Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems Market Set to Surge to $17 Billion by 2032

The global automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) market is on a meteoric rise, valued at USD 9.8 billion in 2024 and projected to reach USD 17 billion by 2032, growing at a robust CAGR of 7.3%. This growth is driven by the transformative power of AI, machine learning, IoT, and robotics, which are reshaping warehousing operations worldwide.

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ASRS technology is redefining the storage and retrieval of goods across manufacturing, retail, and wholesale industries. By optimizing storage space, reducing processing time, minimizing human errors, and improving worker safety, these systems deliver measurable efficiency gains and long-term cost benefits. From mini-load solutions for fast-moving consumer goods to crane-based unit-load systems for heavy manufacturing components, ASRS technology is proving indispensable for modern warehouses.

Key Market Drivers:

• Robotics in E-Commerce: The surge in online shopping is pushing e-commerce firms to adopt automated systems for faster, more accurate order fulfillment. For example, Amazon announced plans in June 2025 to invest USD 25 billion in robotics-led warehouses, projected to save USD 10 billion annually by 2030.
• Expansion of Cold-Storage Facilities: With the growing trade of perishables online, cold-storage warehouses equipped with ASRS are becoming vital, ensuring product quality while enhancing worker safety. Indicold Private Limited recently launched a 10,000-pallet automated frozen storage facility, showcasing the growing trend.
• Industrial & Retail Applications: ASRS adoption is expanding rapidly in automotive manufacturing, e-commerce, and retail sectors, enabling higher throughput, reduced labor dependency, and improved inventory management.

Market Segmentation Highlights:

• Load Type: Unit load systems dominate with 45% market share in 2024, ideal for handling heavy pallets in automotive and industrial applications. Mini-load systems are the fastest-growing, driven by FMCG and e-commerce demands.
• System Type: Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs) lead the market, while robotic shuttles are the fastest-growing category due to their speed, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Function: Storage-focused ASRS currently hold the largest share, while distribution-focused systems are expanding rapidly to meet e-commerce fulfillment demands.

Regional Outlook:

• North America leads the market with 40% share, thanks to early technology adoption and the presence of major players like Amazon and Walmart.
• Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region, fueled by manufacturing and e-commerce expansion in China, India, Japan, and South Korea.

Market Leaders Driving Innovation:

Key global players include Daifuku Co. Ltd., Dematic (KION Group), SSI Schaefer, Murata Machinery, and Vanderlande, offering comprehensive solutions spanning hardware, software, integration, and lifecycle services. Recent developments highlight the market’s dynamism:

• Kardex Holding AG implemented AutoStore at Alfa Laval’s 324,000 sq. ft. U.S. facility in May 2025.
• KION Group inaugurated a highly automated Regional Distribution Center in Central Europe, valued at EUR 90 million.
• AutoStore and KNAPP AG introduced new robotic and software solutions to enhance high-throughput warehouse operations.

As industries across the globe continue to embrace automation, the ASRS market is poised to redefine warehousing efficiency, speed, and safety. From e-commerce giants to industrial leaders, automated storage and retrieval systems are no longer optional—they are essential for staying competitive in the fast-paced digital economy.