EP Featured in the STIQ AGV & AMR Robotics Report 2025
We are thrilled to share that our insights and expertise have been featured in this year’s STIQ 2025 AGV & AMR Robotics Report, a globally recognized publication that serves as a touchstone for innovation and trends in automation.
Published annually, the STIQ report is widely downloaded and shared by industry leaders and end users across the globe. Our inclusion in this report highlights our commitment to continuous innovation in intralogistics and making products that simply work.
2025 feels slower in Europe….but that doesn’t mean the market is weak
The STIQ report this year says a lot of vendors are underwhelmed by 2025 so far. We feel that too. As our VP Automation, Arjan van Zanten put it:
“I’m very disappointed in how the market picked up in the last 6 months. In China the market is booming. Chinese factories and logistics automate by default… In Europe the market is much slower.”
That China–Europe contrast is the story. In China, automation is already a default move. In Europe, customers are interested, but decisions take longer and projects move slower.
The good news? STIQ also sees strong optimism for 2026 because pipelines are full. So the vibe is less “no demand” and more “demand waiting to convert.”
This is also exactly the kind of market where practical, space-saving automation wins. Solutions like our XQE122 1.2T pantograph reach stacker are built for dense stacking in tight warehouses — helping customers cut costs, free up space, and increase flexibility without needing a full greenfield redesign.
Tariffs aren’t a blocker everywhere
Tariffs have been a headache in the world of automation and robotics, but they’re not stopping projects everywhere. From our side:
“There’s no impact from tariffs for us in EMEA.” (via STIQ)
The bigger point: customers aren’t buying (or not buying) AGVs because of tariffs. They’re buying because labor is tight, throughput targets are rising, and internal transport still eats time and money.
That’s where heavy-duty, long-distance automation fits – like our new XPL201, a high-speed transport AGV designed for high-load movement across large sites. When the conversation returns to fundamentals, systems that deliver speed and fast payback are what keep projects moving.
Customers are coming back – and they want simple solutions
One of the most interesting signals in this year’s report is what’s driving smaller projects: often vendors, because customers don’t always know what’s possible yet. We’re seeing that shift fast:
“We’re talking to customers who dismissed us 2yrs ago… Now they come back and say, I think we like a simple solution.” (via STIQ)
That’s a big change in mindset. The market is maturing. Instead of chasing the most advanced solutions with long implementation and project setup times, more customers want solutions that are easy to install, easy to run, and deliver results quickly.
And even though the automotive industry is weaker right now, growth is moving to where adoption is more aggressive:
“Automotive remains horrible… But Eastern Europe is very adoptive in robots… a market with a lot of potential.” (via STIQ)
So while one traditional engine is slowing, other regions and sectors are stepping on the gas and they’re doing it with practical, straightforward automation.
Looking Ahead
We are thrilled to be mentioned in the STIQ 2025 Robotics Report, further reinforcing our position to continuously innovate in the market.
2025 may be uneven, but the market is still moving forward – and 2026 looks set to unlock a lot of today’s pipeline. We expect customers to prioritize simple, fast-ROI automation that works in real brownfield sites, plus more phased rollouts and scalable fleets. The next wave won’t be about flashy automation, it’ll be about practical systems that deliver space savings, throughput, and reliability quickly.
As this report circulates globally, we are excited to see how these solutions inspire progress and drive further innovation in automated intralogistics solutions.
Download the STIQ 2025 Robotics Report here. You can find us on pages on 10, 11, 16, 18 & 61!
Find Out More
At EP, we believe automation should be simple, cost-effective, and tailored to meet the needs of any operation. Our products reflect this philosophy, driven by our dedication to innovate through simplicity.
Are you ready to find out how EP’s Automation Solutions can enhance your warehouse operations? Explore our solutions portfolio and see how we can tailor to your needs.