ID: PMRREP35519| 188 Pages | 8 Jan 2026 | Format: PDF, Excel, PPT* | Industrial Automation
The global mobile robot (automated guided vehicle [AGV] and autonomous mobile robot [AMR]) market size is valued at US$ 7,615.6 million in 2026 and is projected to reach US$ 21,009.2 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 15.6% between 2026 and 2033. Historically, the market demonstrated robust expansion with a CAGR of 18.2%, rising from US$ 2,362.6 Mn in 2020.
The market is undergoing a pivotal transformation driven by intensifying global labor shortages and the growing need for interoperability enabled by Industry 4.0. There is a rapid shift from fixed automation to flexible, autonomous solutions, especially in high-velocity environments such as automotive manufacturing and e-commerce fulfillment. While North America and Europe remain mature innovation hubs, the Asia-Pacific region is emerging as the global volume leader, supported by large-scale expansion in manufacturing sectors.
| Key Insights | Details |
|---|---|
| Mobile Robot (AGV and AMR) Market Size (2026E) | US$ 7,615.6 Mn |
| Market Value Forecast (2033F) | US$ 21,009.2 Mn |
| Projected Growth (CAGR 2026 to 2033) | 15.6% |
| Historical Market Growth (CAGR 2020 to 2025) | 18.2% |
The rapid expansion of e-commerce and direct-to-consumer models is driving unprecedented demand for order fulfillment automation, with U.S. e-commerce sales rising to 16.3% of total retail in Q2 2025, up from 15.5 % a year earlier. Mobile robots (AGVs and AMRs) enable high-velocity, high-accuracy operations, achieving picking accuracy above 99.9% in optimized warehouses. Over 50% of major logistics hubs globally, particularly in North America and the Asia Pacific, have adopted robotic automation. The push for same-day and next-day delivery, coupled with the rise of urban micro-fulfillment centers, makes compact, agile mobile robots essential for dense storage environments without major infrastructure changes.
The global shortage of skilled labor in manufacturing and logistics operations has become a critical catalyst for mobile robot adoption. For instance, the U.S. manufacturing sector is expected to face 2.1 million unfilled jobs by 2030, posing significant operational risks. Mobile robots mitigate this gap by automating intralogistics material handling tasks, reducing reliance on manual labor, and allowing existing employees to focus on higher-value activities. By taking over repetitive, non-value-added processes, mobile robots ensure operational continuity and optimize workforce utilization.
Global manufacturers are diversifying supply chains away from single-source dependencies, driving new Greenfield factory projects in India, Vietnam, and Mexico designed with AMR-friendly layouts, wider aisles, fiducial markers, and dedicated charging zones, accelerating AMR adoption. In North America and Europe, reshoring initiatives use high automation, including AMRs, to offset higher labor costs. Sectors like electronics, automotive, textiles, pharma, and FMCG are increasingly adopting robotics-native material handling over traditional conveyors. Policy support through the U.S. CHIPS Act, EU Critical Raw Materials Act, and friend-shoring incentives further boost AMR deployment.
Interoperability & The VDA 5050 Challenge
Interoperability remains a key restraint, as mixed-vendor fleets create automation islands due to proprietary software and communication protocols. Standards like VDA 5050 aim to unify operations, but varying manufacturer implementations cause deadlocks and traffic conflicts and require complex middleware integration. Upgrading existing AGVs to support VDA 5050 often demands both hardware and software modifications, increasing deployment time, technical risk, and costs, particularly in brownfield sites with established fleets. For example, a pallet mover from vendor A conflicts with a bin-picking robot from vendor B if protocols are not applied consistently.
Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) Democratization
Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) is democratizing automation by replacing high upfront costs with flexible monthly subscriptions, enabling SMEs and smaller warehouses to deploy AGVs and AMRs affordably. This pay-as-you-go model allows businesses to scale fleets based on demand, accelerate ROI, and benefit from bundled maintenance, updates, and performance monitoring. Vendors gain recurring revenue streams, fueling faster innovation. Global adoption is strong, with nearly 200,000 professional service robots sold in 2024, up 9% YoY, and RaaS fleets growing 31% according to IFR, highlighting rapid subscription-based deployment across retail, logistics, manufacturing, and healthcare.
AI and Autonomous Navigation Unlocking Mobile Robot Potential
Advancements in autonomous navigation and AI, such as enhanced SLAM, 3D LiDAR, and vision-based systems, enable AMRs to operate safely in dynamic, unstructured environments, improving obstacle avoidance, path optimization, and task allocation. Cloud-based AI and edge processing enhance real-time fleet coordination and predictive maintenance, reducing integration complexity and enabling scalable multi-facility deployments. Industries like e-commerce, automotive, semiconductors, and FMCG are rapidly adopting AMRs to boost productivity, flexibility, and ROI. For example, in June 2025, ABB launched the Flexley Mover P603, an ultra-compact AMR with 1500 kg payload capacity, AI-driven Visual SLAM, integrated load sensing, and AMR Studio 4.0 for no-code fleet management.
Latent Jacking Robots Optimizing Space Utilization & Boosting Operational Efficiency
Latent jacking robots, often referred to as shelf-to-person robots, are projected to account for over 30% of the mobile robot market by 2026. Their dominance is driven by widespread adoption in e-commerce fulfillment centers, where they transport high-density storage racks directly to picking stations. Their compact design, high speed, and proven ROI in Amazon-style warehouses make them the preferred solution for large-scale retail logistics.
Forklift Robots Growing Rapidly with Automation Demand
Forklift robots are expected to grow rapidly due to the critical need to automate pallet handling in high-bay warehouses. With manual forklift operations accounting for a significant portion of warehouse accidents and labor costs, the shift toward autonomous solutions is accelerating. These robots perform high-precision operations, such as double-deep racking and seamless interaction with conveyor systems, effectively bridging production and shipping operations. They also offer greater environmental flexibility and compatibility with diverse load configurations, making them a key driver of adoption in modern warehouses.
SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) Optimizing Layouts & Boosting Accuracy
SLAM is projected to hold over 36% of the market share by 2026. LiDAR-based SLAM has become the industry standard for indoor navigation, providing high accuracy and reliability without requiring physical infrastructure. Its ability to dynamically map environments makes it particularly suitable for the constantly changing layouts of manufacturing plants and busy warehouses. Technology offers several key advantages, including reduced deployment time, seamless integration with existing facilities, and flexibility to adapt to evolving operational needs.
Vision-Based Navigation Driving Smarter & Cost-Efficient Deployments
Vision-based navigation is the fastest-growing segment, powered by advances in camera technology and AI. Unlike LiDAR, V-SLAM captures both where and what objects are, enabling smarter navigation in human-centric environments. Camera sensors are cheaper than high-end LiDAR, making large-scale deployments cost-effective. Companies such as Geek+ have demonstrated the technical viability of camera-based navigation in warehouse operations. Technology is particularly strong in dynamic settings, where layouts and equipment frequently change, as computer vision inherently adapts to visual changes without requiring markers or infrastructure modifications.
Mobile Robots Driving Manufacturing Efficiency & Precision Handling
The manufacturing sector is the leading, projected to account for over 65% market share by 2026. Manufacturing's dominance is reinforced by established automation investment budgets, documented productivity benefits, and mature technology integration methodologies. Within this sector, the Automotive industry is the primary driver, expected to hold around 30% market share, fueled by widespread adoption of automation, the development of new electric vehicle platforms, and the expansion of battery production. Photovoltaic cell and lithium-ion battery manufacturing are also critical growth engines, demanding contamination-free, high-precision transport solutions.
Warehousing & Logistics Revolutionizing Micro-Fulfillment and Delivery Speed
Warehousing and logistics are the fastest-growing segment, driven by the rapid expansion of 3PL (Third-Party Logistics) providers. Flexible AMRs enable high-mix, high-velocity fulfillment, while AGVs streamline pallet movement and docking, improving operational efficiency and reducing errors. The 3PL/supply chain sub-segment is projected to account for over 25% of the market share by 2026. The e-commerce and retail sector is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 20% between 2026 and 2033, as retailers increasingly automate micro-fulfillment centers to meet same-day delivery demands.
North America is a mature, high-value market, with manufacturing driving over 70% of demand, particularly in automotive, new energy (EV/battery), and electronics sectors. High labor costs, severe workforce shortages, and reshoring initiatives are accelerating the adoption of AMRs and AGVs, especially in warehouse operations. Favorable regulations, such as ANSI/RIA R15.08, support safe human-robot collaboration, while regional technology leadership in AI, SLAM, and safety systems positions North America as an innovation hub. The U.S. mobile robot (AGV and AMR) market alone is projected to surpass US$ 3,500 million by 2033, growing at a 14% CAGR from 2026, reflecting strong demand for advanced autonomous solutions.
Asia Pacific dominates the global mobile robot (AGV and AMR) market, expected to account for 70% of value and 75% of volume by 2026, with China Mobile Robot (AGV and AMR) market projected to reach at US$ 3.5 billion. Manufacturing accounts for over 65% of China’s demand, led by companies such as Geek+ (vision-based AMRs) and Hai Robotics (case-handling AMRs), supported by government Industry 4.0 initiatives and modernization subsidies. India and Southeast Asia are emerging as fast-growing markets due to supply chain diversification and Make in India incentives. Japanese players such as OMRON innovate with medium-payload MD Series AMRs, while Chinese firms compete on cost and Western firms on technological sophistication. Supply chain localization and rising labor costs in developed Asian markets further accelerate automation adoption.
Europe’s mobile robot (AGV and AMR) market is projected to surpass US$ 1,500 million by 2026, led by Germany with over 20% share, followed by the U.K. and France. The growth is driven by a strong industrial base, particularly the automotive sector, and investments in lights-out manufacturing across Eastern and Central Europe. The region emphasizes high-safety, collaborative robotics, with strict CE compliance, HMI safety, and collision risk protocols shaping product design. European operators favor human-robot collaborative systems, creating distinct requirements and higher regulatory costs that protect established players. Strategic moves like ABB’s acquisition of Sevensense Robotics highlight the focus on AI-enabled SLAM integration and fully autonomous logistics fleets.
The market is currently moderately fragmented but undergoing a period of strategic consolidation. Leading players command significant market shares, particularly in the high-volume manufacturing and logistics segments. The top tier is comprised of diversified industrial automation giants that have acquired specialized AMR startups to expand their portfolios. Market concentration is higher in the Asia Pacific region due to the dominance of domestic Chinese manufacturers, while Western markets display a mix of pure-play robotics firms and legacy automation providers competing for enterprise contracts.
The global mobile robot (AGV and AMR) market is projected to be valued at US$ 7,615.6 Mn in 2026.
Rising automation needs, supported by labor shortages and e-commerce growth, are a key driver of the market.
Asia Pacific is expected to dominate due to large-scale manufacturing expansion, strong government support for automation.
The market is expected to witness a CAGR of 15.6% from 2026 to 2033.
Rapid adoption of Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) and growing demand for flexible, scalable automation driven by AI-enabled navigation and interoperability standards are creating strong growth opportunities.
ABB, KUKA AG, OMRON Corporation, Locus Robotics, Daifuku Co., Ltd., Geekplus Technology Co., Ltd., Zebra Technologies Corp. are among the leading key players.
| Report Attribute | Details |
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| Historical Data/Actuals | 2020 - 2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2026 - 2033 |
| Market Analysis | Value: US$ Bn/Mn, Volume: As Applicable |
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