Automotive Industry Today

Autonomous Crane Market Set to Hit USD 8,669.9 million by 2035 Amid AI and Electrification Boom

The global autonomous crane market is projected to reach USD 8,669.9 million by 2035, driven by rapid adoption of AI and electrification. Growing demand for automation, safety, and efficiency in construction and logistics is fueling this expansion.
Published 22 September 2025

The global Autonomous Crane Market is entering a transformative decade, with projections showing robust growth from USD 3,404.0 million in 2025 to USD 8,669.9 million by 2035, at a CAGR of 9.8%. This surge is being fueled by the rising demand for energy-efficient lifting solutions across industries including marine & offshore, construction, mining, and logistics.

Autonomous cranes, powered by AI, IoT, and electrification, are rapidly becoming essential in addressing modern industrial challenges. Governments and private organizations worldwide are investing heavily in smart infrastructure, renewable energy projects, and port automation, creating fertile ground for both established manufacturers and new entrants to innovate and expand.

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Key Growth Drivers

  1. Marine & Offshore Sector Leads Adoption
  2. With a 32.4% market share in 2025, the marine and offshore industry remains the largest consumer of autonomous cranes. Offshore wind farms in the North Sea and smart port initiatives in Hamburg highlight how AI-powered cranes are revolutionizing heavy lifting in challenging environments.
  3. Below 50-Ton Payload Capacity in High Demand
  4. Cranes with payloads below 50 tons are set to command 30.2% of the market in 2025. Their adaptability to urban construction, metro projects, and compact spaces makes them indispensable, especially in Southeast Asia’s fast-growing metro developments.
  5. Electrification and Hybrid Models on the Rise
  6. With sustainability at the forefront, hybrid and electric cranes are replacing traditional diesel-powered models. European ports like Rotterdam and Hamburg are leading this shift, while India’s metro projects showcase the advantages of hybrid systems in regions with unstable power supply.
  7. AI and IoT Integration Driving Precision
  8. Machine learning and AI-enhanced navigation allow cranes to operate with minimal downtime, optimize energy use, and reduce human risk factors. For instance, AI-enabled tower cranes in Singapore have boosted project completion rates while improving safety standards.

Regional & Country Insights

  • China: Infrastructure growth and the Belt and Road Initiative are boosting demand, with AI-driven cranes already deployed at the Shanghai Yangshan Port.
  • United States: Port automation projects, such as those in Los Angeles, are pioneering large-scale adoption of AI-powered cranes with hybrid models.
  • India: Urban expansion and renewable energy initiatives like the Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Park and Delhi-Meerut RRTS Corridor are driving demand for AI-enabled cranes.
  • Europe: Strict sustainability regulations are accelerating the shift to electric-powered cranes in construction and marine operations.

Emerging Opportunities

  • Asia-Pacific & Africa: Rapid urbanization, smart city projects, and renewable energy investments are creating new opportunities. India’s metro expansion and Indonesia’s capital relocation project exemplify how governments are stimulating demand for advanced crane solutions.
  • Africa: Countries like Egypt are deploying cranes for large-scale renewable energy projects, supported by partnerships with global manufacturers.

Challenges: High Costs for SMEs

While autonomous cranes offer long-term efficiency and sustainability benefits, their high acquisition cost remains a barrier for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Traditional cranes are still preferred in cost-sensitive regions.

However, manufacturers are tackling this challenge through leasing models, modular designs, and rental services. European crane makers, for example, are offering flexible financing options to lower the entry barrier for SMEs.

Competitive Landscape

The market is highly competitive, with Tier-1 players like Liebherr Group, Konecranes, Manitowoc, and Zoomlion holding 55–60% share, while Tier-2 and emerging players such as Palfinger AG and Hiab (Cargotec) account for 40–45%.

  • Liebherr: Pioneering IoT-enabled cranes with real-time monitoring capabilities.
  • Konecranes: Leading in hybrid-powered cranes for ports, aligning with global emission reduction goals.
  • Palfinger AG: In October 2023, partnered with Oplift and Aker BP to deliver five autonomous offshore cranes, a milestone in energy sector automation.
  • ANDRITZ: Launched the world’s first AI-powered logyard crane in May 2023, boasting zero CO2 emissions and low noise levels.

Autonomous Crane Industry Analyzed by Key Investment Segments

By Crane Type:

The segment is further categorized into Static and Mobile.

By Payload Capacity:

The segment is further categorized into Below 50 Tons, 50-200 Tons, and Above 200 Tons.

By Power Source:

The segment is further categorized into Diesel, Electric and Hybrid.

By Sales Channel:

The segment is further categorized into OEM and Aftermarket.

By End User:

The segment is further categorized into Building & Construction, Marine & Offshore, Mining & Excavation, and Other End Users.

By Region:

Regions considered in the study include North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, East Asia, South Asia & Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa.

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