Autonomous Forklift Market Sets USD 6.89 Bn in 2025 at 9.2% CAGR

Autonomous Forklift Market 2025 Analysis: USD 6.89 Billion Value Backed by Cold Storage and Logistics Sectors

Forecasts suggest that the autonomous forklift market will expand from USD 6.31 billion in 2024 to USD 15.37 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 9.2% during this period. Asia Pacific led the autonomous forklift market in revenue, while North America is set to grow rapidly. Counterbalance forklifts dominated, with order pickers growing fastest. Warehouse automation led by application; logistics led end use, with retail rising fast.

The autonomous forklift market is set to grow from USD 6.89 billion in 2025 to USD 15.37 billion by 2034, with an expected CAGR of 9.2% over the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. The growing demand for advanced equipment in the warehouses coupled with technological advancements in the logistics sector has driven the market expansion.

Additionally, numerous government initiatives aimed at enhancing safety in the manufacturing sector along with rapid investment by logistics companies for deploying autonomous forklifts in their storage hubs is playing a prominent role in shaping the industrial landscape. The increasing use of advanced sensors in autonomous forklifts is expected to create ample growth opportunities for the market players in the upcoming days.

Autonomous Forklift Market Growth and Trends 2025

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Introduction

The autonomous forklift market is a prominent sector of the automotive industry. This industry deals in manufacturing and distribution of autonomous forklift in different parts of the world. There are several types of forklifts developed in this sector consisting of pallet jacks forklifts, counterbalance forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, stacker forklifts and some others. It finds application in warehouse automation, material handling, logistics & freight automation, cold storage and temperature-controlled environment, automated loading & unloading systems, and some others. The end-user of this sector comprises of chemical, food and beverage, automotive, aerospace and defense, e-commerce and some others. This market is expected to rise significantly with the growth of the logistics sector around the globe.

Highlights of the Autonomous Forklift Market

  • Asia Pacific generated highest revenue of the autonomous forklift market.
  • North America is expected to rise with a significant CAGR during the forecast period.
  • By forklift type, the counterbalance forklifts segment held the largest share of the market.
  • By forklift type, the order pickers segment is expected to rise with the highest CAGR during the forecast period.
  • By application, the warehouse automation segment led the market.
  • By application, the automated loading & unloading systems segment is expected to grow with the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.
  • By end user, the logistics segment dominated the market.
  • By end user, the retail & e-commerce segment is expected to rise with the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

The major trends in this market consists of partnerships, booming e-commerce sector and advancements in battery technology.

Partnerships

  • Several forklift manufacturers are partnering with technology providers to integrate advanced technologies in autonomous forklifts.

Booming E-Commerce Sector

  • The rising proliferation of smartphones has enabled people to sell and purchase products from e-commerce platforms.

Advancements in Battery Technology

  • The battery manufacturing companies are continuously engaged in research and development of high-quality batteries to cater the needs of the forklift industry.

Forklift Type Insights

How did the Counterbalance Forklifts Segment led the Autonomous Forklift Market in 2025?

The counterbalance forklifts segment dominated the market. The increasing demand for counterbalance forklifts from several sectors including chemical, logistics, automotive and some others has driven the market expansion. Additionally, the integration of heavy-duty AC drive and hydraulic motors in these forklifts is playing a vital role in shaping the industrial landscape. Moreover, numerous advantages of counterbalance forklifts including stability, versatility, efficiency and some others in material handling operations is expected to drive the growth of the autonomous forklift market.

The order pickers segment is expected to expand with the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growing use of order picker forklifts in warehouses and distribution centers for retrieving items from storage locations to fulfil orders has boosted the market growth. Additionally, rapid investment by market players for developing high-level order pickers and stock pickers to cater the needs of end-user industries is contributing to the industry in a positive manner. Moreover, several advantages of these forklifts including increased efficiency, reduced travel time, improved safety and some others is expected to boost the growth of the autonomous forklift market.

Application Insights

What Made the Warehouse Automation to be the Most Dominant Segment of the Autonomous Forklift Market in 2025?

The warehouse automation segment held the largest share of the market. The increasing use of automated solutions in modern warehouses to streamline and optimize operations has boosted the market expansion. Additionally, the deployment of autonomous forklifts in logistics warehouses to lift, move, and stack goods is expected to foster the growth of the autonomous forklifts market.

The automated loading & unloading systems segment is expected to rise with the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. The growing adoption of autonomous forklifts in the manufacturing sector for loading and unloading goods has boosted the market growth. Also, rapid investment by the market players for developing advanced forklifts to enhance loading and unloading activities is expected to propel the growth of the autonomous forklifts market.

End User Insights

Why did the Logistics Segment Held the Largest Share of the Autonomous Forklift Market in 2025?

The logistics segment led the market. The deployment of advanced equipment in the logistics sector in several countries such as the U.S., Canada, Germany, China and some others has boosted the market expansion. Additionally, numerous government initiatives aimed at developing the logistics industry coupled with integration of WMS and ERP in forklifts is playing a crucial role in shaping the industrial landscape. Moreover, collaborations among forklift manufacturers and logistics providers is expected to boost the growth of the autonomous forklift market.

The retail & e-commerce segment is expected to grow with the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. The growing use of autonomous forklifts in the e-commerce sector for handling goods in warehouses has boosted the market expansion. Additionally, rapid deployment of advanced equipment in the retail sector for streamlining operations, lowering labor costs, and enhancing inventory management is playing a prominent role in shaping the industry in a positive direction. Moreover, partnerships among market players and e-commerce brands to deploy autonomous forklifts for enhancing material handling operations is expected to propel the growth of the autonomous forklift market.

Geographical Insights

Why Asia Pacific dominated the Autonomous Forklift Market in 2025?

Asia Pacific held the largest share of the autonomous forklift market. The growing demand for autonomous forklifts from several industries such as manufacturing, chemical, food and beverage, and some others has boosted the market expansion. Additionally, numerous government initiatives aimed at enhancing safety of workers in heavy industries coupled with rapid integration of advanced equipment in modern warehouses is playing a vital role in shaping the industrial landscape. Moreover, the presence of several market players such as Toyota Industries Corporation, Mitsubishi, Doosan Corporation, Komatsu and some others is expected to propel the growth of the autonomous forklift market in this region.

  • In July 2024, Toyota Industries Corporation partnered with Fujitsu Limited. This partnership is done for launching an AI-based solution for enhancing safety in autonomous forklifts across the APAC region. (Source: Fujitsu)

North America is expected to grow with a significant CAGR during the forecast period. The increasing use of autonomous forklifts in various sectors including e-commerce, aerospace, automotive and some others has driven the market growth. Additionally, rapid investment by the logistics companies to deploy automated solutions in modern warehouses along with scarcity of manual laborers is contributing to the industry in a positive direction. Moreover, the presence of various market players such as Crown Equipment Corporation, Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Kollmorgen Corporation and some others is expected to foster the growth of the autonomous forklift market in this region.

  • In June 2025, Crown Equipment launched Proximity Assist System. Proximity Assist System is a lidar-based technology designed for enhancing the capabilities of autonomous forklifts in the U.S. (Source: Robotics 24/7)

Industry Leader Announcement

  • In March 2025, Marin Tchakarov, the president and CEO of Fox Robotics made an announcement stating that, “Fox Robotics is the unequivocal leader in dock autonomy today, demonstrated by the new technology and capabilities we’ve built into the third-generation FoxBot, breakthrough software and hardware innovations on the Mk3 provide warehouse and distribution centers in new industries like manufacturing and industrial distribution the opportunity to capitalize on the productivity and labor savings the FoxBot ATL provides.”

Competitive Landscape

The autonomous forklift market is a rapidly developing industry with the presence of several dominating players. Some of the prominent companies in this industry consists of Crown Equipment Corporation; SSI Schäfer Group; Mitsubishi Logisnext Co., Ltd.; Seegrid Corporation; Toyota Industries Corporation; Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc.; KION Group AG; Jungheinrich AG; AGILOX Services GmbH; Oceaneering International Inc. and some others. These companies are constantly engaged in developing autonomous forklifts and adopting numerous strategies such as launches, partnerships, business expansions, joint ventures, acquisitions, collaborations, and some others to maintain their dominance in this industry.

  • In March 2025, Yale Material Handling launched Yale Relay. Yale Relay is an autonomous forklift designed for enhancing the capabilities of modern warehouses. (Source: Yale)

HYSTER-YALE Revenue in USD Million (2023-24)

  • According to the annual report of Hyster-Yale, the revenue of the company in 2023 was around US$ 4118.30 million that increased to US$ 4308.20 million in 2024.

Recent Developments

  • In April 2025, BlueBotics launched ANT locator. ANT locator is an advanced tracking solution designed for operating autonomous forklifts. (Source: Robotics and Automation News)
  • In March 2025, Fox Robotics launched FoxBot Mk3 forklift. This forklift is designed for enhancing the capabilities of modern warehouses. (Source: Automated Warehouse)
  • In February 2024, ArcBest launched a new range of autonomous forklifts. This new range of forklifts finds application in numerous sectors including warehouses, distribution centers and manufacturing facilities. (Source: FreightWaves)

Top Autonomous Forklift Market Players

Autonomous Forklift Market Top Key Players

Autonomous Forklift Market Segments

By Forklift Type

  • Pallet Jacks
  • Counterbalance Forklifts
  • Reach Trucks
  • Order Pickers
  • Stacker Forklifts

By Navigation Technology

  • LiDAR
  • Vision-Guided
  • SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping)
  • Magnetic-Guided
  • Geofencing
  • Other Navigation Technologies

By Load Capacity

  • Less than 1.5 Tons
  • 1.5 to 3 Tons
  • Above 3 Tons

By Autonomy

  • Semi-Autonomous
  • Fully Autonomous

By Application

  • Warehouse Automation
  • Material Handling
  • Logistics & Freight Automation
  • Cold Storage and Temperature-Controlled Environment
  • Automated Loading & Unloading Systems
  • Other Applications

By End User

  • Industrial & General Manufacturing
  • Logistics
  • Chemical
  • Food & Beverage
  • Retail & E-Commerce
  • Automotive
  • Aerospace & Defense
  • Other End Users

By Region

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Western Europe
  • Eastern Europe
  • Asia Pacific
  • The Middle East and Africa
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  • Insight Code: 1332
  • No. of Pages: 150+
  • Format: PDF/PPT/Excel
  • Last Updated: 28 July 2025
  • Report Covered: Revenue + Volume
  • Historical Year: 2021-2023
  • Base Year: 2024
  • Estimated Years: 2025-2034

Meet the Team

Ajit Bansod is a skilled and research-driven analyst at Towards Automotive, with over 3 years of experience specializing in the intersection of automotive innovation and intelligent communication technologies.

Learn more about Ajit Bansod

Aditi Shivarkar, with 14+ years of experience in automotive market research, specializes in tracking trends across vehicle technologies, mobility solutions, and materials innovation. She delivers accurate, actionable insights that drive excellence in the automotive sector—fueling strategies around electrification, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing.

Learn more about Aditi Shivarkar

FAQ's

The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.2%, driven by increasing demand for automation in warehouses, labor shortages, safety regulations, and rising e-commerce activities. Additionally, technological advances like AI, LiDAR, and battery improvements are enhancing forklift capabilities and ROI, making them more attractive for large-scale deployment.

Asia Pacific leads the market due to its strong manufacturing base, rapid warehouse automation, and presence of key players like Toyota and Mitsubishi. North America follows with high growth potential owing to labor shortages, rising e-commerce logistics demands, and major investments in smart warehouse infrastructure.

Counterbalance forklifts currently dominate due to their versatility in industrial use, but order pickers are expected to grow at the fastest rate, driven by the rising need for efficient item retrieval in e-commerce and distribution centers.

Warehouse automation remains the top application, as companies strive to improve operational efficiency and accuracy. Meanwhile, automated loading and unloading systems are emerging as a high-growth area due to increasing adoption in manufacturing and logistics hubs.

The rapid expansion of e-commerce has led to a surge in warehouse construction and the need for scalable, efficient material handling. Autonomous forklifts are being deployed to streamline picking, stacking, and inventory movement processes, reducing dependence on manual labor.

Key trends include the integration of LiDAR for navigation, AI for real-time decision-making, and SLAM for enhanced mapping. Battery advancements and software upgrades are also boosting uptime and performance, enabling forklifts to operate in complex environments autonomously.

Governments globally are introducing safety and labor efficiency regulations, particularly in high-risk sectors like manufacturing and logistics. These regulations are accelerating the shift toward automation, prompting firms to invest in autonomous forklifts to comply and reduce workplace incidents.

The sector offers robust investment opportunities, especially in Asia Pacific and North America. With the total market expected to reach USD 15.37 billion by 2034, investments in R&D, warehouse modernization, and technology partnerships are seen as high-yield areas for strategic growth.

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