The Europe cold storage AGV market was valued at USD 7.80 Million in 2025. The industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 46.90% during the forecast period of 2026-2035 to reach a value of USD 365.02 Million by 2035. The market increasingly demands automation solutions that operate reliably in sub-zero environments while addressing labor shortages and safety challenges.
Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) specifically designed for freezer conditions enhance productivity by enabling continuous, 24/7 operations without the occupational health risks faced by human workers. In June 2023, Dematic launched its third-generation freezer-rated AGVs in Australia, featuring advanced sensors, 360° safety scanning, and navigation technology that exceed global safety standards. These vehicles are capable of performing high-reach and counterbalance tasks at temperatures down to –25°C, significantly reducing manual handling risks such as hypothermia, frostbite, and fatigue.
By aligning with international standards like ISO 3691-4, Dematic demonstrates a commitment to both operational excellence and regulatory compliance. Such advancements underscore how leading suppliers are innovating AGV solutions to support cold chain efficiency, minimize workforce exposure to hazardous conditions, and enhance throughput in temperature-controlled warehouses, setting benchmarks for European cold storage operators seeking high-performance automation.
Base Year
Historical Period
Forecast Period
Compound Annual Growth Rate
46.9%
Value in USD Million
2026-2035
*this image is indicative*
The European cold storage market has observed a shift in reliance on automated guided vehicles. This trend aims to improve throughputs even in low-temperature conditions. The top robot integrators are expanding their vehicle capacities and their use of functions to keep up with increased material flow. In September 2025, EK Robotics has also expanded its AGV solution at Niederrhein-Gold brewery in Moers, Germany. This upgrade has involved custom-built vehicles designed specifically to support more filling lines and storage zones. This clearly supports continuous three-shift operation.
Continuous joint endeavors between suppliers of automation solutions and companies using them to improve confidence in AGVs regarding cold storage logistics. It was September 2024 when ek robotics and Arla Foods celebrated 11 years of fruitful collaboration at the automated cold storage of its dairy company in the UK, where 90 special robots have accomplished millions of transport tasks, thereby ensuring improved reliability of material flow. Such fruitful collaboration pushes other companies in Europe to strategically utilize AGVs.
Regional collaborations between AGV suppliers and local distributors help to promote the acceptance of automated systems. To promote market penetration in Central Europe, MTS spol. s r.o. was appointed as the distribution partner for AGVs from K.Hartwall for Slovakia in October 2025. The move aims to make A-MATE AGVs from K.Hartwall more accessible to industries and cold storage facilities. Collaborations between suppliers and distributors help to overcome obstacles for mid-sized companies to implement AGVs.
Trade shows and industry events provide significant platforms and channels for AGV suppliers and manufacturers where they exhibit their innovations and hold direct discussion forums with key decision-makers of cold storage facilities. The purpose of such initiatives is to enhance visibility and establish relevance between AGVs and cold storage facilities. In January 2025, Swisslog announced that they are participating in ProMat 2025 to exhibit their cold storage and omnichannel automation solutions.
Leading players in the automation industry are restructuring their organizations with a focus on warehouse automation and time-to-market with overall solutions that incorporate AGVs. These moves help in quick decision-making, customer alignment with a regional perspective, and overall solution portfolios based on hardware, software, and services. Toyota Industries Corporation had announced restructuring plans for its warehouse automation businesses in Europe and the US in November 2025 to launch a new “Toyota Automated Logistics” brand to emphasize their strategic emphasis on intralogistics automation.
The EMR’s report titled “Europe Cold Storage AGV Market Report and Forecast 2026-2035” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:
Market Breakup by Type
Key Insight: Europe's cold storage AGV market includes Reach Truck AGVs and Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) AGVs designed for specific warehouse layouts. Reach Truck AGVs like Mitsubishi Logisnext's ACT are designed for heavy lifting in high bay and deep rack warehouses to enhance handling efficiency and throughput. VNA AGVs are designed for narrow aisles to allow for optimized space usage and lower travel paths. VNA AGVs from companies like Jungheinrich, Toyota, and Mitsubishi Logisnext are catering to varying needs and improving safety and laser guidance solutions to meet specific application demands. ACT has received an iF DESIGN AWARD for its flexibility and ease of usage in confined aisles.
Market Breakup by Temperature Range
Key Insight: The application of cold storage AGVs in Europe is found to be across various temperatures, such as 0°C to -18°C, -18°C to -25°C, and below -25°C. AGV providers such as Epson, Swisslog, and Mitsubishi Logisnext use temperature-resilient components and high-end navigation systems based on the segments they serve. For instance, Swisslog unveiled the automated logistics of deep-freeze storage at the Cold Chain Live! 2024 exhibition, focusing on the storage requirements of frozen food warehouses.
Market Breakup by Application
Key Insight: Application segments comprise Food and Beverages, Pharmaceutical, E Commerce, and Other (specialty cold logistics). The food and beverage industry propels the use of AGVs to address seasonal peaks in demand and eliminate risks of human intervention in inventory movement. The pharmaceutical industry demands strict temperature control and traceability, which is being addressed through partnerships for real-time temperature control. Online e-commerce cold storage facilities use hybrid installations involving AGVs and conveyor systems to enable quick pickup. The other segments, including chemical and cold storage for industry, use AGVs for safety and consistency in inventory movement. Companies such as Swisslog, Dematic, and Mitsubishi Logisnext are improving their modular and intelligent solutions to enable different applications.
Market Breakup by Country
Key Insight: The European AGV cold storage market research report covers the EU countries Italy, Germany, France, Netherlands, UK, and Others. The Germany market is growing due to the demand for advanced pharmaceutical and logistics automation. The French retail and food sector accelerates the use of AGV in cold storage. The UK market gets stimulated by the strong automation infrastructure and conferences such as the Cold Chain Live! where Swisslog introduced frozen logistics automation. Italy and Netherlands are major distribution centers using flexible AGV systems. The Other countries in Europe include Spain and Scandinavia. These are increasingly adopting AGV in the cold chain.
Based on type, Reach Truck AGVs hold a large market share
The Reach Truck AGVs solution is emerging with growing relevance within the European cold storage industry, particularly with high bay warehouse facilities undergoing modernization among their operators. Automated reach trucks minimize vertical pallet movements and improve the functionality of cold zones with decreased use of human labor, while increased safety benefits continue with improved high bay functionalities. Vendors continue to diversify their solution portfolios with modular-based, automated reach truck solutions to meet varied warehouse configurations with faster delivery times. In November 2025, Dematic introduced their new RTS 120 Reach Truck AGV with high bay racking functionality, equipped with laser-based precision navigation to handle 1,200 kg capacity.
Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) AGVs assist European cold storage warehouses increase storage space utilization and enhance productivity by transporting materials in very narrow aisles, reducing manual intervention in low-temperature environments. These autonomous carriers use sophisticated navigation and safety scanners to move safely within close-proximity racking environments. The integration of warehouse management systems enables efficient and uninterrupted operations in chilled and frozen environments. At ProMat 2025 in March 2025, Scott Technology launched its NexBot modular AGV with various tools and modules available to facilitate automation of all VNA operations, from traditional balance forks to tugger modules.
By temperature range, the 0°C to –18°C category sees significant adoption
In the 0°C to –18°C chilled range, an increasing number of applications involving the use of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) can be seen for the distribution of foodstuffs, cold chain retailing, and the handling of pharmaceuticals. Chilled range AGVs require high levels of navigation capabilities and thermal requirements that ensure the functionality and functionality of the system with less maintenance. Utilization of chilled range AGVs diminishes labor intensity, improving safety and efficiency. One such advancement is observed with the use of the freezer rated version of Dematic's automated guided vehicles for high reach automated operations that function for extended periods even below –25°C.
–18° to –25° represents deep freeze storage environments where particular attention in terms of higher insulations, low temperature batteries, and accurate sensors in AGVs enable seamless operations. This temperature zone is most sensitive with regard to frozen meals in addition to biologic storage chains. Deep freeze temperature zone-agile AGVs enable seamless pallet movement, thus less human exposure to deep freeze temperatures. Technological advancement occupies headlines in modular launches such as NexBot designed by Scott Technology for various warehouse operations.
By application, Food and Beverages Industry Exhibits Strong Growth
In the Food & Beverage application area, the role of AGVs has become vital for efficiency improvement, compliance, and enhanced throughput of chilled and frozen supply chains. Cold storage facilities have started adopting automated solutions for meeting requirements of safety standards, especially against a backdrop of rising labor costs in chilled storage facilities. AGVs help automate pallet handling operations through seamless interfaces with warehouse management systems, allowing for constant operating cycles. AGV implementation by Dematic of its latest freezer-rated high reach AGV solutions for a meat processing plant brings forth the efficacy of sophisticated AGVs for greater productivity in chilled supply chains.
The cold storage of pharmaceuticals calls for accuracy, traceability, and regulatory control. The traceable and precise cold chain solutions offered by Swisslog with Pharma AGVs and AutoStore(R) Solutions, and Daifuku with unit load AGVs and controlled environment AMRs from Daifuku, and Dematic's temperature-regulated warehouses are ideal for transporting sensitive items. When coupled with real-time locationing, their reliability and potential for regulatory audit and traceability improve. The temperature-regulated AGV solutions offered by Swisslog for pharmaceutical warehouses perform well regarding cold chain management and regulatory control and exhibit integrity of data.
By Country, Italy displays strong performance
The cold storage industry in Italy is experiencing a rise in the adoption of automatic solutions because of the increasing demand in the food service and hospitality industries. AGVs and stacker cranes achieve efficient usage of storage capacity, increased processing, and also ensure safe working conditions in cold storage warehouses. To meet the requirements, Globalpesca, in collaboration with Dematic, initiated a partnership in January 2024 to set up a 1,400 m² low-temperature storage facility with RapidStore® UL1200 stacker cranes, BK25 pallet conveyors, and Ergopal picking stations, increasing the reliability of the product and improving ergonomics, catering to future growth capacity.
Although global coverage remains limited by its infancy and industry polarization and acceptance factors, cold storage automation by AGV technology has been predominantly exemplified by Europe and North America. In Europe, cold storage automation by AGV technology is most prominently represented by Germany due to its superior logistics infrastructure and industry adoption of Industry 4.0. Automation increases efficiency and traces and maintains temperature integrity. Players with solutions that range from RapidStore freezer AGVs to AutoStore systems and Pharma AGVs and unit load AGVs for cold storage apply industry focus and solutions for cold storage. Recent installation successes of Swisslog AutoStore Systems within German cold storage facilities promote cold storage automation and strategic alignment within Europe.
Factors like product diversification, integrated systems, and operating conditions in sub-zero environments are being focused upon by players operating in the Europe Cold Storage AGV Market. They are developing components designed for operating in cold conditions, battery solutions for energy efficiency, and software solutions for the warehouse management system, enabling smooth material flow in cold storage facilities.
Paralleling these innovations is a focus on collaborations and geographical growth by key players to promote greater integration within the region. Partnerships in the food, pharma, and logistics industries enable suppliers to implement AGV solutions to specific requirements, while expansions of facilities help to increase AGV deployments. These measures are gradually integrating AGVs into a fundamental automation tier amidst the cold chain systems development in Europe.
JBT Marel Corporation is a global company offering automation and technology solutions related to the food processing and intralogistics sector. They provide material handling and automated solutions. JBT Marel Corporation was formed after the merger of JBT and Marel, and its head office is based in Chicago, USA. They have operations in Europe, the Americas, and Asia.
Dematic Group Ltd. is a prominent provider of automated warehouse solutions, intralogistics, and supply chain solutions for the cold storage, retail, and manufacturing industries. This company traces its origin back to 1819 and has its corporate base in Atlanta, United States of America. It has a robust operational background in European countries.
Anhui Yufeng Int. Tech Co., Ltd. is an automated equipment producer with expertise in AGVs, conveyors, and intelligence warehousing. The company was incorporated in 2005 with its registered office located in Anhui, PRC. The company is gradually extending its operations globally.
E80 Group Spa: E80 Group Spa is an industry automation firm that concentrates on AGV-based intralogistics and smart factory solutions with an emphasis on the food and beverage and consumer products sectors. It was founded back in 1992 with its headquarters based in Viano, Italy.
*Please note that this is only a partial list; the complete list of key players is available in the full report. Additionally, the list of key players can be customized to better suit your needs.*
Other players in the market are Multiway Robotics Co., Ltd. among Others.
Explore the latest trends shaping the Europe Cold Storage AGV Market 2026-2035 with our in-depth report. Gain strategic insights, future forecasts, and key market developments that can help you stay competitive. Download a free sample report or contact our team for customized consultation on Europe cold storage AGV market trends 2026.
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*While we strive to always give you current and accurate information, the numbers depicted on the website are indicative and may differ from the actual numbers in the main report. At Expert Market Research, we aim to bring you the latest insights and trends in the market. Using our analyses and forecasts, stakeholders can understand the market dynamics, navigate challenges, and capitalize on opportunities to make data-driven strategic decisions.*
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In 2025, the Europe cold storage AGV market reached an approximate value of USD 7.80 Million.
The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 46.90% between 2026 and 2035.
The key players in the market include JBT Marel Corporation, Dematic Group Ltd., Anhui Yufeng Int. Tech Co., Ltd., E80 Group Spa, Multiway Robotics Co., Ltd., among others
Key strategies driving the market include automation adoption, investment in freezer-rated and modular AGVs, technology innovation, strategic partnerships, and expansion into high-demand regional cold storage facilities.
Major challenges that the Europe cold storage AGV market faces include high upfront costs, complex integration with existing warehouse systems, labor skill gaps, regulatory compliance in cold chains, and maintenance in extreme temperature conditions.
Explore our key highlights of the report and gain a concise overview of key findings, trends, and actionable insights that will empower your strategic decisions.
| REPORT FEATURES | DETAILS |
| Base Year | 2025 |
| Historical Period | 2019-2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2026-2035 |
| Scope of the Report |
Historical and Forecast Trends, Industry Drivers and Constraints, Historical and Forecast Market Analysis by Segment:
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| Breakup by Type |
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| Breakup by Temperature Range |
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| Breakup by Application |
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| Breakup by Region |
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| Market Dynamics |
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| Competitive Landscape |
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| Companies Covered |
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