PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 1876155
PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 1876155
The global infrared (IR) sensors market is witnessing steady growth, driven by the rapid expansion of smart consumer electronics, energy-efficient devices, and industrial automation technologies. According to Fortune Business Insights, the market was valued at USD 1.10 billion in 2024, is projected to reach USD 1.17 billion in 2025, and is expected to expand further to USD 2.00 billion by 2032, reflecting a healthy CAGR of 7.9% during the forecast period (2025-2032).
Infrared sensors are electronic devices that emit and detect infrared radiation to sense objects, temperature, or motion without physical contact. Their adoption spans industries including consumer electronics, automotive, healthcare, aerospace, defense, and industrial automation. The market's evolution is largely attributed to advancements in miniaturization, AI-driven imaging, and integration with IoT devices, which have made IR sensors indispensable across multiple modern applications.
Market Dynamics
Rising Adoption of Smart Devices Drives Growth
Infrared sensors are increasingly integrated into smartphones, tablets, smart home appliances, and wearables to support functions such as gesture control, proximity sensing, and face recognition. With over 171 million users of VR technologies globally, IR sensors are pivotal for immersive interactions in virtual and augmented reality environments. Furthermore, non-contact temperature detection capabilities have become critical for smart healthcare and consumer devices, boosting demand across advanced economies.
Technological Advancements Supported by AI Integration
The adoption of generative AI and machine learning in IR sensor systems enhances image processing, anomaly detection, and real-time environmental monitoring. AI-driven analysis enables noise reduction, synthetic image generation, and faster anomaly identification, improving the precision of surveillance, industrial diagnostics, and defense operations.
Trade Policy Shifts and Domestic Production Initiatives
U.S. reciprocal tariffs introduced in 2025 are reshaping the IR sensor supply chain by encouraging domestic manufacturing and diversification away from single-source dependencies. This policy shift is fostering new production hubs and promoting self-reliant innovation, especially in North America and parts of Europe.
Market Restraints - Technical Complexities and Environmental Limitations
Infrared sensors are constrained by their sensitivity to environmental factors like fog, sunlight, and dust, which can distort signal accuracy. Moreover, IR signals cannot pass through barriers such as walls, limiting their operational scope. These challenges, combined with compatibility issues in multi-device management, present obstacles for widespread adoption in certain industrial contexts.
Market Opportunities and Trends
Growing Demand for Security and Surveillance Solutions
The rising incidence of global security threats is driving investments in infrared-based surveillance and monitoring systems. Governments and private entities increasingly deploy IR sensors for thermal imaging, intrusion detection, and perimeter monitoring. Their ability to function effectively in low visibility and harsh weather conditions positions them as critical components in defense, transportation, and smart city infrastructure.
Sustainability and Energy Efficiency as Key Trends
Infrared sensors contribute to sustainability by enabling smart energy management systems that regulate power usage based on occupancy and temperature conditions. As smart home and industrial IoT adoption accelerates, demand for IR-enabled automation systems continues to grow, promoting both efficiency and environmental conservation.
By Wavelength:
The Near Infrared (NIR) segment held the largest share in 2024, owing to its versatility and affordability in healthcare, automotive, and industrial applications. The Far Infrared (FIR) segment is projected to register the fastest CAGR through 2032, driven by rising demand for thermal imaging and temperature monitoring in defense and industrial safety systems.
By Sensor Type:
In 2024, active IR sensors dominated the market due to their superior precision and ability to operate in low-light conditions. These sensors are crucial for automation and motion detection. Meanwhile, passive infrared (PIR) sensors are expected to grow fastest, supported by widespread use in home security, lighting systems, and smart appliances.
By Application:
The motion sensing segment accounted for the largest market share in 2024, fueled by integration in smartphones, gaming consoles, and building security systems. The gas and fire detection segment is forecasted to grow at the highest rate, driven by increasing adoption in industrial safety and regulatory compliance sectors.
By End-Use:
Consumer electronics led the market in 2024 due to increasing adoption of smart devices, wearables, and IoT technologies. The healthcare sector is projected to exhibit the fastest CAGR during the forecast period, as IR sensors become vital in non-contact diagnostics, medical imaging, and vital sign monitoring systems.
North America:
North America dominated the market in 2024, valued at USD 0.41 billion, driven by technological innovation, high R&D expenditure, and strong defense and aerospace sectors. The U.S. leads the region with large-scale adoption in smart devices, automotive safety systems, and industrial automation.
Europe:
Europe ranked as the second-largest market in 2024, propelled by energy-efficiency mandates and climate monitoring regulations. The region's focus on sustainable infrastructure, building automation, and environmental compliance has strengthened IR sensor demand across industries.
Asia Pacific:
Asia Pacific is projected to record the highest CAGR through 2032, fueled by the dominance of electronics manufacturing giants in Japan, South Korea, China, and Taiwan. The growing demand for IR sensors in smartphones, autonomous vehicles, and industrial robots underpins regional growth. China's New Energy Automobile Industry Plan (2021-2035) aims for a 25% EV market share by 2025, boosting automotive IR sensor deployment.
Middle East & Africa and South America:
These regions are expected to experience moderate growth driven by infrastructure development, automation initiatives, and smart city projects. However, challenges such as limited digital infrastructure and economic volatility may constrain faster adoption.
Competitive Landscape
The global infrared sensors market is competitive, featuring key players such as Panasonic Corporation, Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., Murata Manufacturing, Texas Instruments, Raytheon Technologies, Honeywell, NXP Semiconductors, Teledyne Technologies, Excelitas Technologies, and Lynred. These companies focus on product innovation, AI integration, and partnerships to strengthen their market position.
Key Developments:
Investment Outlook:
In March 2025, British startup Phlux Technology secured USD 10 million in Series A funding to expand its IR sensor portfolio, leveraging antimonide-based semiconductors for faster, energy-efficient optical communication systems. Consolidation activities-such as Teledyne's acquisition of FLIR-reflect the market's trend toward integration of AI and edge-computing technologies.
Conclusion
The global infrared sensors market is projected to grow from USD 1.17 billion in 2025 to USD 2.00 billion by 2032, driven by advancements in smart devices, AI integration, energy-efficient technologies, and automation. With major opportunities emerging in healthcare diagnostics, security systems, and industrial monitoring, the IR sensor industry is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of connected, intelligent systems worldwide.
Segmentation By Wavelength
By Sensor Type
By Application
By End-Use
By Region