Labor shortages drive robotics growth in warehouses, new study finds
A recent study by Peerless Research Group shows that labor shortages and rising labor costs remain the top reasons companies adopt robotics in warehouses and distribution centers.
The January 2025 survey, conducted for Logistics Management, Modern Materials Handling, and Supply Chain Management Review, gathered responses from 217 professionals directly involved with robotic automation. The results provide a snapshot of the industry’s current state and future prospects.
Key findings
Top drivers of robotics adoption:
- 55% cited labor availability constraints as the #1 motivator
- 42% cited labor costs
- Additional motivators include improving worker productivity and reducing physical strain
Top robotics use cases today:
- Picking (33%)
- Truck loading/unloading (33%)
- Packing (29%)
- Sorting (25%)
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