Global Thermal Scanners Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type, By Application, By Wavelength (Long - Wave Infrared, Mid - Wave Infrared, and Short - Wave Infrared), By Industry Vertical, By Regional Outlook and Forecast, 2024 - 2031

Global Thermal Scanners Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type, By Application, By Wavelength (Long - Wave Infrared, Mid - Wave Infrared, and Short - Wave Infrared), By Industry Vertical, By Regional Outlook and Forecast, 2024 - 2031

The Global Thermal Scanners Market size is expected to reach $9.47 billion by 2031, rising at a market growth of 8.1% CAGR during the forecast period.

Thermal scanners are critical for enhancing situational awareness, detecting threats, and ensuring mission success in challenging environments. Hence, in 2023, the aerospace & defense segment registered 22% revenue share in the market. This segment benefits from the high demand for advanced thermal imaging solutions in various defense applications, such as surveillance, target acquisition, and night vision. The continuous investment in defense technologies and the need for sophisticated imaging solutions drive the growth and revenue share of the aerospace & defense segment in the market.

The versatility of thermal scanners in various environments is another key factor fuelling their adoption. They can function effectively in low light and complete darkness, offering unparalleled security in challenging environmental conditions. As security requirements become more sophisticated and varied, the ability to integrate thermal scanning into diverse monitoring setups will continue to propel its growth in public safety and security sectors. Furthermore, the use of thermal scanners in smart homes is expanding beyond just energy management and security. They can also be integrated into systems that monitor health and wellness, such as smart wellness devices that track body temperature or detect abnormal heat patterns. These systems can alert homeowners to potential health issues such as fever, which can be a precursor to illness. Thus, surge in demand for thermal scanners in smart home applications and the rising adoption of thermal scanners in public safety and security systems propels the market's growth.

However, as the market for thermal scanners continues to expand, manufacturers may be able to reduce costs by streamlining production processes and developing more cost-effective solutions. However, the high financial barriers associated with thermal scanners remain a significant restraint, particularly for industries and regions where budget constraints are a primary concern. Therefore, high initial investment and maintenance costs are hampering the market's growth.

Type Outlook

Based on type, the market is divided into fixed and handheld. The handheld segment held 38% revenue share in the market in 2023. Handheld thermal scanners offer portability and flexibility, which makes them ideal for on-the-go inspections and diagnostic applications. These devices are extensively used by professionals in fields such as electrical maintenance, HVAC system inspection, and medical diagnostics, where mobility and ease of use are crucial. Handheld thermal scanners are valued for their versatility, allowing users to quickly and accurately detect temperature variations and potential issues in various environments.

Application Outlook

On the basis of application, the market is segmented into thermography, security & surveillance, search & rescue, and others. The thermography segment recorded 38% revenue share in the market in 2023. Thermography involves using thermal imaging to detect and measure temperature variations across surfaces, making it an essential tool in electrical maintenance, building inspections, and preventive maintenance. By identifying hotspots and potential issues before they escalate into major problems, thermography helps enhance safety, improve efficiency, and reduce operational costs. The growing emphasis on infrastructure maintenance and the increasing adoption of predictive maintenance practices contribute to the robust demand and revenue generation for thermal scanners in the thermography segment.

Wavelength Outlook

Based on wavelength, the market is categorized into long - wave infrared, mid - wave infrared, and short - wave infrared. The mid - wave infrared segment witnessed 33% revenue share in the market in 2023. MWIR thermal scanners, operating in the 3-5 micrometer range, are known for their superior image clarity and precision in temperature measurement. These scanners are used in military and defense applications, industrial process monitoring, and environmental monitoring. The ability of MWIR scanners to detect minute temperature differences and their effectiveness in harsh conditions make them highly valuable for critical and high-precision applications.

Industry Vertical Outlook

By industry vertical, the market is divided into aerospace & defense, industrial, oil & gas, commercial, automotive, healthcare, and others. In 2023, the oil & gas segment attained 14% revenue share in the market. Thermal scanners are essential in the oil & gas industry for monitoring pipelines, detecting leaks, and ensuring the safety of operations in harsh and remote environments. The ability to perform non-contact temperature measurements and provide real-time data helps prevent accidents and optimizes the maintenance of critical infrastructure. The focus on safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance drives the adoption of thermal scanners in the oil & gas sector, resulting in a notable revenue share.

Regional Outlook

Region-wise, the market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and LAMEA. The North America region witnessed 40% revenue share in the market in 2023. This high revenue share can be attributed to the significant demand for thermal imaging technology across various sectors, including defense, healthcare, and industrial applications. The presence of leading market players, continuous technological advancements, and substantial research and development investments contribute to this region's strong market performance.

Recent Strategies Deployed in the Market

• Oct-2024: Axis Communications partnered with Redington Limited, a distributor specializing in IT and mobility, to expand its surveillance solutions in India. The collaboration includes Axis’ network-based products, such as thermal cameras for detecting heat signatures in challenging conditions. This partnership leverages Redington’s extensive network to drive Axis’ 5-year growth vision, focusing on critical infrastructure, government, and manufacturing sectors.
• Jan-2024: Teledyne FLIR LLC, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, partnered with Valeo, a French global leader in automotive technology, to develop thermal imaging technology for automotive safety systems. This collaboration secured a 2023 contract with a global automotive OEM to deliver ASIL B-compliant thermal imaging cameras, enhancing advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) with night vision and automatic emergency braking (AEB) capabilities, improving road safety for passenger and autonomous vehicles.
• Sep-2023: L3Harris Technologies expanded its geographical footprints by opening a new 2,800-square-meter facility in Poland for producing advanced EO/IR sensor systems, including thermal imaging solutions. This expansion strengthens European partnerships and operational readiness. The site will serve Poland and international customers, employing over 30 skilled staff for R&D, manufacturing, and repair services, enhancing L3Harris’ global support capabilities.
• Jul-2023: Ametek, Inc. introduced the LWIR-640 thermal imager, designed for industrial automation and process control. With a temperature range from -20°C to 1,000°C and Industry 4.0 capabilities, it supports applications like blast furnace monitoring and hotspot detection in petrochemical industries, ensuring operational efficiency. The imager also features robust thermographic imaging and integrates easily with plant control systems.
• Apr-2023: Seek Thermal Inc. launched the FirePRO 300, a high-resolution (320x240) thermal imaging camera for firefighters. This device features Mixed Gain mode for viewing extreme heat and cold simultaneously, enabling firefighters to navigate smoke-filled environments and identify hotspots

List of Key Companies Profiled

• Teledyne FLIR LLC (Teledyne Technologies Incorporated)
• Fortive Corporation (Fluke Corporation)
• Bosch Security Systems GmbH (Robert Bosch GmbH)
• L3Harris Technologies, Inc.
• Axis Communications AB (Canon, Inc.)
• 3M Company (3M Scott)
• Ametek, Inc. (Ametek Land)
• Thermoteknix Systems Ltd.
• Seek Thermal, Inc.
• Optotherm, Inc.

Global Thermal Scanners Market Report Segmentation

By Type

• Fixed
• Handheld

By Application

• Thermography
• Security & Surveillance
• Search & Rescue
• Other Application

By Wavelength

• Long - Wave Infrared
• Mid - Wave Infrared
• Short - Wave Infrared

By Industry Vertical

• Aerospace & Defense
• Industrial
• Oil & Gas
• Commercial
• Automotive
• Healthcare
• Other Industry Vertical

By Geography

• North America
• US
• Canada
• Mexico
• Rest of North America
• Europe
• Germany
• UK
• France
• Russia
• Spain
• Italy
• Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
• China
• Japan
• India
• South Korea
• Singapore
• Malaysia
• Rest of Asia Pacific
• LAMEA
• Brazil
• Argentina
• UAE
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• Nigeria
• Rest of LAMEA