Stratistics MRC에 따르면, 세계의 수직 리프트 모듈 시장은 2025년 19억 2,418만 달러를 차지하고, 예측 기간 동안 CAGR 11.1%로 성장해 2032년까지는 40억 2,017만 달러에 이를 것으로 예측됩니다.
수직 리프트 모듈(VLM)은 수직 공간을 최대한 활용하고 재고 관리를 개선하기 위해 설계된 자동 보관 및 검색 시스템입니다. VLM은 2열 트레이로 구성되며 중앙 인서터 및 엑스트랙터가 자동으로 물품을 꺼내 액세스 포인트로 배송합니다. VLM은 효율성을 높이고 바닥 면적 사용을 줄이고 피킹의 정확성을 향상시키기 위해 보관 및 워크플로 최적화에 중점을 둔 창고, 제조 시설, 배송 센터에 이상적입니다.
인도 경제조업체 2023에 따르면 2024년도에는 6%에서 6.8%의 급성장이 예상됐습니다.
창고 자동화에 대한 수요 증가
수직 리프트 모듈(VLM)은 자재관리를 자동화하고 인적 개입을 줄임으로써 창고 효율성을 높이는 데 도움이 됩니다. 전자상거래의 보급은 보다 신속한 주문 처리를 가능하게 하는 자동 창고 시스템의 필요성을 더욱 향상시키고 있습니다. 또한 자동차 및 헬스케어와 같은 업계는 재고 관리를 간소화하고 공간 활용을 개선하기 위해 VLM에 투자하고 있습니다. AI를 활용한 재고 추적 및 IoT 통합과 같은 기술의 발전으로 VLM은 더욱 스마트하고 효과적입니다. 자동화가 진행됨에 따라 VLM 수요는 다양한 분야에서 크게 증가할 것으로 예측됩니다.
초기투자와 설치비용이 높
기업은 전용 인프라와 소프트웨어에 투자할 필요가 있으며, 특히 소규모 기업에게는 고액이 될 가능성이 있습니다. 또, 기존의 창고 관리 시스템과의 통합은 기술적으로 어렵고, 도입의 지연으로 이어질 수도 있습니다.
직장의 안전성과 인체공학에 대한 관심 증가
VLM은 리프팅, 벤딩 및 스트레칭 반복을 최소화하고 작업자의 신체적 부담을 줄여줍니다. 또한, 인체공학에 근거한 설계는 작업원이 최소한의 노력으로 물품을 꺼내는 것을 가능하게 해 전체적인 효율을 향상시킵니다.
운영자에게 필요한 교육
VLM은 창고 작업을 단순화하지만 최적의 기능과 효율성을 보장하기 위해서는 적절한 교육이 필요합니다. 또한 소프트웨어 업그레이드 및 고급 기능에 대한 최신 정보를 지속적으로 제공하는 것은 시간 소모적입니다.
COVID-19의 영향
팬데믹은 창고 자동화의 동향에 큰 변화를 가져오고, 비접촉형 오퍼레이션을 요구하는 주요 기업의 VLM 도입을 가속화했습니다. 사회적 거리 요구 사항은 더욱 자동화를 촉구했고, 기업은 창고에서의 인적 교류를 최소화해야 했습니다.
예측 기간 동안 냉장 VLM 분야가 최대가 될 전망
냉장 VLM 부문은 온도 제어 스토리지를 요구하는 업계 수요가 증가함에 따라 예측 기간 동안 최대 시장 점유율을 차지할 것으로 예측됩니다. 신선품 보관에 대한 규제가 강화됨에 따라 고급 온도 제어 시스템에 대한 투자가 더욱 촉진되고 있습니다.
예측기간 중 소매 및 E-Commerce 분야의 CAGR이 가장 높아질 전망
예측 기간 동안 소매 및 전자상거래 분야가 가장 높은 성장률을 보일 것으로 예측됩니다. VLM은 소매업체가 재고를 실시간으로 가시화하면서 저장 공간을 극대화하는 데 도움이 됩니다.
예측기간 동안 제조업과 전자상거래 산업이 활황을 보이고 있기 때문에 아시아태평양이 최대 시장 점유율을 차지할 것으로 예측됩니다. 스마트 창고와 디지털 전환을 지원하는 정부의 강력한 이니셔티브는 VLM의 채용을 추진하고 있습니다.
예측 기간 동안 북미는 공급망 최적화에 대한 주목을 받고 있기 때문에 가장 높은 CAGR을 보여줄 것으로 예측됩니다. Amazon과 같은 전자상거래 대기업은 업무를 합리화하고 풀필먼트 속도를 향상시키기 위해 VLM에 많은 투자를 하고 있습니다.
According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Vertical Lift Module Market is accounted for $1924.18 million in 2025 and is expected to reach $4020.17 million by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 11.1% during the forecast period. A Vertical Lift Module (VLM) is an automated storage and retrieval system designed to maximize vertical space and improve inventory management. It consists of two columns of trays with a central inserter/extractor that automatically retrieves and delivers items to an access point. VLMs enhance efficiency, reduce floor space usage, and improve picking accuracy, making them ideal for warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centres focused on optimizing storage and workflow.
According to the Economic Survey 2023, India, the nation will grow at a rapid rate of 6 to 6.8% in FY 2024.
Rising demand for warehouse automation
Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs) help enhance warehouse efficiency by automating material handling and reducing human intervention. The growing adoption of e-commerce is further fuelling the need for automated storage systems to ensure faster order fulfillment. Additionally, industries like automotive and healthcare are investing in VLMs to streamline inventory management and improve space utilization. Technological advancements, such as AI-driven inventory tracking and IoT integration, are making VLMs smarter and more effective. As automation gains traction, the demand for VLMs is expected to rise significantly across various sectors.
High initial investment and installation cost
Businesses need to invest in specialized infrastructure and software, which may be expensive, especially for small enterprises. Additionally, training employees to operate and maintain VLMs requires resources, further adding to operational costs. Some organizations may hesitate to deploy automated storage solutions due to budget constraints or uncertain return on investment. Integration with existing warehouse management systems can also be technically challenging, leading to implementation delays. While long-term benefits are promising, overcoming these financial hurdles remains a significant barrier to widespread adoption.
Increased focus on workplace safety and ergonomics
VLMs help minimize repetitive lifting, bending, and stretching, reducing physical strain on workers. Automated storage and retrieval systems also enhance accuracy, preventing errors that could lead to workplace accidents. With strict regulatory standards and safety guidelines, businesses are investing in solutions like VLMs to create safer work environments. Additionally, ergonomic designs improve overall efficiency by allowing workers to retrieve items with minimal effort. As workplace safety continues to be a focus, the adoption of VLMs is expected to increase across industries.
Training requirements for operators
While VLMs simplify warehouse operations, proper training is required to ensure optimal functionality and efficiency. Operators need to understand system protocols, troubleshooting techniques, and safety measures for smooth operations. Inadequate training may lead to errors, technical failures, or inefficient material retrieval, affecting overall productivity. Additionally, keeping employees updated on software upgrades and advanced functionalities can be time-consuming. Without proper training, businesses may face operational disruptions, limiting the effectiveness of VLMs.
Covid-19 Impact
The pandemic led to significant shifts in warehouse automation trends, accelerating the adoption of VLMs as companies sought contactless operations. With supply chain disruptions, businesses prioritized efficient inventory management systems to reduce labor dependency. Social distancing requirements further encouraged automation, as companies needed to minimize human interactions in warehouses. While initial disruptions affected installation schedules, the post-pandemic landscape saw an increased demand for automated storage solutions.
The refrigerated VLMs segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The refrigerated VLMs segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period, due to rising demand in industries requiring temperature-controlled storage. Sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and chemicals rely on refrigerated VLMs to maintain product integrity. Increased regulations on perishable goods storage have further driven investments in advanced temperature-controlled systems. Additionally, the growing pharmaceutical industry, particularly in vaccine distribution, requires precise storage solutions, fuelling demand.
The retail and E-commerce segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
Over the forecast period, the retail and E-commerce segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate, due to increased demand for rapid order fulfilment. Online shopping has surged, prompting companies to invest in automated storage solutions to speed up processing and delivery times. VLMs help retailers maximize storage space while maintaining real-time inventory visibility. The need for streamlined logistics and faster warehouse operations has pushed e-commerce firms toward adopting automated storage technologies.
During the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is expected to hold the largest market share due to the booming manufacturing and e-commerce industries. Countries like China, Japan, and India are heavily investing in warehouse automation to improve logistics and supply chain efficiency. Strong government initiatives supporting smart warehouses and digital transformation drive the adoption of VLMs. Additionally, the growing presence of multinational corporations expanding their operations in Asia Pacific has fuelled market growth.
Over the forecast period, the North America region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR, owing to the increasing focus on supply chain optimization. The U.S. and Canada are witnessing rapid advancements in warehouse automation, with businesses emphasizing improved efficiency and productivity. E-commerce giants like Amazon are investing heavily in VLMs to streamline operations and enhance fulfilment speed. Supportive government policies promoting digital transformation and smart manufacturing further boost market growth.
Key players in the market
Some of the key players profiled in the Vertical Lift Module Market include Kardex Group, Hanel Storage Systems, Modula Group, Ferretto SpA, AutoCrib, Inc., Weland Solutions AB, SSI Schaefer, Automha SpA, Lista AG, ICAM S.r.l., Mecalux, SA, Vidir Solutions, Inc., Conveyor Handling Company, Green Automated Solutions, Inc., and Stanley Black & Decker Storage Solutions.
In April 2025, Kardex Remstar announced the launch of its new QuickShip program in the United States. The new program offers standard size Kardex Shuttle Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs) with lead times of just 4 to 6 weeks and zero price increase, despite unprecedented tariffs.
In April 2025, Kinghaven Farms launches Haven Greens. Kinghaven Farms is expanding in the agricultural field with the launch of Haven Greens, a new controlled environment agriculture (CEA) brand focused on year-round, greenhouse-grown fresh, pesticide-free leafy greens.