Infrared (IR) imaging technology is gaining significant traction in the automotive sector, driven by the growing demand for safety, automation, and energy efficiency. Thermal cameras are increasingly integrated into advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) for pedestrian and animal detection, especially in low-visibility conditions such as night-time driving or fog. These systems enhance situational awareness and reduce the risk of accidents, aligning with rising safety regulations and consumer expectations.
Scope of the Report
Years Considered for the Study
2021-2030
Base Year
2024
Forecast Period
2025-2030
Units Considered
Value (USD Billion)
Segments
By type, component, wavelength, application, technology, vertical, and region
Regions covered
North America, Europe, APAC, RoW
Additionally, infrared imaging supports electric vehicle (EV) battery monitoring and thermal management, which are critical for performance and safety. In manufacturing, IR cameras are used in automotive assembly lines for quality assurance, checking weld integrity, and component alignment. Moreover, with the rise of autonomous vehicles, thermal sensors are being integrated alongside LiDAR, radar, and visible cameras to create a multi-modal perception system capable of operating in various environments. The technology also finds applications in in-cabin occupant monitoring for driver fatigue detection and climate control optimization. As automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers increasingly explore these capabilities, IR imaging presents lucrative opportunities for innovation, partnerships, and market expansion within the mobility ecosystem.
"Market for SWIR in wavelength segment to grow at highest CAGR during forecast period."
Short-wave Infrared (SWIR) technology is expected to record the highest CAGR within the wavelength segment due to its increasing use in industrial quality inspection, semiconductor manufacturing, and military imaging applications. Unlike long-wave or mid-wave IR, SWIR enables high-resolution imaging through glass and silicon materials, making it ideal for inspecting solar cells, electronic wafers, and food products. It effectively detects invisible moisture, contaminants, and invisible defects under visible or thermal imaging. Additionally, SWIR cameras provide enhanced imaging under harsh environmental conditions, including smoke, fog, and low-light environments, which is advantageous in surveillance and aerospace applications. Military forces utilize SWIR for covert operations, as it supports laser illumination in low-light scenarios without revealing positions. Moreover, the emergence of lower-cost indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) sensors is improving SWIR affordability and broadening its accessibility across sectors. The growing emphasis on precision manufacturing, material sorting, and high-performance surveillance is accelerating the adoption of SWIR, making it one of the fastest-growing segments within the infrared imaging market, by wavelength.
"Monitoring & inspection segment to exhibit highest CAGR in infrared imaging market, by application, during forecast period"
The monitoring & inspection segment is projected to witness the highest CAGR in the infrared imaging market, as industries increasingly rely on thermal imaging for predictive maintenance, process optimization, and safety assurance. Infrared cameras are essential for identifying equipment failures, detecting hotspots in electrical systems, and monitoring thermal performance in real time. Industries such as manufacturing, oil & gas, power generation, and utilities use IR imaging to prevent costly downtimes and enhance asset longevity. With the rise of Industry 4.0, IR imaging is also being integrated into automated inspection systems and IoT-enabled devices, offering continuous and remote diagnostics. These systems can identify early signs of component degradation, reduce unplanned shutdowns, and improve operational efficiency. Furthermore, thermal inspection is non-contact and non-destructive, allowing for safe evaluation of high-voltage or high-temperature equipment. Demand for advanced IR monitoring solutions continues to grow as more companies prioritize operational reliability, energy efficiency, and compliance with safety regulations. This makes the monitoring and inspection application one of the most dynamic and rapidly expanding areas in the infrared imaging landscape.
"North America to capture largest market share throughout forecast period"
North America is expected to maintain the largest share of the infrared imaging market throughout the forecast period, driven by substantial defense investments, advanced industrial infrastructure, and robust technology innovation. The US, in particular, leads the region with widespread deployment of IR imaging technologies in military surveillance, border security, and law enforcement. Major players such as FLIR Systems, Teledyne, and RTX have deep roots in the region, contributing to product development and rapid commercialization. In addition to defense, IR imaging is highly adopted in electrical inspection, smart manufacturing, building diagnostics, and healthcare applications. Government funding for R&D and a favorable regulatory framework supporting critical infrastructure protection and industrial safety accelerate market adoption. The region's leadership in AI, IoT, and automation technologies further strengthens its position, as infrared imaging increasingly integrates with intelligent systems for real-time data analysis and decision-making. With high purchasing power, early technology adoption, and an established ecosystem of end users and innovators, North America remains the most mature and dominant region in the global infrared imaging market.
In-depth interviews have been conducted with chief executive officers (CEOs), directors, and other executives from various key organizations operating in the infrared imaging marketplace. The breakup of the profile of primary participants in the infrared imaging market is as follows:
By Company Type: Tier 1 - 38%, Tier 2 - 28%, and Tier 3 - 34%
By Designation: C-level Executives - 40%, Directors - 30%, and Others - 30%
By Region: North America - 35%, Europe - 20%, Asia Pacific - 35%, and RoW - 10%
Teledyne FLIR LLC (US), Fluke Corporation (US), Leonardo S.p.A. (US), Axis Communications AB. (Sweden), L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (US), RTX (US), Exosens (France), Opgal, Optronic Industries Ltd. (Israel), Lynred (France), Allied Vision Technologies GmbH (Germany), BAE Systems (UK), and Testo SE & Co. KGaA (Germany) are some major players in the infrared imaging market.
The study includes an in-depth competitive analysis of these key players in the infrared imaging market, with their company profiles, recent developments, and key market strategies.
Research Coverage:
This research report categorizes the infrared imaging market, by type (reflective, thermal), component (cameras, scopes, modules), technology (cooled, uncooled), wavelength (NIR, SWIR, MWIR, LWIR), application (security & surveillance, monitoring & inspection, detection), vertical (industrial, non-industrial), and region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, RoW). It analyzes major factors influencing market growth, including drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities. The report also provides insights into key industry players, their strategies, contract activities, and recent developments, along with a competitive analysis of emerging startups in the market.
Reasons to Buy This Report:
The report will help market leaders and new entrants with information on the closest approximations of the infrared imaging market's revenue numbers and subsegments. It will also help stakeholders understand the competitive landscape and gain more insights to position their businesses better and plan suitable go-to-market strategies. The report also helps stakeholders understand the market pulse and provides information on key market drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities.
Key Benefits of Buying the Report:
Analysis of key drivers increasing use of infrared imaging products in security & surveillance applications, rising adoption of infrared cameras in quality control and inspection applications, growing popularity of uncooled infrared cameras, boosting demand for SWIR cameras in machine vision applications), restraints (stringent import and export regulations for selling infrared cameras in US, limitations associated with image resolution and sensitivity of infrared cameras), opportunities (emerging applications of IR imaging technology in automotive sector, newer application areas of SWIR cameras, integration of infrared imaging technology into consumer electronics), and challenges (high cost associated with infrared cameras, designing highly accurate IR imaging products, integration and compatibility challenges pertaining to infrared imaging technology) influencing the growth of the infrared imaging market
Product Development/Innovation: Detailed insights on upcoming technologies, research and development activities, and product and service launches in the infrared imaging market
Market Development: Comprehensive information about lucrative markets by analyzing the infrared imaging market across varied regions
Market Diversification: Exhaustive information about new products and services, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments in the infrared imaging market
Competitive Assessment: In-depth assessment of market shares, growth strategies, and service offerings of leading companies, such as Teledyne FLIR LLC (US), Fluke Corporation (US), Leonardo S.p.A. (US), and Axis Communications AB. (Sweden), L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (US), RTX (US), Exosens (France), Opgal, Optronic Industries Ltd. (Israel), Lynred (France), Allied Vision Technologies GmbH (Germany), BAE Systems. (UK), and Testo SE & Co. KGaA (Germany) in the infrared imaging market.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 STUDY OBJECTIVES
1.2 MARKET DEFINITION
1.3 STUDY SCOPE
1.3.1 MARKETS COVERED
1.3.2 YEARS CONSIDERED
1.3.3 INCLUSIONS AND EXCLUSIONS
1.4 CURRENCY CONSIDERED
1.5 UNIT CONSIDERED
1.6 LIMITATIONS
1.7 STAKEHOLDERS
1.8 SUMMARY OF CHANGES
2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
2.1 RESEARCH DATA
2.1.1 SECONDARY AND PRIMARY RESEARCH
2.1.2 SECONDARY DATA
2.1.2.1 Major secondary sources
2.1.2.2 Secondary sources
2.1.3 PRIMARY DATA
2.1.3.1 Breakdown of primaries
2.1.3.2 Key data from primary sources
2.1.3.3 Key industry insights
2.2 MARKET SIZE ESTIMATION
2.2.1 BOTTOM-UP APPROACH
2.2.1.1 Estimating market size using bottom-up approach (demand side)
2.2.2 TOP-DOWN APPROACH
2.2.2.1 Estimating market size using top-down approach (supply side)
2.3 MARKET BREAKDOWN AND DATA TRIANGULATION
2.4 RESEARCH ASSUMPTIONS
2.5 RESEARCH LIMITATIONS
2.6 RISK ASSESSMENT
3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4 PREMIUM INSIGHTS
4.1 ATTRACTIVE GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FOR PLAYERS IN INFRARED IMAGING MARKET
4.2 INFRARED IMAGING MARKET, BY TYPE
4.3 INFRARED IMAGING MARKET, BY COMPONENT
4.4 INFRARED IMAGING MARKET, BY APPLICATION
4.5 INFRARED IMAGING MARKET, BY WAVELENGTH
4.6 INFRARED IMAGING MARKET IN NORTH AMERICA, BY COUNTRY AND APPLICATION
4.7 INFRARED IMAGING MARKET, BY COUNTRY
5 MARKET OVERVIEW
5.1 INTRODUCTION
5.2 MARKET DYNAMICS
5.2.1 DRIVERS
5.2.1.1 Increasing use of infrared imaging products in security & surveillance applications
5.2.1.2 Rising adoption of infrared cameras in quality control and inspection applications
5.2.1.3 Growing popularity of uncooled infrared cameras
5.2.1.4 Boosting demand for SWIR cameras in machine vision applications
5.2.2 RESTRAINTS
5.2.2.1 Stringent import and export regulations for selling infrared cameras in US
5.2.2.2 Limitations associated with image resolution and sensitivity of infrared cameras
5.2.3 OPPORTUNITIES
5.2.3.1 Emerging applications of IR imaging technology in automotive sector
5.2.3.2 Newer application areas of SWIR cameras
5.2.3.3 Integration of infrared imaging technology into consumer electronics
5.2.4 CHALLENGES
5.2.4.1 High cost associated with infrared cameras
5.2.4.2 Designing highly accurate IR imaging products
5.2.4.3 Integration and compatibility challenges pertaining to infrared imaging technology
5.3 SUPPLY CHAIN ANALYSIS
5.4 INFRARED IMAGING ECOSYSTEM
5.5 TRENDS/DISRUPTIONS IMPACTING CUSTOMER BUSINESS
5.6 PRICING ANALYSIS
5.6.1 AVERAGE SELLING PRICE OF INFRARED IMAGING CAMERA TYPES, BY KEY PLAYER, 2024
5.6.2 AVERAGE SELLING PRICE TREND OF REFLECTIVE INFRARED IMAGING CAMERAS, BY REGION, 2021-2024
5.6.3 AVERAGE SELLING PRICE TREND OF THERMAL INFRARED IMAGING CAMERAS, BY REGION, 2021-2024
5.7 TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
5.7.1 USE OF IR IMAGING TECHNOLOGY TO ANALYZE ORGANIC COMPOST
5.7.2 IMPLEMENTATION OF VIBRATIONAL SPECTROSCOPIC TECHNIQUES TO ANALYZE TEA QUALITY AND SAFETY
5.7.3 ADOPTION OF THERMAL CAMERAS IN SECURITY AND INSPECTION APPLICATIONS
5.7.4 TRANSFORMATION IN INFRARED IMAGING TECHNOLOGY WITH CLOUD INTEGRATION
5.7.5 ADVANCEMENTS IN AI-BASED INFRARED IMAGING
5.8 IMPACT OF AI/GEN AI ON INFRARED IMAGING MARKET
5.8.1 TOP USE CASES AND MARKET POTENTIAL
5.8.1.1 Anomaly detection
5.8.1.2 Medical diagnostics fever screening
5.8.1.3 Surveillance & border security
5.8.1.4 Smart city infrastructure monitoring
5.8.1.5 Automotive driver-assistance and EV battery monitoring
5.9 PORTER'S FIVE FORCES ANALYSIS
5.9.1 THREAT OF NEW ENTRANTS
5.9.2 THREAT OF SUBSTITUTES
5.9.3 BARGAINING POWER OF SUPPLIERS
5.9.4 BARGAINING POWER OF BUYERS
5.9.5 INTENSITY OF COMPETITIVE RIVALRY
5.10 KEY STAKEHOLDERS IN BUYING PROCESS AND BUYING CRITERIA
5.10.1 KEY STAKEHOLDERS IN BUYING PROCESS
5.10.2 BUYING CRITERIA
5.11 CASE STUDY ANALYSIS
5.11.1 ROCKWOOL GROUP USED TELEDYNE FLIR'S THERMAL IMAGING TECHNOLOGY TO ASSESS INSULATION EFFECTIVENESS AND CONDUCT BUILDING ANALYSIS
5.11.2 VICENZA COURT RESOLVED CONSTRUCTION DISPUTE BY HIRING SERVICES OF THERMAL IMAGING EXPERTS FROM MULTITES SRL
5.11.3 HIGHLAND HELICOPTERS DEPLOYED THERMAL CAMERAS FROM INFRATEC TO COMBAT WILDFIRES
5.12 PATENT ANALYSIS
5.13 KEY CONFERENCES AND EVENTS, 2025-2026
5.14 TRADE ANALYSIS
5.14.1 IMPORT SCENARIO (HS 902750)
5.14.2 EXPORT SCENARIO (HS 902750)
5.15 TARIFF ANALYSIS
5.16 STANDARDS AND REGULATORY LANDSCAPE
5.16.1 REGULATORY BODIES, GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
5.16.2 GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS
5.16.3 REGULATORY LANDSCAPE
5.16.4 GOVERNMENT STANDARDS
5.17 2025 US TARIFF IMPACT ON INFRARED IMAGING MARKET
5.17.1 INTRODUCTION
5.17.2 KEY TARIFF RATES
5.17.3 PRICE IMPACT ANALYSIS
5.17.4 KEY IMPACTS ON VARIOUS COUNTRIES/REGIONS
5.17.4.1 US
5.17.4.2 Europe
5.17.4.3 Asia Pacific
5.17.5 IMPACT ON VERTICALS
6 INFRARED IMAGING DEVICE TYPES
6.1 INTRODUCTION
6.2 PORTABLE 95 6.2.1 USE OF PORTABLE CAMERAS FOR CONVENIENCE AND EFFORTLESS IMAGING
6.2.2 AERIAL
6.2.2.1 Deployment of aerial cameras for thermographic view and improved visibility of objects to be monitored or inspected
6.2.3 HANDHELD
6.2.3.1 Implementation of handheld cameras in buildings to inspect heat loss and detect insulation issues
6.3 FIXED
6.3.1 ADOPTION OF FIXED CAMERAS TO ENSURE CONSISTENT AND RELIABLE IMAGING OUTPUT
7 INFRARED IMAGING MARKET, BY TYPE
7.1 INTRODUCTION
7.2 REFLECTIVE
7.2.1 RISING USE IN SEMICONDUCTOR INSPECTION AND SECURITY APPLICATIONS TO SUPPORT MARKET GROWTH
7.3 THERMAL
7.3.1 PRESSING NEED FOR ENHANCED SAFETY AND OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY ACROSS INDUSTRIES TO BOOST DEMAND
8 INFRARED IMAGING MARKET, BY COMPONENT
8.1 INTRODUCTION
8.2 CAMERAS
8.2.1 SIGNIFICANT USE IN PUBLIC SAFETY, MEDICAL, AND INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS TO FUEL SEGMENTAL GROWTH
8.3 SCOPES
8.3.1 DEFENSE, OUTDOOR SPORTS, AND TACTICAL SURVEILLANCE APPLICATIONS TO CONTRIBUTE TO SEGMENTAL GROWTH
8.4 MODULES
8.4.1 SURGING USE OF MODULAR INFRARED IMAGING SYSTEMS IN DRONES, ROBOTICS, AND SMART DEVICES TO FOSTER SEGMENTAL GROWTH
9 INFRARED IMAGING MARKET, BY TECHNOLOGY
9.1 INTRODUCTION
9.2 COOLED
9.2.1 NEED TO REDUCE SENSOR NOISE AND IMPROVE SENSITIVITY TO ENCOURAGE ADOPTION
9.3 UNCOOLED
9.3.1 INCREASING ADOPTION IN HIGH-VOLUME APPLICATIONS OWING TO LOW COST AND EASY INSTALLATION TO FOSTER SEGMENTAL GROWTH
10 INFRARED IMAGING MARKET, BY WAVELENGTH
10.1 INTRODUCTION
10.2 NIR
10.2.1 HIGH ADOPTION OF NIR CCTV CAMERAS FOR SECURITY & SURVEILLANCE TO DRIVE MARKET
10.3 SWIR
10.3.1 INCREASED USE OF SWIR IMAGING TECHNOLOGY IN NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING TO PROPEL MARKET
10.4 MWIR
10.4.1 RAPID TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS IN MWIR TO BOOST SEGMENTAL GROWTH
10.5 LWIR
10.5.1 SIGNIFICANT USE IN WEARABLES, DRONES, AND HANDHELD DEVICES TO FUEL SEGMENTAL GROWTH
11 INFRARED IMAGING MARKET, BY APPLICATION
11.1 INTRODUCTION
11.2 SECURITY & SURVEILLANCE
11.2.1 SURGING DEPLOYMENT OF INFRARED CAMERAS DUE TO INCREASED TERRORISM TO DRIVE MARKET
11.3 MONITORING & INSPECTION
11.3.1 RISING USE OF INFRARED CAMERAS IN ENERGY AUDITS, BUILDING DIAGNOSTICS, AND INDUSTRIAL FAULT DETECTION TO PROPEL MARKET
11.3.2 CONDITION MONITORING
11.3.3 STRUCTURAL HEALTH MONITORING
11.3.4 QUALITY CONTROL
11.4 DETECTION
11.4.1 INCREASING IMPORTANCE OF SITUATIONAL AWARENESS TO SPIKE DEMAND
11.4.2 GAS DETECTION
11.4.3 FIRE/FLARE DETECTION
11.4.4 BODY TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT
12 INFRARED IMAGING MARKET, BY VERTICAL
12.1 INTRODUCTION
12.2 INDUSTRIAL
12.2.1 ELEVATING USE OF SWIR CAMERAS TO ENSURE PRECISION IN GLASS, SEMICONDUCTOR, AND METAL PROCESSING TO FAVOR MARKET GROWTH
12.2.2 AUTOMOTIVE
12.2.3 AEROSPACE
12.2.4 ELECTRONICS & SEMICONDUCTOR
12.2.5 OIL & GAS
12.2.6 FOOD & BEVERAGES
12.2.7 GLASS
12.2.8 OTHER INDUSTRIAL VERTICALS
12.3 NON-INDUSTRIAL
12.3.1 RISING ADOPTION IN PUBLIC SAFETY, RESEARCH, AND HEALTHCARE TO PROPEL MARKET
12.3.2 MILITARY & DEFENSE
12.3.3 CIVIL INFRASTRUCTURE
12.3.4 MEDICAL
12.3.5 SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
13 INFRARED IMAGING MARKET, BY REGION
13.1 INTRODUCTION
13.2 NORTH AMERICA
13.2.1 MACROECONOMIC OUTLOOK FOR NORTH AMERICA
13.2.2 US
13.2.2.1 Government focus on safety and security of country to fuel market growth
13.2.3 CANADA
13.2.3.1 Growing focus on safeguarding assets and ensuring public safety to boost demand
13.2.4 MEXICO
13.2.4.1 Increasing challenges related to border security, drug trafficking, and organized crime to spike demand
13.3 EUROPE
13.3.1 MACROECONOMIC OUTLOOK FOR EUROPE
13.3.2 GERMANY
13.3.2.1 Booming automotive sector to accelerate demand
13.3.3 UK
13.3.3.1 Medical and pharmaceutical companies to contribute most to market growth
13.3.4 FRANCE
13.3.4.1 Technology advancements in automotive sector to propel market growth
13.3.5 ITALY
13.3.5.1 Government focus on strengthening military surveillance capabilities to propel market
13.3.6 REST OF EUROPE
13.4 ASIA PACIFIC
13.4.1 MACROECONOMIC OUTLOOK FOR ASIA PACIFIC
13.4.2 CHINA
13.4.2.1 Border control, critical infrastructure protection, and public safety applications to create opportunities
13.4.3 JAPAN
13.4.3.1 Consumer electronics, automotive, and healthcare sectors to strengthen market momentum
13.4.4 INDIA
13.4.4.1 Increasing use in predictive maintenance and quality control applications by industry players to support market growth
13.4.5 REST OF ASIA PACIFIC
13.5 ROW
13.5.1 MACROECONOMIC OUTLOOK FOR ROW
13.5.2 SOUTH AMERICA
13.5.2.1 Greater emphasis on addressing urban crime and supporting border security operations to stimulate demand
13.5.3 MIDDLE EAST
13.5.3.1 Bahrain
13.5.3.1.1 Government initiatives to modernize surveillance and border control to drive market
13.5.3.2 Kuwait
13.5.3.2.1 Strong focus on modernizing oil, defense, and health infrastructure to accelerate demand
13.5.3.3 Oman
13.5.3.3.1 Rising emphasis on advanced safety protocols and sustainable operations to create opportunities
13.5.3.4 Qatar
13.5.3.4.1 Smart city development initiatives to fuel market growth
13.5.3.5 Saudi Arabia
13.5.3.5.1 Pressing need to monitor high-temperature processes in oil and petrochemical plants to boost demand
13.5.3.6 UAE
13.5.3.6.1 Vision of becoming global innovation hub to support market growth
13.5.3.7 Rest of Middle East
13.5.4 AFRICA
13.5.4.1 Urban infrastructure development to create opportunities
14 COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
14.1 OVERVIEW
14.2 KEY PLAYER STRATEGIES/RIGHT TO WIN, 2020-2025