Automated Retail Trends and Forecast
The future of the global automated retail market looks promising with opportunities in the airport, railway station, commercial street/building, and school markets. The global automated retail market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 9.1% from 2024 to 2030. The major drivers for this market are the rising consumer preference for convenient and flexible shopping options and the growing demand for self-service options in various industries, such as banking, healthcare, and entertainment.
• Lucintel forecasts that, within the type category, CAD is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period.
• Within the application category, the airport is expected to witness the highest growth.
• In terms of regions, North America is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period.
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Emerging Trends in the Automated Retail Market
Emerging trends in the automated retail market reflect technological advancements, changing consumer behaviors, and the drive toward operational efficiency.
• AI and Machine Learning Integration: Increased use of artificial intelligence and machine learning for personalized customer experiences, predictive analytics, and inventory management.
• Contactless Transactions: Growing adoption of contactless payment systems and cashier-less checkouts to enhance convenience and hygiene.
• Smart Vending Machines: Development of smart vending machines equipped with sensors, IoT, and AI to offer real-time inventory management and personalized recommendations.
• Robotic Automation: Integration of robotics for automated stocking, shelf scanning, and customer service to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs.
• Sustainability Focus: Emphasis on eco-friendly technologies and practices, such as energy-efficient vending machines and sustainable packaging solutions.
• Urban Deployment: Expansion of automated retail solutions in urban areas with high foot traffic, including shopping malls, airports, and public transit stations.
• Digital Payment Integration: Increased use of digital and mobile payment systems to streamline transactions and enhance the customer experience.
Emerging trends in the automated retail market highlight the impact of technology on enhancing convenience, efficiency, and sustainability in retail operations.
Recent Developments in the Automated Retail Market
Technological innovation and rising consumer demand are rapidly changing the automated retail market. As automation is adopted in more areas of retail, it is expected that operational productivity, customer engagement, and self-service will simultaneously increase. The growing cost of labor accelerates this change, as well as the need for rapid service and the demand for efficient shopping. The developments described below demonstrate how active this sector is and how it might alter retail economics.
• The Emergence of Smart Carts: Carts with built-in sensors and cameras that can self-scan and check out are now being widely used. These smart carts can identify and scan the products selected, give a total, and accept payment without cash, all leading to shorter check-out queues. This technology is beneficial for shoppers and provides retailers with useful information about which products are most often bought together, enhancing marketing effectiveness.
• Development of Robotic Process Automation: A wide range of robotic machines are now being used for different processes in retail, including but not limited to stock counting and client servicing. Robots can be programmed to travel down the aisles, monitor merchandise, and help clients select items. This saves labor costs, increases employee productivity, and enhances certain operations by reducing the need for human intervention.
• Increase in Self-Service Billing Kiosks: Self-service billing kiosks are on the rise due to their efficiency in the checkout process. Customers can scan their items themselves using these systems, which considerably decreases queue times. Over-the-counter self-service billing kiosks are also emerging and use machine learning to eliminate theft.
• Implementation of Artificial Intelligence for Custom Marketing: Smart retail is harnessing the power of AI to tailor services for clients. Smart bots can suggest products, respond to queries, and even offer customized deals. Such marketing strategies improve customer retention and enhance sales figures.
• Automating Operations at Micro-Fulfillment Centers: Stores are beginning to automate micro-fulfillment centers for better online order fulfillment, as they are generally located within or near retail shops. Robots and automated retrieval systems are performing picking, packing, and shipping functions in these centers. This enhances delivery speed and increases customer satisfaction.
All of these trends are improving the retail industry by automating processes, enhancing operational productivity, and elevating customer experiences. With the progression of technology, automation is likely to be observed at every stage of retail, including inventory control and management, supply chain management, marketing, and customer care services.
Strategic Growth Opportunities for Automated Retail Market
The automated retail market, a new growth frontier, is being fueled by technological breakthroughs and changes in consumer behavior. Retailers are increasingly adopting automation to improve operational efficiency, enhance the overall customer experience, and increase market share. Some major driving factors include the increasing cost of labor, the need for quick service delivery, and the growing demand for convenient shopping. Each area identified below serves as a guide to the vast potential within the growing complexity and opportunities in this industry.
• Checkout Technology in Grocery Stores: Grocery stores are prime candidates for automated checkout implementations. The use of smart carts, self-checkout terminals, and cashier-free checkout systems can greatly enhance the shopping experience by significantly lowering wait times and increasing efficiency. Implementing these technologies can be especially beneficial in hypermarkets, increasing sales per hour for labor and customer satisfaction while simultaneously saving on wage expenses.
• Managing Inventory with Robots in Warehousing: Distribution and warehouse centers offer ample opportunities for robotic processes to be implemented. Simple tasks such as picking, packing, or shuffling items can be greatly automated, leading to better productivity and lower costs. This is particularly important for eCommerce order fulfillment, where speed and accuracy are essential. Another advantage of automated inventory control is the real-time information about stock levels, which improves supply chain management.
• AI-Powered Digital Signage: AI, combined with data, can deliver personalized offerings through digital signage. Digital displays use AI to analyze a customerÄX%$%Xs demographics and buying behavior, resulting in offers that are more relevant to the customer. This leads to higher sales as suggestions are accurately placed during the decision-making process.
• Restaurant Self-Ordering Kiosks: Restaurants that offer fast service, also known as QSRs (Quick Service Restaurants), can take advantage of self-ordering kiosks. These kiosks speed up the ordering and payment processes by allowing customers to select their meals without waiting in line. By using the kiosk, customers can personalize their orders, and staff can devote their attention to cooking and serving food. This increases speed and control for the customer, decreases reliance on staff, and improves overall efficiency.
• Drones and Robots for Last Mile Delivery: E-commerce incurs many expenses, and last-mile delivery is one of them. Using robots and drones for delivery can reduce both costs and time. Although this technology is still in its early stages, there is tremendous room for development. It will completely change the delivery landscape in metropolitan areas.
The changes created by these growth opportunities are continuously transforming innovation across applications in the automated retail market. As technology develops and consumersÄX%$%X needs change, further automation is expected across all retail sectors, from front-end services to back-end logistics. These shifts will facilitate more effective and personalized shopping experiences.
Automated Retail Market Driver and Challenges
The automated retail market is influenced by various drivers and challenges that impact its growth and development.
The factors responsible for driving the automated retail market include:
• Technological Advancements: Rapid innovation in AI, robotics, and IoT is driving the development of advanced automated retail solutions.
• Consumer Demand for Convenience: Increasing preference for convenient and efficient shopping experiences is boosting the adoption of automated retail systems.
• Cost Reduction: The ability to reduce operational costs and labor expenses through automation enhances profitability for retailers.
• Contactless Transactions: The growing need for hygienic and contactless payment solutions is driving the implementation of automated checkout systems.
• Urbanization and High Foot Traffic: Expansion of automated retail solutions in urban areas with high consumer traffic, such as shopping malls and airports.
Challenges in the automated retail market include:
• High Initial Costs: Significant investment is required for advanced technology and infrastructure, which can be a barrier for smaller retailers.
• Regulatory Compliance: Navigating complex regulations and standards related to automated retail systems and data privacy.
• Technology Integration: Challenges are associated with integrating new technologies into existing retail operations and ensuring compatibility.
• Maintenance and Support: Ongoing maintenance and technical support are required to ensure the proper functioning of automated retail systems.
• Consumer Adoption: Resistance to new technology and changes in shopping behavior can impact the rate of adoption and market penetration.
The automated retail market is driven by technological advancements and consumer demand while facing challenges related to cost, regulation, and technology integration.
List of Automated Retail Companies
Companies in the market compete on the basis of product quality offered. Major players in this market focus on expanding their manufacturing facilities, R&D investments, infrastructural development, and leverage integration opportunities across the value chain. Through these strategies automated retail companies cater increasing demand, ensure competitive effectiveness, develop innovative products & technologies, reduce production costs, and expand their customer base. Some of the automated retail companies profiled in this report include-
• Toshiba
• Pricer
• Leviton Technologies
• Data Logic
• First Data
• Fujitsu
• Sanmina
Automated Retail by Segment
The study includes a forecast for the global automated retail market by type, application, and region.
Automated Retail Market by Type [Analysis by Value from 2018 to 2030]:
• CAD (Computer Aided Designing)
• NCD (Numerically Controlled Devices)
• Robot
• Information Technology
Automated Retail Market by Application [Analysis by Value from 2018 to 2030]:
• Airport
• Railway Station
• Commercial Street/Building
• School
• Others
Automated Retail Market by Region [Analysis by Value from 2018 to 2030]:
• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• The Rest of the World
Country Wise Outlook for the Automated Retail Market
Major players in the market are expanding their operations and forming strategic partnerships to strengthen their positions. The below content highlights recent developments by major automated retail players in key regions: the USA, Germany, China, India, and Japan.
• USA: In the USA, the automated retail market has seen significant advancements with the proliferation of self-service kiosks and automated vending machines. Major retailers are integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance customer experience and streamline operations. Recent developments include the deployment of cashier-less stores using sensor and computer vision technologies, exemplified by Amazon Go. Additionally, there is a growing trend towards personalized vending machines that offer tailored product recommendations based on customer preferences and purchasing history. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of contactless retail solutions, further boosting the automated retail sector.
• Germany: Germany is at the forefront of innovation in the automated retail market, with an emphasis on integrating smart technologies into retail solutions. Recent developments include the introduction of advanced automated checkout systems and smart vending machines that offer a range of products, from snacks to electronics. German retailers are leveraging technologies such as RFID and IoT to improve inventory management and reduce operational costs. There is also a strong focus on sustainability, with many automated retail solutions incorporating eco-friendly practices and energy-efficient technologies. Additionally, Germany is seeing an increase in the deployment of automated retail solutions in urban areas, driven by high consumer demand for convenience and efficiency.
• China: In China, the automated retail market is rapidly expanding, driven by high consumer demand for convenience and technological innovation. Recent developments include the widespread adoption of automated vending machines and self-service kiosks in high-traffic locations such as shopping malls and airports. Chinese companies are pioneering advancements in automated retail technology, including facial recognition payment systems and smart vending machines that use AI to manage inventory and offer personalized product recommendations. The Chinese government support for digital transformation and smart city initiatives is further accelerating the growth of the automated retail market, making it one of the fastest-growing regions globally.
• India: IndiaÄX%$%Xs automated retail market is evolving with increased adoption of self-service kiosks and automated vending machines. Recent developments include the introduction of automated solutions in various sectors, such as food and beverages, healthcare, and retail. Indian startups and technology companies are driving innovation by developing cost-effective automated retail solutions tailored to local market needs. There is also a growing emphasis on integrating digital payment systems and contactless transactions to enhance the customer experience. The Indian government push towards digitalization and smart cities is expected to further accelerate the growth of the automated retail market in the coming years.
• Japan: Japan is a leader in the automated retail market, known for its advanced technology and innovation. Recent developments include the deployment of sophisticated automated vending machines that offer a wide range of products, from fresh food to electronics. Japanese retailers are integrating robotics and AI into their automated solutions to improve efficiency and customer service. The market is also witnessing the growth of cashier-less stores and smart kiosks that utilize advanced technologies for seamless transactions. JapanÄX%$%Xs high-tech infrastructure and consumer willingness to embrace new technologies are driving the expansion of automated retail solutions across the country.
Features of the Global Automated Retail Market
Market Size Estimates: Automated retail market size estimation in terms of value ($B).
Trend and Forecast Analysis: Market trends (2018 to 2023) and forecast (2024 to 2030) by various segments and regions.
Segmentation Analysis: Automated retail market size by type, application, and region in terms of value ($B).
Regional Analysis: Automated retail market breakdown by North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World.
Growth Opportunities: Analysis of growth opportunities in different types, applications, and regions for the automated retail market.
Strategic Analysis: This includes M&A, new product development, and competitive landscape of the automated retail market.
Analysis of competitive intensity of the industry based on Porter’s Five Forces model.
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FAQ
Q1. What is the growth forecast for automated retail market?
Answer: The global automated retail market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 9.1% from 2024 to 2030.
Q2. What are the major drivers influencing the growth of the automated retail market?
Answer: The major drivers for this market are rising consumer preference for convenient and flexible shopping options and growing demand for self-service options in various industries, such as banking, healthcare, and entertainment.
Q3. What are the major segments for automated retail market?
Answer: The future of the automated retail market looks promising with opportunities in the airport, railway station, commercial street/building, and school markets.
Q4. Who are the key automated retail market companies?
Answer: Some of the key automated retail companies are as follows:
• Toshiba
• Pricer
• Leviton Technologies
• Data Logic
• First Data
• Fujitsu
• Sanmina
Q5. Which automated retail market segment will be the largest in future?
Answer: Lucintel forecasts that CAD is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period.
Q6. In automated retail market, which region is expected to be the largest in next 5 years?
Answer: In terms of regions, North America is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period.
Q.7 Do we receive customization in this report?
Answer: Yes, Lucintel provides 10% customization without any additional cost.
This report answers following 11 key questions:
Q.1. What are some of the most promising, high-growth opportunities for the automated retail market by type (CAD (computer aided designing), NCD (numerically controlled devices), robot, and information technology), application (airport, railway station, commercial street/building, school, and others), and region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World)?
Q.2. Which segments will grow at a faster pace and why?
Q.3. Which region will grow at a faster pace and why?
Q.4. What are the key factors affecting market dynamics? What are the key challenges and business risks in this market?
Q.5. What are the business risks and competitive threats in this market?
Q.6. What are the emerging trends in this market and the reasons behind them?
Q.7. What are some of the changing demands of customers in the market?
Q.8. What are the new developments in the market? Which companies are leading these developments?
Q.9. Who are the major players in this market? What strategic initiatives are key players pursuing for business growth?
Q.10. What are some of the competing products in this market and how big of a threat do they pose for loss of market share by material or product substitution?
Q.11. What M&A activity has occurred in the last 5 years and what has its impact been on the industry?