Food Automation Market Surges Amid AI and Robotics Integration in Food Processing

Food Automation Market Size, Share and Trends 2034

The global food automation market size was reached at USD 13.88 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow steadily from USD 14.92 billion in 2025 to reach nearly USD 28.61 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. Rising population, increasing demand for the processed food and technological advancements such as artificial intelligence and robotics significantly expanding the market.

Key Highlights

• By region, North America dominated the global market with the largest share in 2024. Significant factors thar are propelling the market growth are reduction of labor costs, guaranteeing food safety, and the incorporation of artificial intelligence and machine learning in food automation systems. 
• By region, Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a notable CAGR from 20245 to 2034. The food automation sector in the Asia Pacific is growing significantly due to swift industrialization, urban growth, and increased demand for packaged and processed food products.
• By type, motors and generators segment held the major market share in 2024. The increasing demand for automation in food sector such as manufacturing, processing packaging is boosting the need for high-performance motors and generators.
• By type, motor controls segment is projected to grow at a CAGR in between 2025 and 2034. Motor controls are vital due to their widespread use in numerous stages of food processing.
• By application, meat, poultry and seafood segment contributed the biggest food automation market share in 2024. The increased consumption of meat, poultry and seafood increase the demand for the automation. 
• By application, dairy segment is expanding at a significant CAGR in between 2025 and 2034. With increasing consumer demand for dairy items, expanding the dairy industry and demand automation to make all dairy processing easy and convenient.
• By function, packaging segment dominated the market in 2024. Growing consumer preference and demand for packaged goods is boosting the need for automation in packaging.
• By function, processing segment is expected to grow at a significant CAGR over the projected period. Advancements in food processing technology, an increase in demand for processed foods, and growing research and development in food processing equipment are anticipated to propel the market in the coming years. 

Industry Coverage

Demand for the Processed and Packaged Food Fostering the Market

The automation of the food sector involves managing machinery, and every operation must be sustained by autonomous systems utilizing different technologies that rely on computer software or robotics for increased efficiency. Due to the ongoing rise in the global population and enhanced living conditions, the demand for food has shown an extraordinary growth path. Worldwide food demand might rise by 59-98% by the year 2050. Consequently, the food sector exploring creative solutions to satisfy the increasing demand for food while maintaining quality and safety standards which is rising the market.

Automation technology enhances the intelligence of the production line, allowing the entire manufacturing process to occur without human involvement, which not only minimizes manual operation errors but also stabilizes and refines the production process. Consumer preferences for processed and convenient foods because of rising disposable income, busy lifestyle and urbanization, emphasize the importance of boosting operational efficiency and productivity in food processing and therefore fostering the food automation market. 

• Research from the McKinsey Global Institute highlights the impactful possibilities of automation, projecting it could lead to a 0.8% to 1.4% annual rise in global GDP in the food and beverage sector. (Source: automate)

What are the Key Trends in Food Automation Market?

• The integration of AI technology and robotics into operating equipment within the food processing sector allows companies to implement smart management in areas like food quality control, predictive maintenance of equipment, and optimization of supply chains, significantly enhancing production efficiency while also lowering production costs. 
• The increasing implementation of digitalization strategies will propel the food automation market. Technologies such as the Internet of Things, sophisticated data analysis, cloud computing, and intelligent sensors can sustainably revolutionize food and beverage production facilities. Utilizing them is becoming essential for remaining competitive and addressing the ever-changing preferences of consumers. 
• Labor shortages in the food industry coupled with increasing labor costs are significant factors propelling automation. Automating repetitive tasks such as sorting, packaging, and food preparation reduces the necessity for manual labor. This not only tackles labor shortages but also enhances operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness for food enterprises. 
• The rising occurrences of foodborne illnesses are anticipated to propel the expansion of the food automation market in the future. Foodborne illnesses are infections resulting from different bacteria and parasites found in food, leading to a heightened demand for a more secure and safe food production system. Automation within the food sector can greatly decrease the likelihood of contamination, guaranteeing that food items adhere to rigorous hygiene and safety regulations.
• The fast-food sector is leading in the implementation of automation because of its demand for rapid service and uniform quality. Due to significant customer turnover and the demand for quick production, automation tools such as self-service robotic fryers, kiosks, and automated assembly lines are rising in prevalence.

Market Opportunity 

Rising Investment in Food Automation 

In the constantly evolving technology landscape, vendors need to rapidly adjust and discover ways to transform their operations to meet shifting customer expectations and the increasingly competitive marketplace. Automation within the food sector can assist businesses in safeguarding their brand by maintaining uniformity in product quality and safety, enhancing customer satisfaction, and minimizing the chances of product recalls or other problems that could harm the company's reputation. 

• In February 2025, Mackle Food Company, a Tyrone-based snack provider, announced its plans to invest over £6m in expanding the Dungannon facility, leading to better automation, higher productivity, and the creation of 32 jobs. Gráinne Moody, the food and drink director at Invest NI mentioned that “investing in automation and digital processes offers a significant chance for enhanced productivity in the agri-food industry.” (Source: siliconrepublic)

Market Challenge 

High Cost of Investment Impeding the Market

The upfront expense of adopting automated solutions is significant. The upfront expense of combining various technologies such as AI, IoT, and RPA can be extremely expensive, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses. Moreover, the intricate nature of these technological implementation implies that businesses could encounter concealed expenses linked to integration, staff training, and continual system upkeep. 

Regional Insights 

North America Dominated the Food Automation Market in 2024. 

Significant factors thar are propelling the market growth are reduction of labor costs, guaranteeing food safety, enhanced production speed, and the incorporation of artificial intelligence and machine learning in food automation systems. Stringent food safety regulations and the increasing demand for personalized food items driving the need of automation in food production. Furthermore, the emerging trend of sustainability, which emphasizes reducing waste and energy consumption, is another prominent factor contributing for market expansion. Rising demand for the packaged and processed food, increasing fast food industry, restaurants, cafes are utilizing the automated kitchen and boosting the food automation. 

Food Automation Market of United States 

United states food automation market experienced robust growth. This market is primarily shaped by the nation's constant need for packaged goods, resulting in improved manufacturing, operational, and distribution methods. Producers are incorporating AI and machine learning into robots, allowing them to carry out intricate tasks like sorting, packaging, and quality assessment with great accuracy. With increasing consumer demand for tailored food products and quicker delivery, robotics is addressing these requirements by enhancing production efficiency and personalization. FDA has finalized various regulations to implement Food Safety Modernization Act, to ensure food safety and quality which is expanding the food automation to comply with safety and quality regulations. 

Asia Pacific Expects the Significant Growth in the Market During the Forecast Period. 

The food automation sector in the Asia Pacific is growing significantly due to swift industrialization, urban growth, and increased demand for packaged and processed food products. By 2030, Asian consumers are anticipated to double their food expenditures, generating a USD$8 trillion market and establishing the largest food and beverage market globally and boosting the food automation market. The growing demand for packaged foods with heightened food safety regulations, and the necessity for more efficient production lines are key factors fueling growth. Nations like China, South Korea, and Japan lead the way, significantly investing in robotics to improve productivity and efficiency in food production and processing. Japan has consistently led in robotics and automation, and their recent $7.8 million funding for AI-driven culinary robots is poised to transform the food service sector.

Food Automation Market of India 

Food automation market of India is evolving swiftly. The food processing sector in India is experiencing a significant transformation with implementation of automation. The drive for greater efficiency, reduced costs, and enhanced productivity has resulted in the extensive use of automation technologies. Moreover, progress in AI and machine learning has also accelerated market growth. Automation and robotics are transforming food and beverage manufacturing by optimizing processes, lowering labor expenses, and guaranteeing product safety. Robotic arms equipped with AI are currently managing intricate tasks like packaging, sorting, and quality assurance. Sophisticated automated surveillance systems monitor environmental conditions instantaneously to preserve product quality. 

Urbanization, in turn, is causing a significant change in consumption patterns, with an increasing demand for convenience food and packaged meals. Various government initiatives and program supporting food manufacturers to integrate automation and helping to boost the market. The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) organized World Food India 2024 in New Delhi. The Technology Pavilion in event showcased innovative developments in food processing, concentrating on automation, food safety, and eco-friendly packaging options. 

• As per the Indian food processing industry report, the market for food processing technology was expected to expand to rs. 2.5 lakh crore (US$ 30 billion) by 2024. Automation and artificial intelligence are progressively being incorporated into processing facilities, with more than 60% of food producers in India anticipated to embrace these technologies by 2025.

Segmental Insights

Type Insights

Motors and Generators Segment Dominated the Food Automation Market with the Largest Share in 2024. 

The increasing demand for automation in food sector such as manufacturing, processing packaging is boosting the need for high-performance motors and generators. Motors utilized in the food automation frequently exhibit specific and rigorous needs in areas like meat, poultry and fish, dairy products, and baked goods, along with uses in devices such as grinders, mixers, and conveyors. Machines must function flawlessly, for extended periods, while maintaining the highest level of energy efficiency during their entire lifespan. Generators and motors are the energetic pair driving the automation revolution. In robotic manufacturing lines, motors convert complex algorithms into accurate motions, facilitating smooth product assembly with little human involvement. Generators ensure a reliable power source for these robots, avoiding interruptions that might disturb the fragile equilibrium of the manufacturing process. 

Motor Controls Segment is Observed to Grow at the Fastest Rate During the Forecast Period. 

Motor controls are vital due to their widespread use in numerous stages of food processing. Motor controls play a crucial role in regulating the speed, torque, and positioning of equipment utilized in food manufacturing. Automation systems utilizing sophisticated motor control technologies allow for accurate handling and processing of food products, essential for preserving product quality and uniformity.

Application Insights

Meat, Poultry, and Seafood Segment Held the Largest Share of the Food Automation Market in 2024. 

The consumption of meat is broadly recognized as a crucial provider of essential nutrition for people globally. In response to the increased demand for meat, around 80 billion animals are slaughtered each year, leading to a substantial rise in the meat processing workload. This rapid expansion drove the meat sector's growing demand for greater productivity and efficiency, leading to a faster rise in the automation market throughout the meat industry. The use of automation in the fish processing sector leads to enhanced efficiency. Manufacturers of seafood processing machinery are diligently creating automated machinery aimed at lowering labor expenses, saving energy, and minimizing health hazards.

Dairy Segment is Seen to Grow at a Notable Rate During the Predicted Timeframe.

With increasing consumer demand for dairy items, boosted by increased population, surged awareness of the health advantages related with dairy expanding the dairy industry and demand automation to make all dairy processing easy and convenient. Automation aids dairy farmers and processors complete consumer demands by smooth running different steps the production process, from milking cows to processing and packaging the final item. Animal welfare and sustainability trend further boosting the dairy automation.

Function Insights

Packaging Segment Led the Food Automation Market in 2024. 

Growing consumer preference and demand for packaged goods is boosting the need for automation in packaging. Automation in food packaging optimizes the packing procedure by employing industrial robots to quickly sort and seal products. Historically, most food processing companies depended on numerous human employees to carry out these duties. Companies can now boost production levels while reducing expenses on labor costs. Packaging firms are transforming their customer base by providing personalized product packaging, leading to a rise in demand for machines with tailored components. Well-known food and drink retail brands such as Domino's, Burger King, and McDonald's are generating demand for comparable personalization, showcasing their skills in distinctive packaging designs which is fostering the demand for automation. 

Processing Segment is Expected to Grow at the Fastest Rate in the Market During the Forecast Period. 

Advancements in food processing technology, an increase in demand for processed foods, and growing research and development in food processing equipment are anticipated to propel the market in the coming years. Automated systems can be created to reduce the likelihood of cross-contamination and guarantee that food is managed and processed securely and hygienically, thus lowering the risk of foodborne diseases. Automating food production enables food processing equipment manufacturers to sustain production standards, reduce waste, and enhance efficiency, thereby freeing time for other aspects of their business.

Recent Developments in the Food Automation Market

Chef Robotics

• Investment: In April 2025, the food automation startup Chef Robotics secured $43 million, with Avataar Ventures spearheading the funding round. Other investors are Construct Capital, Bloomberg Beta, and Promus Ventures. The investment totals $20.6 million in equity and $22.5 million in financing debt for equipment. The debt element will back the company's Robotics-as-a-Service model, allowing clients to leverage their robotic systems without needing upfront capital expenditure. (Source: times of india)

Manter

• Launch: In February 2025, Manter, a specialist in weighing and packaging solutions, broadened its offerings with the introduction of the innovative Punnet Filler. This automated packaging machine is very easy to use and addresses the rising market demand, especially the growing requirement for eco-friendly punnet packaging. (Source: Potato Pro)

Food Automation Market Leading Companies

• ABB 
• Rockwell Automation
• Staubli International AG 
• FANUC Corporation
• Schneider Electric 
• Yaskawa Electric Corporation 
• Siemens AG
• Omron Corporation
• Marel 
• Middleby Corporation 

Segment Covered in the Report

By Type 

• Motors & Generators
• Motor Controls
• Discrete Controllers & Visualization
• Rotary Products
• Linear Products
• Other

By Application

• Dairy
• Bakery
• Confectionery
• Fruit & Vegetable
• Meat, Poultry, and Seafood
• Beverages

By Function

• Processing
• Packaging & Repackaging
• Palletizing
• Sorting & Grading
• Picking & Placing
• Others

By Region 

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Middle East and Africa (MEA)
• Latin America