Japan Automated Teller Machine Market Assessment, By Type [Conventional ATM, Brown Label ATM, White Label ATM, Smart ATM, Cash Dispensers], By Solution [Deployment, Managed Services], By Application [Commercial, Residential, Government], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, FY2018-FY2032F
Global automated sorting systems market is projected to witness a CAGR of 6.40% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 7.06 billion in 2023 to USD 11.60 billion in 2031.
Sortation systems have been crucial equipment in sectors that involve the dissemination of diverse goods and packages. Automated systems have been upgraded through diverse innovations, including AI-powered optical sorting, Non-infrared (NIR) technology, robotics, and automated sorting. AI and robotic sorting technologies are revolutionizing the recycling industry, enhancing efficiency, material purity, and sustainability. Collaboration and innovation are crucial for maximizing their potential.
The recycling landscape is transforming with the integration of cutting-edge advanced sorting technologies. Furthermore, material handling and sorting have changed as a result of robotics' inclusion in recycling operations. Materials on conveyor belts can be efficiently moved and sorted by sophisticated robotic systems equipped with AI algorithms and precision gripping technology. These robotic arms help with precise and quick sorting since they are designed to recognize and choose particular items based on predetermined criteria. Robotics improve sorting procedures' adaptability and flexibility, reducing mistakes and increasing productivity. Companies tend to introduce automated shipping and sorting machines to increase productivity and accelerate new technology.
For instance, in March 2024, DHL Express India introduced its first automatic shipment sorting hub in New Delhi. The automatic sorting machines in this new shipment sorting hub span 34,256 square feet and can sort 2,000 pieces per hour, providing a 30% increase in production. Customers' transit times have shortened due to the 18 sorting chutes, 11 truck docks, and 8 telescopic conveyors, which contribute to quicker inbound shipment processing.
Crucial Role in Advanced Recycling is Expected to Fuel Market Growth
The implementation of advanced sorting technologies has brought about significant improvements in recycling operations, including enhanced efficiency, improved material purity, and contamination mitigation. Robotics and AI-powered sorting systems simplify material separation, greatly boosting sorting throughput and speeds. Recycling facilities can handle higher volumes of recyclables faster to their increased efficiency. Recovered materials of superior grade are the outcome of precise sorting. Lower levels of contamination lead to recyclables that are purer, which increases their market value and makes it easier for downstream recycling processes to operate more efficiently.
Advanced sorting technologies help reduce contamination by precisely separating materials and decreasing the number of non-recyclables in sorted streams. This decrease in contamination positively impacts the quality and marketability of recycled materials NIR technology is crucial in advanced sorting systems, detecting and analyzing unique spectral signatures of materials for precise identification and sorting, especially in separating plastics by polymer type.
For instance, in August 2024, NewRetex A/S launched a fully automated sorting system for textile waste. The use of NIR sensors, cameras, and machine learning can sort discarded textiles according to material type, material composition, color, and structure. With an integrated data gathering and traceability system on processed material, the automated and thorough sorting consistently aims to turn waste into useful resources.
Booming E-commerce, Labor Shortages, and Technological Advancements to Fuel Market Growth
The number of parcels that need to be sorted and processed has significantly increased due to the growth of e-commerce. Retailers and logistics companies are investing in automated sorting systems to meet the growing demand for online shopping, expedite delivery, and boost customer satisfaction. There is a labor shortage in several areas, particularly in logistics and storage. Automated sorting systems eliminate the need for manual labor, businesses may continue to run efficiently in the face of manpower shortages as automation can handle repetitive jobs and relieve some of the load on current personnel.
Sorting systems are changing as a result of technological advancements in robotics, AI, and machine learning. These developments allow systems to execute more precise and speedy item sorting adjust to various product types and learn from operational data to continuously improve performance. Real-time data analytics and computer vision are two instances of technologies that improve decision-making and operational effectiveness.
For instance, in April 2023, Redwave (BT-Wolfgang Binder GmbH) launched an XRF sorting machine. It detects and sorts a blend of non-ferrous metals starting from a size of 4 mm to producing high-quality products such as pure copper, brass, zinc, and precious metal fractions.
High Throughput and Advanced Scalability to Fuel the Case Sorter Segment
Based on type, case sorter, also known as linear sorter, holds the major share in the global automated sorting system market. Linear sorters are designed with simple mechanisms that allow for an efficient flow and sorting of items along a linear path. This straightforward design makes working with it easier and facilitates troubleshooting with less downtime and more reliability. Linear sorters can move high volumes of items quickly. This is often true when it comes to small to medium-sized packages or items and is often applied in e-commerce fulfillment centers and retail and distribution chains.
Linear sorting systems are highly scalable, allowing businesses to expand their operations without significant overhauls. Companies can easily add more sorting lanes or integrate additional features as their volume increases, making it a cost-effective long-term investment.
For instance, in September 2024, Alstef Group launched an XSORT cross-belt sorter for baggage handling. XSORT has been specifically designed for optimal integration in airports, featuring a low height and compact footprint to fit into limited spaces. It offers incline options of 5 and 11 degrees for versatile adaptability. Additionally, the system incorporates advanced technology to minimize mechanical issues and ensure smooth operations, including linear motor drives, inductive power transfer, and short-range Wi-Fi communication.
North America to Dominate Automated Sorting Systems Market Share
North America is expected to hold a major portion of the automated sorting systems market. The rising demand through increased logistical operations and rapidly expanding e-commerce businesses are adding new warehouse robotics that are expected to add value to the market. E-commerce has changed the face of logistics and distribution in some fundamental ways. Major companies, such as Amazon and Walmart, have invested in automated sorting systems to help manage increased order volumes resulting from an explosion of e-commerce. For instance, orders fulfilled from Amazon.com Inc.'s fulfillment centers use the most sophisticated automated sorting systems to ensure that the product gets to a customer's door quickly and accurately for higher customer satisfaction. Companies based out of the United States are automating their sorting systems in regions such as Europe and Asia-Pacific.
For instance, in April 2024, Amazon.com Inc. announced a package of over USD 783 million in investment to upgrade its European network with robotics and AI-powered technologies. This includes an addition of Bag Containerization Matrix Sorter (BCMS). The system optimizes sorting capacity by grouping parcels with the same end destination within fulfilling centers, offering an ergonomic and space-efficient sortation solution in a compact footprint.
Future Market Scenario (2024 – 2031F)
Advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, NIR sensors, and machine learning are rapidly transforming the automated sorting systems market.
The expanding logistics and e-commerce industry is expected to fuel the global automated sorting systems market.
Advanced recycling operations are adopting AI-driven sorting systems for higher-quality recovered materials, which is anticipated to fuel the global market.
Key Players Landscape and Outlook
Continuous investment in research and development to stay ahead in technology trends, particularly in AI, machine learning, and robotics, allows market players to gain a better share of the market. These players offer tailored solutions that can be customized to meet specific customer needs across various industries, allowing for greater flexibility and adaptability. Incorporating eco-friendly technologies and practices into their systems to meet the increasing demand for sustainable solutions is one of the major strategies being implemented. It includes energy-efficient designs and materials, forming alliances with other technology providers, or acquiring smaller companies to enhance technological capabilities and expand their market reach.
For instance, in March 2024, OPEX Corporation announced the launch of the latest automated sorting and order retrieval solutions, OPEX Sure Sort X, with OPEX Xtract. OPEX Sure Sort X represents the next generation of high-speed automated sorting. Xtract, OPEX's ground-breaking new automated order retrieval technology, works in tandem with Sure Sort X to completely automate the process of retrieving totes and moving their contents into shipping containers.