PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1932634
PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1932634
An image measuring instrument is a non-contact precision device that employs advanced optical systems, high-resolution cameras, and digital image processing to capture detailed images of objects and accurately determine their dimensions and geometric properties. By integrating imaging technology, specialized lenses, and advanced software algorithms, it provides reliable and highly accurate measurements for a wide range of object parameters.
The primary types of image measuring instruments include optical comparators, digital microscopes, coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), video measuring machines, and laser scanners. Optical comparators project a magnified silhouette of an object onto a screen, allowing precise measurement of its dimensions and shapes. These instruments offer various features such as portability, ease of use, data management, measurement accuracy, and integration with software solutions. They also support technologies such as 2D and 3D image measurement, automated and manual measurement systems. Image measuring instruments are widely used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, and medical fields, serving end-users, manufacturers, research institutions, quality control labs, and educational organizations.
Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report's Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.
Tariffs are influencing the image measuring instrument market by increasing costs of imported optical assemblies, camera modules, precision stages, and embedded electronics. Manufacturers in Asia-Pacific and Europe are most affected due to dependence on cross-border optical component supply chains. These tariffs have contributed to higher system prices and delayed technology upgrades in cost-sensitive industries. On the positive side, they are encouraging regional sourcing of optics, domestic assembly of measurement systems, and innovation in cost-efficient imaging technologies.
The image measuring instrument market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides image measuring instrument market statistics, including image measuring instrument industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with an image measuring instrument market share, detailed image measuring instrument market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the image measuring instrument industry. This image-measuring-instrument market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.
The image measuring instrument market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $1.33 billion in 2025 to $1.46 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.6%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to expansion of manufacturing quality inspection needs, growth in electronics and automotive production, rising adoption of optical measurement tools, increased demand for non-destructive testing, availability of advanced imaging technologies.
The image measuring instrument market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $2.08 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.3%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing automation in industrial inspection, rising demand for digital metrology solutions, expansion of precision manufacturing, growing use in medical and aerospace sectors, increasing investment in smart inspection infrastructure. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing adoption of automated image measurement systems, rising use of high-resolution optical sensors, growing integration with advanced measurement software, expansion of non-contact inspection applications, enhanced focus on measurement repeatability.
The growing trend of automation in manufacturing is set to drive the expansion of the image measuring instrument market in the near future. Manufacturing automation involves using machines and technology to handle production tasks with minimal human intervention, enhancing efficiency by enabling faster and more precise processes. Image measuring instruments play a crucial role in this shift by providing accurate, non-contact measurements and inspections. These devices allow machines to automatically check dimensions, detect defects, and ensure product quality without manual input. For example, in April 2024, the International Federation of Robotics, a non-profit organization based in Germany, reported a significant rise in automation investments by manufacturing companies in the United States. Industrial robot installations increased by 12%, reaching a total of 44,303 units in 2023. As a result, the ongoing automation trend in manufacturing is accelerating the growth of the image measuring instrument market.
Key players in the image measuring instrument market are focusing on the development of innovative solutions, such as compact manual vision measuring machines, to improve measurement accuracy, reduce inspection time, and enhance operational efficiency in quality control. These compact devices utilize optical imaging and manual controls to precisely measure the dimensions and geometry of small to medium-sized components in a cost-effective and space-efficient manner. For instance, in September 2025, Mitutoyo Corporation, a leading Japanese manufacturer of measuring instruments and metrology technology, introduced the QM-Fit. This compact manual vision measuring machine is designed to replace traditional profile projectors. The QM-Fit enables quick and accurate dimensional inspection with a user-friendly touchscreen interface and automatic feature recognition, eliminating the need for manual setup or focusing. Equipped with a high-resolution 20-megapixel color sensor, telecentric lens, and digital zoom, it delivers precise measurements with an accuracy of +-10 micrometers and repeatability within +-4 micrometers. Its compact size allows for flexible installation on the shop floor without the need for special stands, offering real-time graphical pass/fail results and traceability for quality audits.
In July 2025, AMETEK Inc., a US-based manufacturer of electronic instruments and electromechanical devices, acquired FARO Technologies Inc. for approximately $920 million. This acquisition enables AMETEK to enhance its precision measurement capabilities and expand into lucrative market segments by combining FARO's expertise in 3D metrology and digital reality solutions with AMETEK's Ultra Precision Technologies Division. FARO Technologies, a US-based leader in 3D measurement, imaging, and realization solutions, specializes in image measuring instruments.
Major companies operating in the image measuring instrument market are Keyence Corporation, Mitutoyo Corporation, Carl Zeiss AG, Hexagon AB, Nikon Metrology NV, KLA Corporation, JENOPTIK AG, Vision Engineering Ltd., AMETEK Inc., Bruker Corporation, Renishaw plc, Mahr GmbH, TRIMOS SA, Viscom AG, Marposs S.p.A., SAKI Corporation, Tokyo Seimitsu Co., Ltd., OGP (Optical Gaging Products), Starrett Company, Micro-Vu Corporation, Creaform Inc., Alicona Imaging GmbH
North America was the largest region in the image measuring instrument market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the image measuring instrument market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa
The countries covered in the image measuring instrument market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.
The image measuring instrument market consists of sales of video measuring machines, optical measuring systems, profile projectors, digital optical comparators, and surface and contour measuring systems. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
Image Measuring Instrument Market Global Report 2026 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.
This report focuses image measuring instrument market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
Where is the largest and fastest growing market for image measuring instrument ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward, including technological disruption, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer preferences? The image measuring instrument market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.
The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, total addressable market (TAM), market attractiveness score (MAS), competitive landscape, market shares, company scoring matrix, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.
Added Benefits available all on all list-price licence purchases, to be claimed at time of purchase. Customisations within report scope and limited to 20% of content and consultant support time limited to 8 hours.