세계 감성 컴퓨팅 시장 규모는 2024년 879억 8,000만 달러에 달했습니다. 향후 IMARC Group은 이 시장이 2033년까지 8,228억 3,000만 달러에 달할 것으로 예상하며, 2025-2033년 동안 26.79%의 연평균 복합 성장률(CAGR)을 보일 것으로 전망하고 있습니다. 북미가 시장을 장악하고 있으며, 2024년에는 46.2%의 큰 시장 점유율을 차지했습니다. 감성 컴퓨팅은 음악, 실내 온도, 조명 등을 사용자의 취향에 맞게 변경할 수 있는 등 개인화에 도움이 되기 때문에 개인들 사이에서 감성 컴퓨팅에 대한 인식이 높아지면서 웨어러블 기기에 대한 수요가 증가하고 있는 것도 감성 컴퓨팅 시장 점유율의 주요 요인으로 꼽힙니다. 웨어러블 기기에 대한 수요 증가도 감성 컴퓨팅 시장 점유율의 주요 요인으로 작용하고 있습니다.
시장은 몇 가지 상호 연관된 트렌드에 의해 성장하고 있습니다. 헬스케어 분야에서는 감정 인식 시스템의 채택이 증가하고 있으며, 정신건강, 스트레스, 환자 참여도 모니터링에 도움이 되고 있습니다. 자동차 분야에서는 졸음과 산만함을 감지하는 운전자 모니터링 시스템이 표준이 되고 있습니다. 고객 서비스, 교육 등의 분야에서 보다 자연스러운 인간과 기계의 상호작용을 원하는 수요도 기여하고 있습니다. 심박수, 피부 온도 등 생리적 신호를 측정하는 센서를 탑재한 웨어러블 디바이스는 감성기술의 범위를 넓히고 있습니다. 인공지능, 머신러닝, 사물인터넷을 결합하여 감정 상태의 실시간 분석이 가능해져 대응력이 높아집니다. 기업들은 특히 소매업과 엔터테인먼트 분야에서 사용자 참여도를 높이고, 서비스를 개인화하며, 소비자 행동에 대한 인사이트를 얻기 위해 감성 컴퓨팅에 투자하고 있습니다. 이러한 다재다능함 증가는 감성 컴퓨팅 시장 전망을 계속 형성하고 있습니다.
감성 컴퓨팅 용도에서는 배터리로 구동되는 얼굴 인식 단말기가 인기를 끌고 있습니다. 휴대용 디자인으로 감정과 신원 감지를 유지하면서 다양한 환경에서의 유연한 배포를 지원합니다. 이러한 시스템은 고정된 전원에 의존하지 않고 효율적인 비접촉식 액세스 제어 및 사용자 상호 작용 분석이 필요한 환경에서 필수 불가결한 요소로 자리 잡고 있습니다. 예를 들어,2024년 10월, 하이크비전 인도는 배터리로 구동되는 MinMoe 얼굴 인식 단말기(FRT)의 새로운 라인을 발표했습니다. 이 새로운 FRT 기술은 현재 DS-K1T320MFWX-B와 DS-K1T320EFWX-B의 두 가지 변형이 있으며, DS-K1T321MFWX-B 모델도 있습니다.
자동차 산업 등 감성 컴퓨팅의 활용 범위 확대
세계보건기구(WHO)에 따르면 매년 2,000만-5,000만 명이 교통사고로 치명적인 부상을 입는 것으로 추정됩니다. 이륜차, 보행자, 자전거 이용자는 가장 위험한 도로 이용자 중 하나이며, 전체 사망사고의 절반 이상을 차지합니다. 따라서 교통사고를 최소화하는 첨단 운전자 보조 시스템(ADAS) 개발에는 감성 컴퓨팅을 비롯한 첨단 기술이 많이 사용되고 있습니다. 이 외에도, 동승자와 운전자의 행동과 감정에 반응하고 이를 추적하기 위해 가장 유명한 기술 제공 업체인 Eyeris와 Affectiva는 자동차에 카메라를 설치하고 있습니다. 또한, 감정 기술을 통해 운전자의 졸음도 모니터링 할 수 있습니다. 그 결과, 이러한 첨단 기술은 향후 몇 년 동안 시장 성장을 증가시킬 것으로 예측됩니다. 예를 들어, 미국 도로안전보험협회에 따르면 미국의 자율주행차는 2025년까지 350만 대, 2030년까지 450만 대에 달할 것으로 예측했습니다. 또한, Affectiva의 자동차 기술을 SmartEye의 인테리어 센싱 솔루션에 통합하기 위해 Affectiva를 인수했습니다. 이를 통해 자동차 제조업체는 유로 NCAP 기준을 충족하는 안전 기능을 향상시킬 수 있습니다. 감성 컴퓨팅 시장 예측에 따르면, 자동차 산업의 이러한 발전은 수많은 감성 컴퓨팅 솔루션 제공업체에게 기회를 창출하고 감성 컴퓨팅 시장 수요를 촉진할 것으로 예측됩니다. 또한, 자율주행을 위한 운전자 모니터링, 운전자 제어를 위한 음성-제스처 인식 등 생체인식 용도의 도입도 세계 시장을 활성화시키고 있습니다. Aptiv plc는 Affectiva와 제휴하여 차량 및 OEM 고객을 위한 향상된 멀티모달 차량 내 센싱 솔루션을 상용화하여 미래 자동차의 모빌리티 경험을 향상시키고 있습니다.
감성 컴퓨팅에 활용되는 기술의 광범위한 조사 개발(R&D) 활동
Affective Computing 시장 통계에 따르면, 연구원들은 새로운 첨단 제스처 및 음성 인식 솔루션을 개발하기 위해 수많은 프로젝트를 수행하고 있습니다. 이들 프로젝트는 헬스케어, 자동차 산업 등 다양한 최종사용자용도에 대응할 수 있는 컴퓨팅 디바이스를 도입하는 것으로 구성되어 있습니다. 예를 들어, 미시간대학교 CSE 학부의 연구진은 논문 중 하나를 IEEE Transactions on Affective Computing에 게재된 상위 5위 논문 중 하나로 꼽았습니다. 연구진은 전체 데이터세트의 인식 성능을 향상시키기 위해 감정을 표현하는 음성의 범위를 확장하는 새로운 접근법을 제안했습니다. 또한, 매사추세츠공과대학(MIT)을 포함한 연구기관들은 '실생활에서의 자동 스트레스 인식', '촉각 신호에 대한 감정 반응' 등 여러 연구 프로젝트를 진행하였습니다. 이 대학에는 MIT 미디어랩에 'Affective Computing Group'이라는 부서가 있으며, 주로 감정 상태의 자기 인식을 향상시키기 위한 개인 기술 발명과 감정 및 인지 상태의 커뮤니케이션을 위한 새로운 방법을 연구하고 있으며, 예측 기간 동안 북미에서의 투자가 더욱 증가할 것으로 예측됩니다. 증가할 것으로 예측됩니다. 이에 따라 캐나다의 많은 기업들이 새로운 제스처 및 음성 인식 솔루션 도입에 집중하고 있습니다. 캐나다의 GestSure Systems는 의사가 무균 수술실이 아닌 다른 장소에 있는 컴퓨터의 환자 기록에 접근할 수 있는 제스처 소프트웨어 인터페이스를 개발했습니다. 또한, 이 회사는 키넥트를 사용하여 MRI나 CT의 데이터를 이미 설치된 병원 PC와 교환할 수 있는 USB 브릿지 역할을 하는 하드웨어를 제공했습니다.
감성 컴퓨팅 기술 채택을 촉진하는 정부 정책
아시아태평양의 정부 기관들은 음성 인식, 제스처 인식, 얼굴 인식 소프트웨어의 채택을 촉진하기 위해 유리한 정책을 내놓고 있으며, 이는 감성 컴퓨팅 시장의 새로운 트렌드 중 하나입니다. 예를 들어, 인도의 UIDAI 프로젝트, 인도네시아의 e-KTP 프로젝트 등이 감성 컴퓨팅을 도입하는 계기가 되었습니다. 이에 따라 인도 규제 당국은 수도 뉴델리에서 납치되거나 실종된 어린이를 찾기 위해 얼굴 인식 기술을 사용했습니다. 또한, 폴란드 그단스크 공과대학에서는 EMBOA 프로젝트의 일환으로 '자폐아동 치료에서의 Affective Computing and Social Robot'이라는 주제로 워크숍이 개최되었습니다. 튀르키예, 독일, 영국, 폴란드 등 4개국의 프로젝트 파트너 4개국에서 40명 이상의 방문객을 맞이했습니다. 프로젝트 참가자들은 소셜 로봇, 감정 감지, 자폐아 기술지원 치료 등 다양한 주제에 대해 배웠습니다.
전략적 M&A와 협업
Affective Computing 시장 보고서에 따르면, 전 세계 주요 기업들이 전략적 제휴 및 협력 관계를 맺으며 그 입지를 넓혀가고 있습니다. 예를 들어, Nuance Communications는 SCIENTIA Puerto Rico, Inc.와의 제휴를 통해 푸에르토리코의 의사 및 간호사들이 Nuance의 음성 인식 솔루션 'Dragon Medical One'을 사용할 수 있게 되었다고 발표했습니다. 이에 따라, 감성 컴퓨팅 시장 분석에 따르면, 임상급 음성 분석으로 유명한 Aural Analytics, Inc.는 디지털 바이오마커 개발 업체인 Koneksa와의 제휴를 발표하며 Aural Analytics, Inc. Vitals를 사용한 플랫폼과 연구 역량을 더욱 강화했습니다. 또한, 비즈니스 개선을 촉진하는 대화 인텔리전스 분야의 선도기업인 콜마이너(CallMiner)는 아마존 커넥트(Amazon Connect) 및 제네시스 클라우드 CX(Genesys Cloud CX)와의 새로운 통합을 발표했습니다. 배포에서 강력한 실시간 분석 기능을 빠르고 원활하게 이용할 수 있게 됐습니다.
The global affective computing market size was valued at USD 87.98 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 822.83 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 26.79% during 2025-2033. North America dominated the market, holding a significant market share of 46.2% in 2024. The growing awareness among individuals towards affective computing, as it helps in personalization, such as changing music, room temperature, and lighting as per the requirement of the user, along with the escalating demand for wearable devices, is primarily contributing to the affective computing market share.
The market is growing due to several interconnected trends. Increasing adoption of emotion-recognition systems in healthcare helps monitor mental health, stress, and patient engagement. In automotive applications, driver monitoring systems that detect drowsiness or distraction are becoming standard. Demand for more natural human-machine interaction in sectors like customer service and education is also contributing. Wearable devices equipped with sensors that measure physiological signals such as heart rate and skin temperature are expanding the reach of affective tech. The combination of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the Internet of Things enables real-time analysis of emotional states, enhancing responsiveness. Businesses are investing in affective computing to improve user engagement, personalize services, and gain insights into consumer behavior, particularly in retail and entertainment. This growing versatility continues to shape the affective computing market outlook.
Battery-operated facial recognition terminals are gaining traction in affective computing applications. Their portable design supports flexible deployment in varied environments while maintaining emotional and identity detection. These systems are becoming essential in settings requiring efficient, contactless access control and user interaction analysis without relying on fixed power sources. For instance, in October 2024, Hikvision India unveiled a new line of battery-operated MinMoe Facial Recognition Terminals (FRT). The novel FRT technology is currently available in two variations: the DS-K1T320MFWX-B and DS-K1T320EFWX-B, along with the DS-K1T321MFWX-B model.
Rising Applications of Affective Computing in Industries, including Automotive
As per the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that 20-50 Million individuals suffer from fatal injuries in traffic accidents each year. Motorcyclists, pedestrians, and cyclists are among the most at-risk road users, accounting for more than half of all fatalities. Consequently, advanced technologies, including affective computing, are extensively used to develop advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) to minimize road accidents. In addition to this, to react to and track the actions and feelings of passengers and drivers, Eyeris and Affectiva, two of the most prominent technology providers, installed cameras in automobiles. Additionally, driver drowsiness can be monitored via emotional technology. As a result, these advanced technologies are anticipated to augment the market growth in the coming years. For example, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, self-driving cars in the United States are projected to reach 3.5 Million by 2025 and 4.5 Million by 2030. Also, to incorporate Affectiva's automotive technology into SmartEye's interior sensing solution, the company acquired Affectiva. These insights enable the automakers to improve safety features to meet Euro NCAP standards. As per the affective computing market forecast, such advancements in the automotive industry are expected to create opportunities for numerous effective computing solution providers, thereby driving the affective computing market demand. The introduction of biometric applications, such as driver monitoring for autonomous driving and voice and gesture recognition for driver control, is also fueling the global market. For example, Aptiv plc partnered with Affectiva to commercialize enhanced multimodal interior sensing solutions for fleet and OEM customers and improve the mobility experience for future vehicles.
Extensive Research and Development (R&D) Activities for Technologies Utilized in Affective Computing
According to the affective computing market statistics, researchers are conducting numerous projects to develop advanced new gesture and speech recognition solutions. These projects comprise introducing computing devices capable of serving various end-user applications, including in the healthcare and automotive industries. For example, researchers from Michigan University's CSE department identified one of their papers as one of the top five to appear in IEEE Transactions on affective computing. The researchers suggested new approaches for expanding the scope of representations of speech for emotion to boost recognition performance across datasets. Furthermore, research organizations, including MIT, conducted several research projects, including Automatic Stress Recognition in Real-Life Settings and Affective Response to Haptic Signals, among others. The university has a department in the MIT media lab called the Affective Computing Group, which majorly researches new ways of inventing personal technologies and communicating affective and cognitive states for improving self-awareness of affective states, which is further anticipated to increase the investments in the North America over the forecasted period. As such, many Canadian businesses are concentrating on introducing new gesture and speech recognition solutions. The Canadian company GestSure Systems developed a gesture software interface that allowed doctors to access patient records on computers in locations other than sterile operation rooms. Also, the company provided hardware that serves as a USB bridge to interchange MRI and CT data with an already installed hospital PC using Kinect.
Government Policies to Promote the Adoption of Affective Computing Technologies
Government bodies in the Asia Pacific region are launching favorable policies to promote the adoption of speech, gestures, and facial recognition software, which is one of the emerging affective computing market trends. For example, initiatives, such as the UIDAI project in India and the e-KTP project in Indonesia, provided opportunities for the adoption of affective computing in the countries. In line with this, regulatory authorities in India used face recognition technology in the capital city of New Delhi to detect children who had been kidnapped or lost. Furthermore, a workshop titled "Affective Computing and Social Robots in the Rehabilitation of Children with Autism" was organized as a part of the EMBOA project at the Gdansk University of Technology in Poland. Countries, including Turkey, Germany, the UK, and Poland, welcomed more than 40 visitors from the four project partners' nations. The project's participants learned about various subjects, such as social robots, emotion detection, and technology-assisted treatment for autistic children.
Strategic Mergers and Acquisitions and Collaborations
According to the affective computing market report, key companies across the globe are expanding their presence by entering into strategic partnerships and collaborations. For instance, Nuance Communications announced a partnership with SCIENTIA Puerto Rico, Inc. to expand access to Nuance's Dragon Medical One speech recognition solution for the island's physicians and nurses to improve patient outcomes and clinical documentation while minimizing administrative workloads that contribute to clinician burnout. In line with this, according to the affective computing market analysis, Aural Analytics, Inc., a prominent player in clinical-grade speech analytics, announced a partnership with Koneksa, a player in digital biomarker development, to further strengthen its platform and research capabilities using Aural Analytics' technology, Speech Vitals. Moreover, CallMiner, a prominent provider of conversation intelligence to drive business improvement, announced new integrations with Amazon Connect and Genesys Cloud CX, which enabled organizations to gain quick, seamless access to powerful real-time analytics capabilities within existing or future Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS) deployments.
Touch-based stood as the largest technology in 2024, holding around 53.2% of the market because of its ability to detect and interpret physical interactions as emotional cues. Smartphones, tablets, and touch-enabled kiosks are now capable of capturing pressure, swipes, taps, and gestures, which can be used to infer a user's mood or level of engagement. This data helps systems personalize content, adapt responses, and even trigger emotional feedback, making applications more responsive. Industries like gaming, retail, automotive, and mental health services are investing in these technologies to improve user experience and gather behavioral insights. Touch-based inputs offer a natural, non-intrusive way to gauge user emotion without needing cameras or voice analysis, making them valuable in privacy-sensitive environments. As devices become more advanced in sensing subtle tactile patterns, this segment continues to expand within the broader affective computing landscape.
Hardware led the market with around 58.6% of market share in 2024 since it provides the physical foundation for emotion-sensing capabilities. Devices like wearable sensors, facial recognition cameras, EEG headsets, and biometric scanners are essential for detecting signals such as heart rate, skin conductance, facial expressions, and brain activity. These inputs enable systems to analyze and respond to emotional states in real time. Increasing demand for emotionally intelligent machines in healthcare, automotive safety systems, and consumer electronics has accelerated the development and adoption of such hardware. Wearables that track stress or mood are being widely used for mental health monitoring, while driver monitoring systems use cameras and sensors to detect fatigue or distraction. As hardware becomes more compact, accurate, and affordable, it continues to play a central role in enabling affective applications.
Healthcare led the market with around 19.7% of market share in 2024 due to its growing focus on mental health, patient monitoring, and personalized care. Affective computing technologies are being used to detect emotional states, stress levels, and cognitive conditions through facial expression analysis, speech patterns, and physiological signals. This helps clinicians assess patients more accurately, especially in areas like depression, anxiety, autism, and Alzheimer's. Wearable devices and AI-powered tools can monitor mood swings, sleep quality, and vital signs, allowing for early intervention and continuous care outside clinical settings. Hospitals and care providers are adopting these tools to improve outcomes, reduce readmissions, and support remote care. As emotional and behavioral data become central to holistic treatment approaches, the healthcare sector continues to push the demand for affective computing solutions.
In 2024, North America accounted for the largest market share of 46.2% due to a combination of technological leadership, strong research infrastructure, and widespread industry application. The region is home to many key players in artificial intelligence and human-computer interaction, which accelerates innovation and commercialization. High demand for emotionally aware systems in sectors like healthcare, automotive, education, and marketing also contributes to affective computing market growth. In healthcare, affective computing helps in mental health assessment and patient monitoring, while in the automotive sector, it enhances driver safety through emotion detection. Consumer electronics and wearable tech companies are integrating emotion-sensing features to improve user experience. Government support, academic partnerships, and venture capital funding further boost development. The presence of advanced infrastructure and a tech-savvy population makes the U.S. and Canada early adopters, reinforcing North America's position as a market leader.
United States Affective Computing Market Analysis
In 2024, the United States accounted for 87.10% of the market share in North America. The US affective computing market is primarily driven by technological advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and sensor technologies. This has led to more personalized and intuitive user experiences across various sectors, including healthcare, automotive, and retail. The increasing adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and smart wearables is further fueling this growth by providing continuous data streams that enable real-time emotion detection and analysis. According to a report published by the IMARC Group, the smart wearable technology market in the United States is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 16.25% during 2025-2033. The increasing demand for personalized experiences across various sectors, including healthcare, retail, and automotive, is also facilitating industry expansion. Other than this, the presence of major technology companies and research institutions in the United States is continually fostering innovation and development in affective computing, supporting market growth.
Asia Pacific Affective Computing Market Analysis
The Asia Pacific affective computing market is expanding due to several key drivers. Countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea are at the forefront, leveraging their advanced technological infrastructure and substantial investments in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to propel growth. The region's burgeoning digital economy and increasing consumer demand for emotionally intelligent systems are further fueling this trend. For instance, the digital economy in India accounted for 11.74% of the GDP of the country in 2022-23, equating to USD 402 Billion, as per the Press Information Bureau (PIB). Additionally, the proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies across the region is also enabling real-time emotion detection, further fueling market growth. For instance, the Internet of Things (IoT) market in India reached USD 1.4 Billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.2% from 2025-2033, as per industry reports. Governments in the region are also playing a pivotal role by launching initiatives to support AI development, which in turn promotes the adoption of affective computing technologies.
Europe Affective Computing Market Analysis
The growth of the Europe affective computing market is largely fueled by the region's robust technological infrastructure, digital transformation initiatives, and high adoption rates of digital and smart technologies, which are facilitating the rapid deployment of affective computing solutions. Countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom, and France are increasingly integrating affective computing technologies into sectors such as healthcare, automotive, and retail, aiming to enhance user experiences and operational efficiencies. Additionally, the European Union's regulatory frameworks, such as the Artificial Intelligence Act, provide guidelines that support the ethical deployment of affective computing technologies, fostering innovation while ensuring data protection and privacy. The region's growing focus on digital transformation across various businesses and industries is further propelling the adoption of affective computing, as these technologies contribute to creating responsive and personalized environments. For instance, the European Union established two main goals for the digital transformation of various businesses by 2030. According to this directive, 90% of SMEs are required to reach a basic level of digital intensity by 2030. Moreover, 75% of companies in the European Union will be required to utilize various advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing solutions. Other than this, the presence of leading research institutions and a supportive startup ecosystem in Europe is encouraging continuous innovation and development in affective computing.
Latin America Affective Computing Market Analysis
The Latin American affective computing market is experiencing robust growth, driven by countries such as Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina, which are increasingly investing in artificial intelligence (AI) research and development (R&D). This investment is fostering innovation in sectors such as healthcare, education, and gaming, enhancing user experiences and driving innovation. The region's improving digital infrastructure, including increased internet penetration and mobile device usage, is also facilitating the adoption of emotion-aware technologies. For instance, 72.5 Million households in Brazil had access to the Internet in 2023, underscoring a robust internet penetration rate of 92.5%, as per the Agencia IBGE Noticias. Besides this, the expansion of AI-focused startups and research institutions in countries such as Argentina, Colombia, and Uruguay is further contributing to the market's development
Middle East and Africa Affective Computing Market Analysis
The Middle East and Africa (MEA) affective computing market is significantly influenced by increasing investment in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies to enhance customer experiences and drive digital transformation, creating a demand for emotion-aware systems in sectors such as healthcare, education, and entertainment. The adoption of smart city initiatives in the region is also contributing to the growth of affective computing technologies, as these projects aim to integrate advanced technologies to improve urban living. For instance, the smart cities market in the Middle East reached USD 62,965.8 Million in 2024 and is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 21.89% during 2025-2033, according to the IMARC Group. Besides this, the increasing penetration of smartphones and digital devices is also facilitating the deployment of affective computing solutions across various industries, enabling real-time emotion detection and personalized user interactions.
The affective computing market is seeing strong momentum through new product introductions, strategic partnerships, and collaborative ventures. Companies are integrating emotion recognition and sentiment analysis into user interfaces, often combining AI with facial or voice recognition. Collaborations between tech firms and academic institutions are helping advance core technologies. Several startups have recently launched emotion-aware applications, especially in healthcare and retail. Larger players are focusing on enhancing user engagement through emotionally responsive systems. Government-funded research and institutional grants are also supporting innovation in this space. Among all activities, product launches and partnerships remain the most common, as firms seek faster go-to-market routes and broader ecosystem support. The overall trend points toward embedding emotional intelligence in mainstream tech.