Global Thermal Camera Market
Thermal Camera Market size is estimated at USD 4.3 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to exceed USD 10.7 billion by the end of 2037, witnessing over 7.3% CAGR during the forecast period i.e., between 2025-2037. In 2025, the industry size of thermal camera is assessed at USD 4.6 billion.
The thermal camera demand is rising steadily due to its wide applications across security, surveillance, and industrial segments including predictive maintenance, fire detection, and environmental monitoring. The increasing interest in safety and automation will implore thermal camera adoption in smart city infrastructure and autonomous systems. Furthermore, their ability to detect heat beyond visible light makes them irreplaceable in extreme conditions and mission-critical environments, propelling the demand through 2037.
Leading companies also actively invest in innovation to have an edge over their competition. For example, in 2024, Hanwha Vision introduced AI-powered thermal cameras that promised better safety due to far superior object detection in low-visibility conditions such as fog or smoke. Governments are also driving growth in the market. The government in India began field testing thermal-smart cameras with C-DAC in smart cities for traffic policing in 2023. These efforts underline commitments to the improvement of safety and infrastructure by the public through advanced thermal imaging technologies.
Growth Drivers:
Challenges:
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Base Year |
2024 |
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Forecast Year |
2025-2037 |
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CAGR |
7.3% |
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Base Year Market Size (2024) |
USD 4.3 billion |
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Forecast Year Market Size (2037) |
USD 10.7 billion |
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Regional Scope |
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Technology (Uncooled, Cooled)
Uncooled segment is likely to dominate thermal camera market share of around 71.9% in 2024. This is because uncooled thermal cameras require low maintenance and are cost-effective. Unlike thermal cameras, uncooled thermal cameras don't need cryogenic cooling owing to the ability of their core components to work at ambient temperatures, hence making them largely suitable for several applications in security surveillance and industrial monitoring. Their ability to function without complex cooling systems makes them a more affordable option for widespread deployment.
In April 2024, LightPath Technologies added to this segment by introducing an uncooled long-wave infrared thermal camera with higher sensitivity. This development is likely to extend the applications of uncooled thermal cameras in industrial settings where accurate temperature measurement provides process monitoring and equipment maintenance.
Product Type (Handheld Thermal Camera, Mounted Thermal Camera, Others)
In thermal camera market, handheld thermal camera segment is set to hold revenue share of over 7.4% by the end of 2037. Handheld thermal cameras are increasingly preferred for mobility-related aspects in many applications, including on-the-move inspection, emergency response, and industrial maintenance. The compact design allows users to manage it with ease in field conditions, providing comfort and convenience during operations. In May 2024, NASA launched the Compact Infrared camera for forest fire detection and secured its position in this segment. This invention underlines the growing importance that handheld thermal cameras will assume in critical applications related to safety and operational efficiency in both emergency and routine tasks.
Our in-depth analysis of the thermal camera market includes the following segments:
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Technology |
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Wavelength |
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Product Type |
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Application |
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End Use |
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North America Market Analysis
North America thermal camera market is expected to hold revenue share of more than 31.0% by 2037, owing to the presence of an advanced technological infrastructure and a strong emphasis on industrial safety. In January 2023, Multi Radiance Medical announced its unique global distribution partnership with Digatherm Thermal Imaging, embedding laser therapy and thermal imaging technologies. Multi Radiance Medical seeks to take advantage of such a synergistic relationship between the two technologies through this partnership. Together, thermal imaging and laser therapy give veterinarians a complete toolset.
The U.S. leads in the adoption of thermal cameras, mainly for application in security, automotive, and defense areas. Further development in the integration of thermal cameras with the IoT and AI technologies enhanced their potential by making them more effective for different types of surveillance and defense systems. The launch finally answers the demand for high national security and continued interest by the U.S. market in using advanced thermal imaging technology to protect complex infrastructures and further develop security operations.
Canada thermal camera market is growing due to the rising demand for remote environmental monitoring and managing resources. The government has been investing in thermal imaging technologies that keep watch over pipelines transporting oil with much ease, hence decreasing risks of environmental hazards. Its investment has been a reflection that Canada is indeed being proactive towards the use of thermal cameras in protecting the environment and managing resources, making sure that all key infrastructures in the country are at par to monitor the traffic of leaks and other issues.
APEJ Market Statistics
The thermal camera demand in Asia Pacific excluding Japan is anticipated to surge at a rapid pace during the forecast period, driven by increasing urbanization and industrial development headed by India and China. Both countries are making significant investments in smart city initiatives and industrial safety, driving demand for advanced thermal imaging solutions. In countries like China and India, thermal cameras secure an indispensable place in precision agriculture for crop health monitoring, irrigation management, and pest infestation. Such applications allow farmers to perform yield optimization with minimal usage of resources, hence enhancing profitability and sustainability.
India is anticipated to witness a steady rise in the thermal camera market in Asia Pacific. The country has been installing thermal cameras for urban surveillance and smart city projects. In 2023, in collaboration with Prama India, the Government of India started deploying thermal cameras in the country's traffic management systems. This would guarantee smooth passage and safety by monitoring and analyzing traffic accurately in real-time and further demonstrates interest on the part of India in deploying this technology into urban infrastructure.
With several government-led initiatives in place to further industrial automation, China has become a global hub of thermal camera manufacturers. As per SIPRI, in 2023, China became the world's second-largest military spender, allocating an estimated USD 296 billion to the military, up 6.0% from 2022. Military expenditure by China accounted for 12.0% of global spending and 50.0% of spending in Asia. Companies are also pushing this growth momentum further. For example, Hanwha Vision introduced, in 2024, AI-powered thermal cameras designed for application in China's expanding surveillance market. This further underlines the leading position of China in thermal imaging technologies that support the growing vigilance needs and drive innovations in industrial automation.
Competition in the thermal camera market is fierce, from technological innovations to expanded global footprints taken by several key players. Among the leading companies are Teledyne FLIR, Hanwha Vision, and Axis Communications, aggressively devoted to the advanced integration of AI and the development of expanded application areas, among others. These companies interact with governments and industries in order to fulfill growing demands coming from a number of sectors. MoviTHERM partnered with Optris in 2024, leading to the sale of thermal imaging solutions at relatively lower costs. This provides the possibility of good performance quality cameras for energy management and security industries. These are some of the developments shaping competition based on technologies and price competition.
Here are some leading companies in the thermal camera market:
Author Credits: Abhishek Verma
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