Thermal imaging in the mobility industry refers to the use of infrared technology to enhance safety and functionality in various modes of transportation. In this context, thermal cameras and sensors are integrated into vehicles, such as cars, trucks, and drones, to detect heat signatures and generate images based on temperature variations. This technology provides valuable benefits like improved night vision, enhanced driver assistance systems, and increased autonomous vehicle capabilities. It can help identify pedestrians, wildlife, and obstacles in challenging conditions, making mobility safer and more efficient. Thermal imaging is an emerging trend in the mobility sector, offering advanced sensing capabilities for a variety of transportation applications.

The thermal imaging market for mobility industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.62% during the forecast period from 2020-2025. Thermal imaging is believed to be first used in the Korean War for military purposes such as scouting and night combat missions, and since then, the uses of such a transformative technology have increased dynamically. The technology is being used in a variety of sectors ranging from basic housing maintenance to healthcare, defense, transport navigation, etc.

Thermal imaging devices are expensive to purchase, and in complex objects with erratic temperatures, images are difficult to read.  Different emissivity and reflections from surfaces make accurate temperature measurements difficult.  Underwater structures are not studied by thermal imaging sensors. For temperature calculation, most thermal imaging cameras have an average accuracy. Only long-wavelength thermal cameras seem to have a higher accuracy while creating thermal visuals. Since thermal energy can be reflected off shiny objects, thermal imaging cameras cannot see through glass. Furthermore, these cameras are unable to see through partitions.

Uncooled Segment to Dominate the Market Throughout the Forecast Period

The uncooled thermal imagers are expected to maintain their dominance in the market throughout the forecast period. The major restraining factor for the growth of cooled thermal imagers is their high cost.

Major Advantage of Thermal Imaging Market for Mobility Industry

The major advantage thermal imaging has is that it can be used in any condition and does not require any additional light. In the mobility segment, drones with thermal imagers are widely used for various activities such as search and rescue operations, firefighting, solar farm inspections, utility inspections, and much more.

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With respect to the vehicles used by the defense sector of various countries, thermal imaging has a major role to play in surveillance around the borders and tracking movements in restricted areas. Also, armored fighting vehicles are able to lock heat signatures which helps in planning strategic attacking strategies using this technology.

Impact of COVID-19 on Thermal Imaging Market for Mobility Industry

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a sudden and significant impact on the automotive industry, which is globally interconnected. Many companies around the world have used social distancing requirements, strict cleaning procedures, and capacity limits as part of their roadmap for healthy restoration to restrict the spread of the highly infectious COVID-19 virus. In addition, stores, office buildings, and school institutions understand that equipment can now play a vital role in detecting people who may have the virus before they can access the premises. Some of the potential consequences of the pandemic outbreak include loss of shipments of Chinese parts, large-scale disruption of production throughout Europe, and the closing of assembly plants in the U.S. These factors place extreme pressure on an industry that is already dealing with a downshift in global demand, which is expected to lead to an intensified interest in mergers and acquisitions. The majority of the companies halted their production of thermal cameras for the defense, marine, and automotive sectors and started focusing on manufacturing hand-held thermal cameras for thermal screening.

North America to Witness Fastest Growth in Thermal Imaging Market for Mobility

North America dominates the market mainly because of U.S. The country has one of the largest militaries in the world. It comprises the air force, army, navy, marine, and space force. The budget of the U.S. military is the largest in the world. Therefore, it uses significant and powerful technologies in its military, which includes the use of advanced thermal cameras for its defense vehicles and drones. Many companies such as FLIR Systems, Inc., Opgal Technologies, and Lynred supply thermal cameras to the U.S. military.

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Competitive Landscape

The competitive landscape of the global thermal imaging market for mobility industry consists of different strategies undertaken by major players across the entire value chain to gain market presence. Some of the strategies adopted by thermal camera manufacturers are product launches, mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, and collaborations. Among all the strategies adopted, product launches have dominated the competitive landscape. Veoneer Inc., Jenoptik AG, L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC., and Opgal Technologies Inc., are some of the leading players in the global thermal imaging market for mobility industry.

Most of the thermal camera manufacturers are of different financial capabilities, and the industry landscape is quite competitive because of the large number of players in the market. Therefore, innovation and development have been the key factors for the large-scale growth in this market. Thermal camera manufacturers are expanding their businesses and are also entering strategic partnerships to target a greater audience and increase their overall footprint.