Sensors Markets 2016

2011–2016: Dynamic Growth of Global Sensors Markets

The non-military, open market for sensors grew from EUR 81.6 billion in 2006 to EUR 119.4 billion in 2011 and can be expected to grow to EUR 184.1 billion until 2016, according to the World Report published by INTECHNO CONSULTING, Basel (Switzerland). This corresponds to an average annual growth rate of 7.9% between 2006 and 2011, and 9.0% between 2011 and 2016. The average annual growth rate for the entire period covered is 8.5%.

The market figures and forecasts of the Report include not only conventional sensors like pressure, temperature, level, flow, and position sensors, but also unconventional types of sensors. Some of these are pointing sensors like touchscreens and touchpads, barcode readers and RFID readers for identification purposes, but also remote-readout and intelligent power meters, gas and water meters, as well as remote-readout heat meters. This World Report covers a total of 49 sensor types, analyzed and forecasted according to applications, countries, and underlying measurement principles.

Of the EUR 119.4 billion worldwide sensors demand in 2011, 8.7% were for purely binary sensors; 32.9% for sensors measuring mechanical properties; 8.5% for sensors measuring thermal conditions; 2.1% for sensors measuring optical properties; 2.7% for sensors measuring electrical properties; and 19.2% for image sensors and cameras of all types.

Markets: In 2016, highest demand for sensors will be in the information and communication industry as well as the vehicle industry, followed by the
building sector, medical sector and process industries.

Countries: Highest sensors demand for machinery in Germany and Japan, followed by the USA. USA main driver for innovation and strongest market for
sensors in the information/communication technologies as well as leading sensors market for process industries. China, India, and Southeast Asia catching up rapidly.

Trends: Worldwide growth of sensors markets accelerated by further advance of automation in production processes. Rapid growth of comfort and safety
electronics plus a trend towards driver assistance systems as well as hybrid electric vehicles and electric cars stimulate growth of sensors in the vehicle industry. Increasing demand for gas and biosensors in medicine.

Sensors: Digitization, smartness, and communication capability as innovation drivers for sensors. Image sensors, cameras, pointing sensors, MEMS and
fiber-optic sensors booming.

Source: Report “Sensors Markets 2016”