Global Infrared Sensors Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

• In October 2024, Lynred acquired New Imaging Technologies, a provider of shortwave infrared (SWIR) sensors, enhancing its product range to include high-definition SWIR sensors.

• In April 2023, Quantum Imaging launched its next-generation SWIR camera, the MIRA 02Y-E, designed to meet growing demands in machine vision and defense sectors.

The Global Infrared Sensors Market has been segmented by Mounting, Application, Technology and Geography, by mounting type into two primary categories: surface-mount and through-hole mounting. Surface-mount infrared sensors are increasingly preferred due to their compact size and ease of integration into modern electronic systems. These sensors are typically used in consumer electronics, automotive systems, and medical devices. Through-hole mounted sensors, on the other hand, are more common in industrial applications where robust, high-performance sensors are required. They are typically used in more rugged environments such as manufacturing plants, power plants, and defense sectors, where durability and reliability are essential.

In terms of application, infrared sensors are widely used in industries like automotive, healthcare, consumer electronics, industrial, and defense. In automotive applications, infrared sensors contribute to driver assistance systems, night vision, and collision avoidance technologies, enhancing vehicle safety. In healthcare, infrared sensors are used for non-contact temperature monitoring and diagnostic thermal imaging. Consumer electronics, including smartphones and smart home devices, rely on infrared sensors for motion detection, facial recognition, and energy efficiency features. Industrial applications use infrared sensors for monitoring machinery, detecting gas leaks, and ensuring process control in factories. The defense sector also relies heavily on infrared sensors for surveillance, targeting systems, and missile guidance.

Technologically, infrared sensors are divided into thermal infrared sensors, quantum infrared sensors, and diode infrared sensors. Thermal infrared sensors are widely used for temperature sensing, environmental monitoring, and industrial process control due to their ability to detect infrared radiation emitted from objects. Quantum infrared sensors, such as those based on materials like mercury cadmium telluride, are known for their high sensitivity and precision, making them ideal for military, scientific, and high-end industrial applications. Diode infrared sensors, commonly used in basic motion detection, gas sensing, and communication systems, provide a cost-effective solution for many consumer electronics and industrial applications. Geographically, the infrared sensors market is growing in regions like North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, with significant advancements in technology driving adoption across these markets, particularly in automotive, defense, and industrial sectors.

Global Infrared Sensors Segment Analysis

In this report, the Global Infrared Sensors Market has been segmented by Mounting, Application, Technology and Geography.

Global Infrared Sensors Market, Segmentation by Mounting

The Global Infrared Sensors Market has been segmented by Mounting into Through-Hole and SMT.

The global infrared sensors market is segmented by mounting type into two main categories: Through-Hole and Surface Mount Technology (SMT). Through-Hole mounting is a traditional method where components are inserted into holes drilled in a printed circuit board (PCB) and soldered in place. This mounting type offers strong mechanical support and is commonly used in high-power applications or where the components need to endure harsh environments. Through-Hole infrared sensors are typically found in industrial, automotive, and military applications due to their durability and reliability.

Surface Mount Technology (SMT) is a more modern and compact method where infrared sensors are mounted directly onto the surface of the PCB without the need for drilling holes. SMT offers benefits like smaller size, higher precision, and the ability to fit more components on a single board, making it ideal for consumer electronics, wearable devices, and portable equipment. SMT-mounted infrared sensors are increasingly used in applications that require miniaturization and high-performance capabilities.

Both mounting types have their distinct advantages depending on the specific requirements of the application. While Through-Hole mounting is still preferred for heavy-duty and high-reliability use cases, SMT is gaining popularity in industries where size reduction and faster production times are critical. The growing demand for compact, efficient, and low-cost infrared sensors in sectors such as automotive, healthcare, and consumer electronics continues to drive the adoption of SMT-based solutions.

Global Infrared Sensors Market, Segmentation by Application

The Global Infrared Sensors Market has been segmented by Application into Commercial, Healthcare, Automotive and Others.

The Global Infrared Sensors Market is segmented by application into several key sectors, each with distinct opportunities and applications for infrared sensor technology.

In the Commercial sector, infrared sensors are widely used for various applications such as motion detection, security systems, and industrial automation. They play a crucial role in smart buildings and home automation, enabling automatic lighting control, occupancy sensing, and energy-efficient HVAC systems. Infrared sensors are also employed in retail settings for people counting, visitor flow analysis, and shelf monitoring, enhancing operational efficiency and customer experience. The commercial sector's adoption of infrared sensors is driven by the demand for smart technologies that improve convenience, energy savings, and overall operational efficiency in diverse commercial environments.

The Healthcare sector utilizes infrared sensors for non-contact temperature measurement, patient monitoring, and medical imaging applications. Infrared thermometers and thermal cameras are employed for fever screening, infection control, and diagnosing medical conditions based on thermal patterns. These sensors offer non-invasive and rapid temperature assessment, making them invaluable in healthcare settings for early detection of illnesses and monitoring patient health. The integration of infrared sensors with medical devices and equipment enhances diagnostic capabilities, supports telemedicine applications, and improves healthcare delivery outcomes.

Automotive applications represent another significant segment for infrared sensors, particularly in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and automotive safety technologies. Infrared sensors are employed in vehicles for applications such as collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. They enable vehicles to detect and respond to surrounding objects and road conditions, enhancing driver safety and reducing the risk of accidents. The automotive sector's adoption of infrared sensors is driven by regulatory mandates for vehicle safety, consumer demand for advanced safety features, and advancements in autonomous driving technologies.

Global Infrared Sensors Market, Segmentation by Technology

The Global Infrared Sensors Market has been segmented by Technology into Thermopile, Pyroelectric, Microbolometers, InGaAs and MCT.

The Global Infrared Sensors Market is segmented by technology into several distinct categories, each catering to different applications and performance requirements across various industries.

Thermopile sensors operate based on the principle of detecting changes in temperature through the measurement of infrared radiation. They are widely used in temperature measurement applications, such as non-contact thermometers, industrial process monitoring, and HVAC systems. Thermopile sensors are known for their durability, reliability, and ability to detect a broad range of temperatures, making them suitable for both consumer and industrial applications where precision and consistency are critical.

Pyroelectric sensors utilize pyroelectric materials that generate electric charge in response to temperature changes induced by infrared radiation. These sensors are commonly used in motion detection systems, security alarms, and presence sensing applications. Pyroelectric sensors offer fast response times and high sensitivity to thermal changes, making them ideal for applications requiring motion detection and occupancy sensing in both indoor and outdoor environments.

Microbolometer sensors are a type of thermal sensor that detects infrared radiation by measuring the changes in resistance of tiny thermal detectors known as bolometers. Microbolometers are widely used in thermal imaging cameras for applications such as night vision, surveillance, and industrial inspection. They offer high-resolution thermal imaging capabilities, enabling detection of heat signatures and thermal anomalies in various conditions. Microbolometer technology continues to advance, enhancing image quality, sensitivity, and integration with other imaging systems.

InGaAs (Indium Gallium Arsenide) and MCT (Mercury Cadmium Telluride) sensors are specialized infrared detectors used in applications requiring sensitivity to near-infrared and short-wave infrared (SWIR) wavelengths. InGaAs sensors are commonly used in telecommunications, spectroscopy, and biomedical imaging applications where detection of near-infrared light is crucial. MCT sensors, on the other hand, offer superior sensitivity and performance in SWIR and mid-wave infrared (MWIR) regions, making them suitable for military and defense applications, thermal imaging, and scientific research.

Global Infrared Sensors Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Global Infrared Sensors Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Global Infrared Sensors Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024

The Global Infrared Sensors Market is segmented by geography into several key regions, each contributing uniquely to the market dynamics and adoption of infrared sensor technologies.

North America holds a significant share in the global infrared sensors market, driven by advanced technological infrastructure and widespread adoption across various industries. In the United States and Canada, infrared sensors are extensively used in automotive safety systems, smart home applications, and industrial automation. The region's robust research and development capabilities foster continuous innovation in sensor technology, enhancing their performance, reliability, and integration with emerging technologies such as AI and IoT. Moreover, stringent regulations and safety standards in automotive and healthcare sectors drive the demand for infrared sensors, supporting market growth in North America.

Europe is another prominent region in the global infrared sensors market, characterized by stringent regulatory frameworks and strong emphasis on environmental sustainability. Countries like Germany, the UK, and France lead in the adoption of infrared sensors for automotive applications, including ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) and autonomous driving technologies. In addition to automotive, infrared sensors are deployed in industrial automation for process monitoring and control, as well as in smart building solutions for energy management and security. Europe's focus on reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency further drives the demand for infrared sensors in environmental monitoring and smart city initiatives.

Asia-Pacific emerges as a rapidly growing market for infrared sensors, fueled by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and expanding consumer electronics market. Countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, and India are witnessing increasing investments in manufacturing facilities, infrastructure development, and smart technologies, driving the adoption of infrared sensors across various applications. In the automotive sector, Asia-Pacific leads in vehicle production and adoption of ADAS technologies, thereby boosting the demand for infrared sensors for collision avoidance and driver safety systems. Furthermore, the region's thriving healthcare sector and rising demand for non-contact temperature measurement solutions contribute to the growth of infrared sensors in medical applications.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Infrared Sensors Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.

Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis

Drivers

• Industrial Automation Demand
• Consumer Electronics Integration
• Healthcare Applications Growth

• Technological Advancements: Technological advancements in infrared sensors are driving significant innovations and improvements across various industries, enhancing their capabilities and expanding their applications. One of the key areas of advancement lies in sensor miniaturization and integration with other technologies such as microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). This trend enables the development of smaller, more compact infrared sensors that consume less power while maintaining high sensitivity and accuracy. These miniaturized sensors find extensive use in portable devices, wearable technology, and IoT applications where space constraints and energy efficiency are crucial considerations.

  Overall, continuous technological advancements in infrared sensors are expanding their functionalities, improving performance metrics, and enabling new applications across diverse industries. As research and development efforts continue to push the boundaries of sensor technology, the market for infrared sensors is expected to grow, driven by the demand for enhanced sensing capabilities, IoT proliferation, and the integration of smart technologies in everyday devices and industrial processes.

Restraints

• High Cost Factors
• Calibration Challenges
• Limited Accuracy Levels

• Regulatory Compliance Issues: Regulatory compliance issues present significant challenges for the adoption and deployment of infrared sensors across various industries. These issues typically stem from stringent regulations and standards governing the use of sensor technologies, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, environmental monitoring, and industrial safety.

  In the healthcare sector, infrared sensors used for medical applications must comply with rigorous regulatory requirements to ensure patient safety, accuracy of measurements, and adherence to medical device standards. Regulatory bodies such as the FDA in the United States and the CE marking requirements in Europe impose strict guidelines on the design, manufacturing, and performance of medical infrared sensors. Compliance with these regulations involves extensive testing, validation, and certification processes to demonstrate product efficacy, reliability, and conformance to regulatory standards.

  Addressing regulatory compliance issues requires collaboration between sensor manufacturers, regulatory authorities, and end-users to navigate complex legal frameworks, ensure product compliance, and mitigate risks associated with non-compliance. Continuous monitoring of regulatory updates and advancements in sensor technology helps stakeholders stay informed and proactive in meeting evolving regulatory requirements. By adhering to stringent standards and regulations, organizations can foster trust, ensure safety, and promote responsible use of infrared sensor technologies across global markets.

Opportunities

• IoT Market Expansion
• Automotive Sector Integration
• Environmental Monitoring Needs

• Emerging Economies Growth: Emerging economies are poised to significantly contribute to the growth of the global infrared sensors market due to their rapid industrialization, urbanization, and technological advancement. Countries in regions such as Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and parts of Africa are experiencing robust economic growth, driving demand for advanced sensor technologies across various sectors.

  One of the key drivers of infrared sensor adoption in emerging economies is the expansion of industrial automation and manufacturing sectors. As these economies modernize their industrial infrastructure, there is a growing need for sensors that can monitor and control processes efficiently. Infrared sensors play a critical role in enhancing automation capabilities by providing accurate and real-time data on temperature, presence, and motion detection, thereby optimizing production processes, reducing operational costs, and improving product quality.

  Overall, the growth of emerging economies is pivotal in expanding the global market for infrared sensors, driven by increasing industrialization, urban development, and environmental awareness. As these economies continue to invest in infrastructure and technology, the demand for advanced sensor solutions is expected to rise, creating opportunities for sensor manufacturers and technology providers to innovate, expand their market presence, and address emerging market needs effectively.

Key players in Global Infrared Sensors Market include

• Excelitas Technologies
• FLIR Systems
• Hamamatsu Photonics
• Murata Manufacturing
• Sofradir

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis