Piece Picking Robots Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029)

Piece Picking Robots Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029)

The Piece Picking Robots Market size is estimated at USD 1.13 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 9.57 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 53.31% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

Key Highlights

• Investment in automation is propelling the growth of piece-picking robots, particularly in sectors like e-commerce, logistics, and manufacturing. The push for enhanced efficiency, precision, scalability, and cost-effectiveness is driving this automation trend. Labor shortages in warehousing and logistics, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and surging e-commerce demands, have spurred heightened investments in automation. As a result, piece-picking robots are increasingly taking on labor-intensive roles, such as order picking, thereby diminishing the reliance on a vast workforce.
• In September 2024, Pickommerce, hailing from Meitar, Israel, clinched funding of USD 3.4 million. The company announced that this capital infusion would accelerate the development, production, and marketing of its flagship, the PickoBot piece-picking robot. Furthermore, Pickommerce underscored the escalating trend of automation in today's logistics hubs, noting that robots are now chiefly tasked with duties like crate collection and package unloading.
• As wages climb in various regions, businesses are increasingly leaning on robots to trim operational expenses. While the upfront investment in piece-picking robots and automation tech can be steep, the promise of long-term labor savings and the benefit of continuous, fatigue-free operation make it enticing. Moreover, Bank of America projects that by 2025, a significant 45% of all manufacturing will be dominated by robotics. In alignment with this trajectory, industry giants such as Raymond Limited, a prominent Indian textile firm, and Foxconn Technology Group, a key Chinese supplier for tech behemoths like Samsung, are poised to substitute 10,000 and 60,000 workers, respectively, with automation in their production facilities.
• Piece-picking robots demand a hefty upfront investment, presenting a notable hurdle to market growth. This investment is further magnified by the necessity for supportive infrastructure. Moreover, technical constraints of these robots—such as their slower speeds, difficulties gripping unconventional items, and concerns about reliability—hinder market expansion.
• Like other advanced technologies, piece-picking robots need regular maintenance, which can lead to operational downtime. To ensure these robots fit seamlessly into high-throughput industries, it's crucial to minimize such interruptions. Additionally, given the unique workflows and product types across various industries, there's a strong demand for customization. This need complicates the deployment of piece-picking solutions, increasing both time and costs.
• The ongoing Ukraine conflict has disrupted the supply chain for raw materials and components vital to manufacturing piece picking robots. Such disruptions can result in shortages, longer lead times, and increased costs, all of which directly influence the market. In response, companies might turn to alternative suppliers or bolster local production, potentially reshaping market dynamics and pricing. The persistent Russia-Ukraine tensions, coupled with China's "Zero Tolerance Policy," have spurred a notable rise in global inflation. This inflation surge has reverberated across various sectors, notably the electronic components and industrial automation industries, driving up component prices and stunting the studied market's growth. Furthermore, elevated inflation and interest rates have curtailed consumer spending, further constraining market expansion.

Piece Picking Robots Market Trends

Retail, Warehousing, Distribution Centers, and Logistics Centers to be the Largest End Users

• As market demands shift swiftly, robotics is emerging as a vital asset for retail companies. Leading the charge are major players such as Amazon, Bossa Nova Robotics, and Brain Corp, propelling this surge in demand. Across the globe, organizations are adopting robotic automation in their warehouses, primarily to cut down on labor costs.
• Retail behemoths, including Amazon.com and Walmart, have seamlessly integrated mobile robots into their warehouses and retail outlets. With consumer expectations leaning towards on-demand retail, there's a noticeable shift in inventory strategies. In light of this, retailers are pouring investments into e-commerce infrastructure, omnichannel fulfillment, and setting up smaller stores in closer proximity to consumers.
• Beyond warehousing, robotics is making waves in retail. In-store robots are not just assisting customers; they're managing inventory and even taking on cleaning duties. Such innovations are not only boosting operational efficiency but also allowing retailers to provide tailored services. With technological strides and a push for competitive differentiation, the adoption of robotics shows no signs of slowing down. As the retail landscape continues to evolve, those companies that harness robotics adeptly stand to gain a pronounced advantage in the market.
• The shifting paradigms of traditional businesses, notably the retail sector's pivot from physical stores to online platforms, are fueling growth in the examined market. For instance, data from the US Census Bureau underscores the steady ascent of e-commerce's prominence in the US retail arena. In Q2 2024, e-commerce constituted 16% of the total retail sales in the US, a rise from the previous quarter. Additionally, from April to June 2024, US retail e-commerce sales eclipsed USD 291 billion, marking a historic high for quarterly revenue.
• As businesses strive to adapt to surging e-commerce demands, labor shortages, and the necessity for swift and accurate order fulfillment, the adoption of piece-picking robots is witnessing a notable uptick across Retail, Warehousing, Distribution Centers, and Logistics Centers. Thanks to technological advancements such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, 3D vision, and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), piece-picking robots are cementing their status as integral components of modern retail and logistics infrastructure.
• With industry giants like Amazon, Walmart, DHL, and Alibaba continuously investing in these technologies, the trajectory of global logistics and retail fulfillment is set to be significantly influenced, heralding rapid growth for robotic systems in this market.

North America Holds Significant Market Share

• The North American segment, encompassing countries like the US and Canada, holds a significant share of the global piece-picking robots market. This dominance is attributed to the region's advanced technological infrastructure, a robust demand for automation, and evolving sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, retail, and warehousing. Key drivers for the adoption of piece-picking robots in North America include the push for operational efficiency, cost reduction, the surge of e-commerce, and a tightening labor market.
• Labor shortages, particularly in distribution and warehousing sectors reliant on repetitive manual tasks, have notably spurred the adoption of automation in the US and Canada. With wages on the rise and labor becoming scarce, companies are turning to robotic solutions to sustain production and curtail operating costs.
• According to the US Chamber of Commerce, the manufacturing sector faced a major blow, shedding around 1.4 million jobs at the pandemic's onset. Data from February 2023 by the US Bureau of Labor & Statistics highlighted about 750,000 unfilled positions in manufacturing. Projections suggest over 2 million manufacturing roles could remain vacant in the US by 2030. Such dynamics have driven both manufacturing and non-manufacturing entities to increasingly adopt automation and robotic technologies. Furthermore, numerous market players are actively bolstering their presence in the region.
• For example, in February 2023, Rapyuta Robotics, known for its collaborative pick-assist robots (Rapyuta PA-AMR) and warehouse solutions, inaugurated its US subsidiary. This move marks Rapyuta's second international venture following its establishment in India. With its advanced technology and hardware, Rapyuta aims to deliver substantial value to the US market. The Chicago office is poised to boost Rapyuta's sales and operations nationwide, underscoring the company's commitment to ensuring a solid return on investment for its American customers.
• Factors like the e-commerce surge, technological advancements, labor challenges, and heightened investment in automation are propelling the swift growth of North America's piece-picking robots market. Businesses spanning manufacturing, logistics, retail, and e-commerce are leveraging these robots to enhance efficiency, cut costs, and boost accuracy. Given the ongoing advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and robotic systems, North America is not only poised for significant growth in the coming years but is also set to maintain its pivotal role in the global piece-picking robot arena.

Piece Picking Robots Industry Overview

The piece-picking robot market includes several key players, including SSI Schaefer, Swisslog, Dematic, and RightHand Robotics. Their presence and ongoing innovations are reshaping the market landscape.

For instance, in September 2023, MOVU Robotics, a significant player in crafting and deploying advanced warehouse automation solutions, announced its latest innovation, the 'Movu Eligo' robot picking arm. Given their market penetration and advanced product offerings, competitive rivalry is set to escalate during the forecast period.

With moderate entry barriers, several Venture Capital (VC)-)-backed newcomers have gained traction, potentially heightening market competition. To secure a competitive advantage, players enhance bot capabilities for better Return on Investment (ROI) and quicker pick rates. They also invest in advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), deep learning, and vision tech. Moreover, consistent access to quality components boosts performance. In summary, the market is characterized by intense competition and high rivalry.

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