challenges
- 5.2.1 High Capital Investment
- 5.2.2 Stringent Regulatory Requirements
6. MARKET SEGMENTATION
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6.1 Component
- 6.1.1 Hardware
- 6.1.1.1 Mobile Robots (AGV, AMR)
- 6.1.1.2 Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS)
- 6.1.1.3 Automated Conveyor & Sorting Systems
- 6.1.1.4 De-palletizing/Palletizing Systems
- 6.1.1.5 Automatic Identification and Data Collection (AIDC)
- 6.1.1.6 Piece Picking Robots
- 6.1.2 Software (Warehouse Management Systems(WMS), Warehouse Execution Systems (WES))
- 6.1.3 Services (Value Added Services, Maintenance, etc.)
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6.2 End-User
- 6.2.1 Food and Beverage (Including Manufacturing Facilities and Distribution Centers)
- 6.2.2 Post and Parcel
- 6.2.3 Groceries
- 6.2.4 General Merchandise
- 6.2.5 Apparel
- 6.2.6 Manufacturing (Durable and Non-Durable)
- 6.2.7 Other End-user Industries
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6.3 Country
- 6.3.1 United Kingdom
- 6.3.2 Germany
- 6.3.3 France
- 6.3.4 Rest of Europe
7. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
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7.1 Company Profiles
- 7.1.1 Swisslog Holding AG (KUKA AG)
- 7.1.2 WITRON Logistik + Informatik GmbH
- 7.1.3 SSI Schaefer AG
- 7.1.4 BEUMER Group GmbH & Co. KG
- 7.1.5 TGW Logistics Group GmbH
- 7.1.6 Kion Group AG (Dematic Group)
- 7.1.7 Knapp AG
- 7.1.8 Jungheinrich AG
- 7.1.9 Vanderlande Industries BV
- 7.1.10 Mecalux SA
- *List Not Exhaustive
8. INVESTMENT ANALYSIS
9. FUTURE MARKET OUTLOOK
** Subject To AvailablityEurope Warehouse Automation Industry Segmentation
The European warehouse automation market study involves segmentation by component wherein hardware (AGV/AMR, AS/AR, piece picking, etc.), software (warehouse management systems, warehouse execution systems), and services (value-added services, maintenance, etc.) sub-segments are being analyzed.
Further, the warehouses and fulfillment centers perform activities across end-users, such as food and beverage, post and parcel, apparel, general merchandise, and manufacturing, to name a few. The manufacturing industry majorly includes the automotive, electronics, and pharmaceutical sectors. The study also provides the impact of COVID-19 on the market studied.
| Component | Hardware | Mobile Robots (AGV, AMR) |
| Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) | ||
| Automated Conveyor & Sorting Systems | ||
| De-palletizing/Palletizing Systems | ||
| Automatic Identification and Data Collection (AIDC) | ||
| Piece Picking Robots | ||
| Component | Software (Warehouse Management Systems(WMS), Warehouse Execution Systems (WES)) | |
| Services (Value Added Services, Maintenance, etc.) | ||
| End-User | Food and Beverage (Including Manufacturing Facilities and Distribution Centers) | |
| Post and Parcel | ||
| Groceries | ||
| General Merchandise | ||
| Apparel | ||
| Manufacturing (Durable and Non-Durable) | ||
| Other End-user Industries | ||
| Country | United Kingdom | |
| Germany | ||
| France | ||
| Rest of Europe |
Europe Warehouse Automation Market Research FAQs
How big is the Europe Warehouse Automation Market?
The Europe Warehouse Automation Market size is expected to reach USD 4.28 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 14.40% to reach USD 8.37 billion by 2029.
What is the current Europe Warehouse Automation Market size?
In 2024, the Europe Warehouse Automation Market size is expected to reach USD 4.28 billion.
Who are the key players in Europe Warehouse Automation Market?
Swisslog Holding AG (KUKA AG), WITRON Logistik + Informatik GmbH, SSI Schaefer AG, BEUMER Group GmbH & Co. KG and TGW Logistics Group GmbH are the major companies operating in the Europe Warehouse Automation Market.
What years does this Europe Warehouse Automation Market cover, and what was the market size in 2023?
In 2023, the Europe Warehouse Automation Market size was estimated at USD 3.74 billion. The report covers the Europe Warehouse Automation Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The report also forecasts the Europe Warehouse Automation Market size for years: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.
Europe Warehouse Automation Industry Report
Statistics for the 2024 Europe Warehouse Automation market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Europe Warehouse Automation analysis includes a market forecast outlook to 2029 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
