North America Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) Market
North America Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) Market by Type (Tow Vehicles, Unit Load Carriers, Pallet Trucks, Assembly Line Vehicles, Forklift Trucks), Navigation Technology (Laser, Magnetic, Inductive, Optical Tape, Vision) - Forecast to 2032
OVERVIEW
Source: Secondary Research, Interviews with Experts, MarketsandMarkets Analysis
The North America automated guided vehicle (AGV) market is expected to grow from USD 0.77 billion in 2026 to USD 1.28 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 8.8%. Market growth is driven by rising adoption of warehouse and manufacturing automation across the US and Canada, supported by persistent labor shortages, rising operating costs, and sustained investment in logistics and distribution infrastructure. AGVs are increasingly deployed to automate material transport, pallet handling, and line-side logistics across automotive, food & beverage, e-commerce, and third-party logistics facilities. Advancements in navigation technologies, fleet management software, and real-time system monitoring are improving throughput, safety, and operational consistency. In parallel, continued expansion of e-commerce fulfillment networks, manufacturing reshoring initiatives, and investments in smart factories and logistics hubs are accelerating AGV adoption across North America.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
-
BY COUNTRYThe market in the US is expected to grow at the highest CAGR of 9.1% during the forecast period.
-
BY TYPEForklift trucks are expected to grow at a significant CAGR due to their flexibility in pallet handling and rising adoption across automated warehouses and manufacturing facilities in North America.
-
BY INDUSTRYThe E-commerce & retail segment is expected to account for a 15.8% share in 2032, supported by sustained growth in fulfillment automation and the rising adoption of AGVs to improve order handling efficiency and throughput.
-
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE - KEY PLAYERSDaifuku Co., Ltd., JBT, and Hyster-Yale, Inc. were identified as some of the key players in the North America automated guided vehicle (AGV) market, supported by their strong regional presence and broad AGV portfolios aligned with warehouse automation, manufacturing material flow optimization, and the growing demand for reliable, scalable intralogistics solutions across the region.
-
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE - STARTUPS/SMESIDC Corporation and America in Motion, Inc., among others, have distinguished themselves among startups and SMEs by building strong positions in specialized automation niches within the North America automated guided vehicle (AGV) market ecosystem, supported by focused AGV solutions tailored to warehouse, manufacturing, and logistics applications.
The North America automated guided vehicle (AGV) market is poised for steady growth as manufacturers and logistics operators expand automation in internal material transport. Demand for reliable material flow, higher throughput, and improved safety is driving AGV adoption for pallet handling, line-side delivery, and warehouse transport. Advances in navigation, fleet management software, and system coordination are improving reliability, scalability, and operational consistency. As companies modernize factories and distribution networks, AGVs are becoming a core element of scalable, efficient intralogistics automation across North America.
TRENDS & DISRUPTIONS IMPACTING CUSTOMERS' CUSTOMERS
In the North America automated guided vehicle (AGV) market, the impact on customers’ businesses is driven by the need to improve internal material flow efficiency, throughput reliability, and labor productivity as manufacturing and distribution operations scale. Organizations are adopting AGV solutions to automate material transport, reduce manual handling, and improve safety while maintaining consistent, round-the-clock operations. Integrating fleet management software, real-time system monitoring, and predictive maintenance is reducing downtime, lowering operating costs, and improving overall system reliability. These capabilities enable customers to streamline workflows, accelerate order fulfillment, and scale intralogistics operations efficiently, making AGV adoption a key contributor to long-term cost efficiency and operational resilience across North America.
Source: Secondary Research, Interviews with Experts, MarketsandMarkets Analysis
MARKET DYNAMICS
Level
-
Strong expansion of warehouse automation across the US and Canada, led by e-commerce, retail, and 3PL operators
-
Persistent labor shortage and rising wage pressure accelerating AGV adoption
Level
-
High upfront investment for AGV hardware, software, and system integration
-
Integration complexity with legacy warehouse management and material handling systems
Level
-
Increasing adoption of software-led AGV fleet management, vision navigation, and traffic control platforms across North America
-
Continued development of greenfield logistics hubs and manufacturing plants
Level
-
Requirement for site-specific customization to support varied layouts, safety norms, and operational workflows
Source: Secondary Research, Interviews with Experts, MarketsandMarkets Analysis
Driver: Strong expansion of warehouse automation across US and Canada, led by e-commerce, retail, and 3PL operators
E-commerce growth, omnichannel retail models, and rising 3PL outsourcing are accelerating investments in automated warehouses across North America. AGVs are increasingly deployed to support higher order volumes, faster fulfillment cycles, and consistent material flow.
Restraint: High upfront investment for AGV hardware, software, and system integration
AGV projects in North America require significant capital outlays, including vehicles, fleet management software, safety infrastructure, and commissioning services. These costs can delay adoption, especially for mid-sized operators with constrained automation budgets.
Opportunity: Increasing adoption of software-led AGV fleet management, vision navigation, and traffic control platforms across North America
North American operators are adopting software-centric AGV architectures that enhance route optimization, fleet coordination, and system visibility. Advances in vision guidance and intelligent traffic management are broadening AGV applicability across complex warehouse layouts.
Challenge: Requirement for site-specific customization to support varied layouts, safety norms, and operational workflows
Warehouses and factories across North America vary widely in size, process design, and regulatory requirements. These differences drive demand for customized AGV configurations, safety logic, and workflow design, increasing project complexity and deployment time.
NORTH AMERICA AUTOMATED GUIDED VEHICLE (AGV) MARKET: COMMERCIAL USE CASES ACROSS INDUSTRIES
| COMPANY | USE CASE DESCRIPTION | BENEFITS |
|---|---|---|
 |
Daifuku supplies automated guided vehicles as part of integrated material handling solutions for large-scale warehouses and manufacturing facilities across North America. Its AGVs are deployed for pallet transport, line-side delivery, work-in-process movement, and coordination with conveyors and warehouse control systems in automotive, retail, and logistics operations. | Improves material flow consistency and throughput across high-volume facilities | Reduces manual handling while supporting stable 24×7 automated operations | Enables scalable automation aligned with long-term distribution and manufacturing expansion |
 |
JBT provides automated guided vehicles for horizontal material movement across multiple industries in North America, including automotive, food & beverage, healthcare, 3PL warehousing, FMCG, pharma and life sciences, manufacturing, and building materials. Its AGVs are deployed for pallet transport, work-in-process transfer, warehouse replenishment, and inter-area material flow within production and distribution environments. | Improves speed, accuracy, and safety of material movement across diverse industrial operations | Reduces reliance on manual material handling while supporting consistent, repeatable workflows | Enables scalable AGV deployments that adapt to changing layout and throughput requirements |
 |
KION Group AG provides AGVs and automated industrial trucks across North America, supporting warehouse, manufacturing, and distribution applications. Its AGVs are deployed for pallet transport, warehouse replenishment, production supply, and fleet-level coordination using integrated control software. | Improves warehouse efficiency, traffic coordination, and material handling accuracy | Reduces dependency on manual forklift operations in labor-constrained environments | Supports flexible automation deployment across mixed manual and automated fleets |
Logos and trademarks shown above are the property of their respective owners. Their use here is for informational and illustrative purposes only.
MARKET ECOSYSTEM
The North America automated guided vehicle (AGV) market ecosystem is built on a tightly coordinated network of AGV manufacturers, navigation and sensor technology providers, drive and battery system suppliers, fleet management and control software vendors, and system integrators. This ecosystem supports the full lifecycle of AGV deployment, from system design and integration through commissioning to long-term operation across manufacturing plants and distribution centers. Strong regional capabilities in robotics engineering, control electronics, software development, and industrial integration enable faster customization and deployment. Close collaboration between AGV OEMs and integrators ensures accurate vehicle configuration, reliable traffic management, and seamless software connectivity, all critical for system uptime and performance. This aligned ecosystem improves deployment efficiency, supports rapid technology upgrades, and accelerates the adoption of advanced AGV solutions across North America.
Logos and trademarks shown above are the property of their respective owners. Their use here is for informational and illustrative purposes only.
MARKET SEGMENTS
Source: Secondary Research, Interviews with Experts, MarketsandMarkets Analysis
North America Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) Market, By Industry
Logistics/3PL is expected to grow at the highest CAGR in the North American automated guided vehicle (AGV) market, driven by rising e-commerce volumes, persistent labor shortages, and the need for flexible, scalable material transport across multi-client distribution centers. Logistics service providers are increasingly deploying AGVs to automate pallet movement, inbound and outbound flows, and cross-docking operations, enabling higher throughput, improved service-level compliance, and more predictable operating costs.
North America Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) Market, By Type
Tow vehicles are expected to hold a significant share of the North American automated guided vehicle (AGV) market, supported by their cost-effective operation, high towing capacity, and suitability for repetitive, high-volume material movement. These vehicles are widely used for line-side supply, pallet train transport, and work-in-process movement across automotive, food & beverage, and general manufacturing facilities. Their ability to operate on fixed routes with predictable workflows, along with low maintenance requirements and easy integration with existing plant layouts, continues to drive strong adoption across large-scale industrial and logistics environments.
North America Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) Market, By Payload Capacity
Medium-duty automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are expected to hold a significant share of the North America AGV market, driven by their balanced load capacity, operational flexibility, and broad suitability across warehouse, manufacturing, and logistics applications. These AGVs support pallet handling, line-side delivery, and internal transport tasks, offering a practical balance between throughput capability and cost efficiency for large-scale automation deployments.
REGION
US to be fastest-growing country in North America automated guided vehicle (AGV) Market during forecast period
By country, the US is expected to be the fastest-growing market in North America's automated guided vehicle (AGV) market, driven by strong investments in warehouse automation, expansion of e-commerce fulfillment networks, manufacturing reshoring initiatives, and sustained demand for efficient, labor-independent material-handling solutions.
NORTH AMERICA AUTOMATED GUIDED VEHICLE (AGV) MARKET: COMPANY EVALUATION MATRIX
In the North America automated guided vehicle (AGV) market matrix, Daifuku Co., Ltd. (Star) and JBT (Star) are positioned as leading players. Daifuku leads with a broad AGV portfolio, strong system engineering capabilities, and seamless integration with warehouse and manufacturing control platforms, enabling reliable, scalable fleet deployments in high-throughput facilities. JBT strengthens its position with application-focused AGV solutions, particularly in food & beverage and industrial environments, backed by deep controls expertise and proven execution in complex, automation-intensive operations across North America.
Source: Secondary Research, Interviews with Experts, MarketsandMarkets Analysis
KEY MARKET PLAYERS
- Daifuku Co., Ltd. (Japan)
- JBT (US)
- KION GROUP AG (Germany)
- Toyota Industries Corporation (Japan)
- KUKA (Germany)
- SSI SCHAEFER (Germany)
- Scott (New Zealand)
- Hyster-Yale, Inc. (US)
- NEURA Mobile Robots GmbH (Germany)
- MITSUBISHI LOGISNEXT CO.,LTD. (Japan)
MARKET SCOPE
| REPORT METRIC | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Market Size in 2025 (Value) | USD 0.72 Billion |
| Market Forecast in 2032 (Value) | USD 1.28 Billion |
| Growth Rate | CAGR of 8.8% from 2026-2032 |
| Years Considered | 2021-2032 |
| Base Year | 2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2026-2032 |
| Units Considered | Value (USD Million/Billion), Volume (Thousand Units) |
| Report Coverage | Revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends |
| Segments Covered |
|
| Countries Covered | US, Canada, Mexico |
WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU: NORTH AMERICA AUTOMATED GUIDED VEHICLE (AGV) MARKET REPORT CONTENT GUIDE
DELIVERED CUSTOMIZATIONS
We have successfully delivered the following deep-dive customizations:
| CLIENT REQUEST | CUSTOMIZATION DELIVERED | VALUE ADDS |
|---|---|---|
| E-commerce Operator / 3PL Provider |
|
|
| AGV Supplier / System Integrator |
|
|
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
- November 2025 : Dematic expanded its AGV portfolio with the launch of the RTS 120 Reach Truck Series AGV, designed for high-bay, single-selective racking environments. The driverless reach truck handles loads up to 1,200 kg and lifts to heights of up to 10 meters, enabling precise, safe high-bay pallet handling. Engineered for existing warehouse layouts, the RTS 120 integrates with Dematic’s MANAGE+ AGV warehouse control software and supports operations in ambient, chilled, and freezer environments.
- April 2024 : Hyster-Yale, Inc. announced a corporate name change in April 2024, effective May 31, 2024. As part of the restructuring, the operating subsidiary for lift trucks and aftermarket parts was renamed Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc. The change aligns the company’s naming structure with its operating model, reinforcing lift trucks as the core business while allowing the Bolzoni and Nuvera segments to operate under the Hyster-Yale umbrella with distinct identities. The restructuring improves organizational clarity without affecting the company’s product portfolio, brand strategy, or market focus.
Table of Contents
Exclusive indicates content/data unique to MarketsandMarkets and not available with any competitors.
Methodology
The study involved four major activities in estimating the current size of the automated guided vehicle market. Exhaustive secondary research has been done to collect information on the market, peer market, and parent market. To validate these findings, assumptions, and sizing with industry experts across the value chain through primary research has been the next step. Both top-down and bottom-up approaches have been employed to estimate the complete market size. After that, market breakdown and data triangulation methods have been used to estimate the market size of segments and subsegments. Two sources of information—secondary and primary—have been used to identify and collect information for an extensive technical and commercial study of the automated guided vehicle market.
Secondary Research
Various secondary sources have been referred to in the secondary research process to identify and collect information important for this study. The secondary sources include annual reports, press releases, and investor presentations of companies; white papers; journals and certified publications; and articles from recognized authors, websites, directories, and databases. Secondary research has been conducted to obtain key information about the industry’s supply chain, the market’s value chain, the total pool of key players, market segmentation according to the industry trends (to the bottom-most level), regional markets, and key developments from market- and technology-oriented perspectives. The secondary data has been collected and analyzed to determine the overall market size, further validated by primary research.
Primary Research
Extensive primary research was conducted after gaining knowledge about the current scenario of the automated guided vehicle market through secondary research. Several primary interviews were conducted with experts from the demand and supply sides across four major regions—North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and RoW. This primary data was collected through questionnaires, emails, and telephonic interviews.
Market Size Estimation
Both top-down and bottom-up approaches have been used to estimate and validate the total size of the automated guided vehicle market. These methods have also been used extensively to estimate the size of various subsegments in the market. The following research methodology has been used to estimate the market size:
- Major players in the industry and markets have been identified through extensive secondary research.
- The industry’s value chain and market size (in terms of value) have been determined through primary and secondary research processes.
- All percentage shares, splits, and breakdowns have been determined using secondary sources and verified through primary sources.
Data Triangulation
After arriving at the overall size of the automated guided vehicle market from the market size estimation process explained above, the total market has been split into several segments and subsegments. Data triangulation and market breakdown procedures have been employed, wherever applicable, to complete the overall market engineering process and arrive at the exact statistics for all segments and subsegments of the market. The data has been triangulated by studying various factors and trends from both the demand and supply sides. Along with this, the market size has been validated using both top-down and bottom-up approaches.
Market Definition
The Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) market encompasses the design, manufacturing, and distribution of vehicles that operate autonomously to transport materials and goods within industrial, commercial, and logistics environments. These vehicles include various types such as tow vehicles, unit load carriers, pallet trucks, assembly line vehicles, forklift AGVs, and others, each utilizing advanced technologies like laser navigation, magnetic guidance, and vision-based systems to ensure efficient operation. With the rise of Industry 4.0, increasing adoption of automation across industries, and a growing emphasis on enhancing operational efficiency and workplace safety, the AGV market has become a pivotal component of modern material handling and supply chain management systems.
Key Stakeholders
- AGV manufacturers
- End users
- Government bodies, venture capitalists, and private equity firms
- Manufacturers of sensors, microcontrollers, RFID modems, and related accessories
- Material handling associations
- Professional service/solution providers
- Research institutions and organizations
- Standards organizations and regulatory authorities related to the material handling industry
Report Objectives
- To define, describe, and forecast the automated guided vehicle market, in terms of value, by type, navigation technology, industry, and region.
- To forecast the market size, in terms of value, by region—North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World.
- To provide detailed information regarding the major factors influencing the growth of the market, namely, drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges.
- To strategically analyze micromarkets with respect to individual growth trends, prospects, and contributions to the total market.
- To analyze the probable impact of the recession on the market in the future.
- To study the complete value chain of the automated guided vehicle ecosystem, along with market trends and use cases.
- To analyze opportunities in the market for stakeholders by identifying high-growth segments of the market.
- To strategically profile key players and comprehensively analyze their core competencies2 along with detailing the competitive landscape for market leaders.
- To analyze competitive developments such as product launches, acquisitions, partnerships, and expansions in the automated guided vehicle market.
- To benchmark market players using the company evaluation quadrant, which analyzes players based on various parameters within broad business categories and product strategies.
Available Customizations
With the given market data, MarketsandMarkets offers customizations according to the company’s specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:
Company Information:
- Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to 5)
Need a Tailored Report?
Customize this report to your needs
Get 10% FREE Customization
Customize This ReportPersonalize This Research
- Triangulate with your Own Data
- Get Data as per your Format and Definition
- Gain a Deeper Dive on a Specific Application, Geography, Customer or Competitor
- Any level of Personalization
Let Us Help You
- What are the Known and Unknown Adjacencies Impacting the North America Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) Market
- What will your New Revenue Sources be?
- Who will be your Top Customer; what will make them switch?
- Defend your Market Share or Win Competitors
- Get a Scorecard for Target Partners
Custom Market Research Services
We Will Customise The Research For You, In Case The Report Listed Above Does Not Meet With Your Requirements
Get 10% Free Customisation
Growth opportunities and latent adjacency in North America Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) Market