The global infrared imaging market is poised for high growth on account of growing adoption in previously untapped applications. IR cameras were initially developed for military applications, which accounted for a majority of the global market revenue. For several years, the technology was limited to military & defense, academia, and niche markets. Developments in uncooled IR imaging technology coupled with the availability of reasonably priced IR cameras led to the commercialization of the IR imaging market. IR cameras have gained prominence in several applications such as firefighting, industrial imaging, security, and surveillance.
Based on spectral range, the infrared imaging market can be segmented into Short Wave Infrared (SWIR) imaging, Medium Wave Infrared (MWIR) imaging, Long Wave Infrared (LWIR) imaging, and Far Wave Infrared (FWIR) imaging. Reduction in LWIR camera prices is expected to have a positive bearing on the penetration of the technology in security, surveillance, and automotive markets. The technology plays an important part in providing night-vision option in automobiles.
IR imaging has been extensively used by airports during the outbreak of epidemics such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), swine flu, and recently Ebola to identify and screen passengers with elevated body temperatures. IR imaging helps to identify the site of tissue damage in case of injuries, thereby aiding the sports medicine field to a great extent. Remote sensing and hyper spectral imaging are expected to be the key opportunity domains for Infrared Imaging market expansion.
Increased use in automotive, oil & gas, and other commercial applications is expected to play a pivotal role in the penetration of this technology in Asia Pacific. North America is expected to remain the dominant region over the forecast period.
Companies such as Axis Communications, FLIR Systems, and Samsung Techwin are some of the key IR imaging market players specializing in commercial vision applications; whereas Fluke Corporation and FLIR Systems are prominent players specializing in thermography applications.