Tactile Sensor Market by Type (Resistive Tactile Sensors, Capacitive Tactile Sensors, Piezoelectric Tactile Sensors, Optical Tactile Sensors, and Others), by Application (Robotics, Computer Hardware, Security System, Touch Screens, Medical Devices, Handhe

Tactile Sensor Market by Type (Resistive Tactile Sensors, Capacitive Tactile Sensors, Piezoelectric Tactile Sensors, Optical Tactile Sensors, and Others), by Application (Robotics, Computer Hardware, Security System, Touch Screens, Medical Devices, Handheld Devices, and Others), and by Industry Vertical (Automotive, Robotics and Automation, Aerospace and Defense, Consumer Electronics, Healthcare, and Other Industry) – Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024–2030

The Global Tactile Sensor Market size was valued at USD 4.65 billion in 2023 and is predicted to reach USD 9.81 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 10.3% from 2024 to 2030. In terms of volume the market size was 2040 million units in 2023 and is projected to reach 5408 million units in 2030, with a CAGR of 13.9% from 2023 to 2030.

A tactile sensor is a specialized tool crafted to detect and gauge physical interactions such as touch, pressure, and force with accuracy and swiftness. These sensors play pivotal roles across various industries such as robotics, healthcare, consumer electronics, automotive, and aerospace. Employing cutting-edge technologies such as capacitive, resistive, piezoelectric, and optical sensing, tactile sensors deliver intricate feedback on physical contacts, enabling superior control, safety, and functionality within intricate systems. The tactile sensor market encompasses the production, distribution, and utilization of these sensors, propelled by advancements in material science, integration with artificial intelligence, and escalating demands for automation and human-machine interaction.

The industries worldwide are increasingly turning to automation, with robotics leading the charge, aiming to boost productivity and efficiency. This surge has led to a significant uptick in the demand for tactile sensors, which play a pivotal role in enabling machines to accurately sense and respond to touch. This improvement spans sectors such as manufacturing, automotive, healthcare, and consumer electronics. According to the 2024 report by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), there has been a notable increase in industrial robot installations, hitting a record 3.9 million operational robots globally by 2022. Leading countries in terms of robot density include The Republic of Korea (with 1,012 robots per 10,000 employees), Singapore (with 730 units), and Germany (with 415 units). This widespread adoption of robotics across diverse industries is propelling the global demand for tactile sensors. As companies strive to streamline operations and maintain competitiveness in today's digital landscape, the uptake of tactile sensors is gaining momentum, driving innovation and expanding the market.

However, regular calibration and maintenance to ensure the reliability and accuracy of tactile sensors, can raise the total ownership costs for tactile sensor businesses. Furthermore, their sensitivity to environmental factors such as temperature and humidity creates difficulties in maintaining consistent responsiveness and precision, especially in harsh or fluctuating conditions. These challenges not only complicate the operation of tactile sensors but may also restrain the growth of the market.

On the contrary, quantum sensing techniques integrated into tactile sensor technology capitalize on the distinct characteristics of quantum mechanics, such as superposition and entanglement, to achieve exceptionally sensitive and precise measurements. Through the utilization of these quantum phenomena, tactile sensors can discern minute alterations in pressure, force, or other physical attributes with unparalleled precision. The integration of quantum sensing techniques into these sensors is poised to catalyze substantial market growth in the foreseeable future.

Segment Overview

The global tactile sensors industry is segmented on the basis of type, application, industry vertical, and region.
By type, the market is divided into resistive tactile sensors, capacitive tactile sensors, piezoelectric tactile sensors, optical tactile sensors and others.
By application, the market is classified into robotics, computer hardware, security system, touch screens, medical devices, handheld devices and others.
By industry vertical, the market is categorised into automotive, robotics and automation, aerospace and defense, consumer electronics, healthcare and other industry.
By region, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the rest of the world (RoW).

Regional Analysis

Asia-Pacific region holds the dominant market share

Asia-Pacific dominates the tactile sensors industry, driven by the increasing emphasis on automation for enhancing productivity and competitiveness in China’s industrial sector. According to the 2023 report from the International Federation of Robotics, China's substantial investment in industrial robotics propelled it to the 5th position in global robot density rankings, surpassing the United States in 2022, with 322 operational industrial robots per 10,000 employees in the manufacturing industry.

In Japan, the increasing adoption of tactile sensors in electronic products aim to enhance user interaction and ensure product reliability and thereby drive the market. In February 2024 alone, Japan's electronics production reached an impressive USD 5,839.08 million, with expectations of reaching USD 11,484.87 million by the end of the year. With the electronic sector expected to continue expanding and evolving due to ongoing technological advancements, the demand for tactile sensors in Japan is set to rise further

Moreover, the gaming industry in South Korea, characterized by its vibrant esports culture and tech-savvy population, serves as a key driver for the escalating demand for tactile sensors in gaming peripherals. The country's gaming industry was valued at USD 17.6 billion in 2022. With such rapid growth in the gaming sector, there is a growing need for tactile sensors as companies aim to deliver immersive gaming experiences and innovative peripheral devices.

Key Market Players

The key players in the global Tactile Sensors market include:
• Broadcom
• Shenzhen Goodix Technology Co., Ltd.
• Synaptics Incorporated
• ALPS Electric (Cirque Corporation)
• STMicroelectronics N.V.
• FocalTech Systems Co., Ltd.
• Elan Microelectronics
• Pressure Profile Systems
• AIS Global group (Touch International Inc.)
• Tekscan Inc.
• ForceN
• Contactile
• Sensobright
• X-Sensors
• Barrett Technology

Recent Developments

March 2024

Sensobright has introduced its newest products, the tactile sensor and Smart Surface Development Kits. These kits offer developers and engineers user-friendly tools, these kits facilitate the seamless integration of state-of-the-art tactile sensor technology into diverse applications.

February 2024

Tekscan Inc. launched a novel pressure mapping sensor specifically designed for battery applications, named the 7800-battery sensor. Tailored to address the unique requirements of battery applications, this cutting-edge sensor provides advanced pressure mapping functionalities.

February 2024

Alps Alpine announced the commencement of external sales of ICs that were previously designed and developed only for internal use in their own manufactured products. Alps Alpine developed the HSLCMB series ICs that incorporate a capacitance measurement circuit and 32-bit CPU to enable capacitive sensing with higher sensitivity and noise robustness compared to their conventional products. These ICs are applicable to a wide range of applications, including touchless operation, automotive touch panels, and liquid level sensors.

September 2023

STMicroelectronics launched a new FlightSense multi-zone ranging sensor with a viewing angle of 90°. This optical sensor has a 33% wider viewing angle than the previous generation product, providing realistic scene perception capabilities for home automation, home appliances, computers, robots, and smart devices used in stores, factories, and other areas.

KEY BENEFITS
• The report provides quantitative analysis and estimations of the tactile sensors market from 2024 to 2030. This analysis assists in identifying the prevailing market opportunities to capitalize on.
• The study comprises a detailed analysis of the tactile sensors market trends, including the current and future trends to depict the prevalent investment pockets in the market.
• The information related to key drivers, restraints, and opportunities and their impact on the tactile sensors market is provided in the report.
• The competitive analysis of the market players along with their market share in the market is provided in the report.
• The SWOT analysis and Porter’s Five Forces model are elaborated in the study.
• The value chain analysis in the market study provides a clear picture of the roles of stakeholders.