Demand for mobile robots slowed after the COVID-19 pandemic but is returning, according to Interact Analysis. The research firm this week reported that momentum for material transportation automation is accelerating, with capital expenditures or CapEx increasing from 2025.
Companies expect that increase to continue this year, noted Interact Analysis. However, respondents to its “Voice of Market” survey also said that integration complexities are the biggest barrier to adopting more technology.
“While automation CapEx will increase in 2026, priority varies widely between companies, job roles, and industries, as well as by region,” stated Monica Sanchez, senior research lead for Voice of Market at Interact Analysis. “The results from our research show there’s higher importance placed on automation by decision makers, parcel and e-commerce businesses, and larger companies.”
Integration complexity slows material transport adoption
The market study found that 45% of interviewees said that integration complexities, rather than financial constraints, are keeping them from adopting more material transportation automation. This is ahead of high upfront costs (41%) and budget limitations (38%), said Interact Analysis. Respondents also said that lack of capable (35%) and clear vision (25%) are significant challenges.
In addition, the report said that companies are adopting phased rollout strategies. Many companies are starting with processes that need minimal warehouse management system (WMS) integration to simplify deployment, it said.
While there is overall growth in investment among material transportation customers, it differs by region, observed Interact Analysis. Predicted growth in the Americas is much higher in 2026 than in 2025, with 39% of respondents expecting investment to grow by more than 15%.
Similarly, in Europe, the growth rate is 16% to 20%, with 37% of respondents forecasting an expansion of more than 15%.
In contrast, customers in the Asia-Pacific region were less optimistic, with 32% not expecting a change in the value of investments during 2026. Those who foresee growth have predicted the growth rate will be lower than last year.
About the report
Interact Analysis’ Voice of Market is a twice-yearly syndicated quantitative and qualitative study, which delivers insights from decision-makers and influencers who are involved in the use, selection and purchase of automation for their facilities. These insights include market health, sentiment, investment appetite, vendor perception, pain points, and emerging trends.
With more than 200 years of combined experience, Interact Analysis is a market intelligence authority for global supply chain automation. The London-based company claimed that it research covers the entire value chain, from factory automation through inventory storage and distribution channels, to the transportation of the finished goods.