Report: Mobile robots market outpaces fixed automation with 19% annual growth to 2030

A new report from market research firm Interact Analysis found mobile robots remain a high-growth industry in 2026, with an average annual growth rate of 19% forecast from 2024 to 2030.

The market intelligence report predicts mobile robot revenue will climb from just under $5 billion in 2024 to $14 billion in 2030. This follows a downward revision of 12% from its May forecast, as tariff uncertainty disrupted investment.

However, Interact Analysis said that the market is still an attractive one, significantly outpacing a predicted average annual growth rate of 2.4% for fixed automation.

Mobile robots driving revenues

Interact Analysis said its report is focused on material handling applications in manufacturing and logistics environments, which account for the bulk of automated guided vehicle (AGV) and autonomous mobile robot (AMR) revenues.

The results suggest that there is a clear transition taking place from AGVs to AMRs, with AGV revenue expected to drop from around 33% of total mobile robot revenue in 2024 to 20% in 2030.

China’s market leadership is eroding in mobile robots sector

Interact Analysis’ latest “Mobile Robots report” forecasts China’s share of the mobile robots market will fall from 58% in 2024 to 46% in 2030, as other regions see growth accelerate. China drove early adoption of mobile automation, fueled by government support, rapid e-commerce growth and a large manufacturing base.

Other markets are now witnessing strong expansion, while China is anticipated to see domestic demand plateau, according to the report.

Interact Analysis said this will contribute to a fall in China’s mobile robots revenue share from 36% to 27% over the forecast period, due to lower average price per unit.

Order fulfillment robots dominate, but the mobile forklift market is strengthening

Order fulfillment robots are forecast to account for around 50% of shipments by 2030, driven by strong demand in warehouse and e-commerce applications.

“Despite lower shipment share, forklifts - particularly AGV forklifts - generate the highest revenues due to premium pricing,” said Ash Sharma, VP, research, at Interact Analysis. “By 2030, forklifts are projected to deliver roughly 33% of total mobile robot revenue, while contributing only 14% of shipments. This underscores their strategic importance and revenue potential. The forklift segment continues to attract new entrants and innovation, with vendors expanding portfolios to include forklifts as part of integrated mobile automation solutions.”

Meanwhile, Interact Analysis found that mobile forklifts will account for an estimated one-third of total mobile robot revenue, despite a smaller share of overall shipments.