The global virtual sensors market size was valued at USD 1.02 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 27.9% from 2025 to 2030. Several factors, including the rising adoption of IoT technologies and the growing need for cost-effective alternatives to physical sensors, influence the growth of the virtual sensors industry. Industries are increasingly recognizing the benefits of virtual sensors, such as improved operational efficiency and reduced maintenance costs. In addition, integrating virtual sensors into Industry 4.0 initiatives has further propelled their adoption as businesses seek to enhance predictive maintenance and process optimization capabilities.
Moreover, the market is expected to grow due to advancements in cloud computing and data analytics, which facilitate the deployment of virtual sensors across various applications. The increasing demand for real-time monitoring and data-driven decision-making drives organizations to invest in virtual sensor solutions that can provide timely insights into operational performance. In addition, the rise of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies is enhancing the capabilities of virtual sensors, allowing for more sophisticated data analysis and predictive modeling.
Furthermore, the demand for enhanced monitoring solutions in sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, and smart cities is a significant factor driving market growth. For instance, according to the International Online Medical Council (IOMC), healthcare 5.0 aims to enhance healthcare service delivery by incorporating emotional recognition through advanced sensors, ubiquitous health applications, and emotive smart devices. Moreover, virtual sensors offer advantages such as scalability, flexibility, and ease of implementation, making them viable options for businesses aiming to modernize their operations. By leveraging innovative technologies and addressing data security and interoperability challenges, companies in the virtual sensors industry can capitalize on emerging trends.
The solutions segment dominated the market with a share of 80.0% in 2024 due to its essential role in data collection and analysis. Virtual sensor solutions provide organizations with the tools and functionalities to monitor processes effectively, improving operational efficiency. The increasing demand for integrated systems combining hardware and software capabilities has further solidified the solutions segment's position as businesses seek comprehensive approaches to enhance their data-driven decision-making processes.
The services segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period as organizations increasingly recognize the value of support and maintenance for their virtual sensor implementations. Services such as consulting, training, and ongoing technical support are crucial for ensuring that virtual sensor systems operate optimally and adapt to evolving business needs. As companies invest in these technologies, they also prioritize the associated services that enhance performance and facilitate smoother integration into existing infrastructures. Furthermore, as organizations expand their use of virtual sensors, they require specialized expertise to maximize the benefits of these systems, driving demand for tailored service offerings within the virtual sensors industry.
The on-premise segment dominated the market with the largest revenue share in 2024 due to its data security and control advantages. Organizations prefer on-premise solutions because they allow for sensitive data to be managed internally, reducing risks associated with third-party breaches. This deployment mode also enables the customization of virtual sensor systems to meet specific operational needs, ensuring optimal performance and reliability. As industries increasingly prioritize data privacy and compliance, the on-premise segment remains favored among businesses looking to implement robust virtual sensing solutions.
The cloud segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period as organizations seek greater flexibility and scalability in their operations. Cloud-based virtual sensors provide the ability to access data remotely, facilitating real-time monitoring and analytics without the need for extensive physical infrastructure. This deployment model supports rapid deployment and easy updates, making it suitable for businesses aiming to enhance their operational efficiency. Furthermore, cloud solutions often come with advanced analytics capabilities and machine learning integration, allowing organizations to derive deeper insights from their data.
The manufacturing & utilities segment dominated the market with the largest revenue share in 2024 due to the critical role that virtual sensors play in optimizing production processes and resource management. These sectors benefit from enhanced monitoring capabilities that improve efficiency and reduce operational costs through predictive maintenance and real-time performance tracking. Integrating virtual sensors into smart manufacturing initiatives allows companies to streamline operations, reduce waste, and respond quickly to changing conditions. In addition, as industries increasingly adopt Industry 4.0 principles, the demand for interconnected systems that utilize virtual sensors for comprehensive data analysis continues to rise.
The aerospace & defense segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period as technological advancements create new opportunities for virtual sensors in applications such as predictive maintenance and safety monitoring. The increasing focus on operational efficiency and safety within this sector drives demand for sophisticated virtual sensing solutions that provide accurate data analysis and real-time insights. The ability of virtual sensors to monitor critical systems and predict potential failures makes them invaluable in maintaining safety standards. For instance, researchers have developed virtual sensors that enable aerial vehicles to remain airborne even when their rotor systems fail.
North America virtual sensors market dominated the global market with a revenue share of 37.6% in 2024, primarily due to its advanced technological infrastructure and high adoption rates across various industries. The region's strong emphasis on innovation, particularly in manufacturing, healthcare, and automotive sectors, has fostered significant investments in virtual sensor technologies. Organizations are increasingly leveraging these solutions to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve decision-making processes. Furthermore, integrating virtual sensors with the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) has become critical to driving growth.
The U.S. virtual sensors market dominated the regional market in 2024. The presence of major technology companies and a robust startup ecosystem has accelerated the development and deployment of virtual sensor solutions. In addition, government initiatives aimed at promoting smart manufacturing and energy efficiency have further fueled demand for these technologies. As organizations in the U.S. continue to adopt digital transformation strategies, the focus on integrating virtual sensors into existing systems enhances their operational capabilities and drives competitive advantage.
Asia Pacific virtual sensors market is expected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2025 to 2030 due to rapid industrialization and increasing investments in smart technologies. Countries such as China, India, and Japan are experiencing significant economic growth, which is leading to a surge in demand for advanced monitoring solutions across various sectors. The growing emphasis on automation and IoT integration is driving organizations to adopt virtual sensors as cost-effective alternatives to traditional physical sensors.
China virtual sensors market dominated the Asia Pacific region in 2024, driven by its strong manufacturing base and commitment to technological advancement. The country's focus on Industry 4.0 initiatives has led to increased adoption of virtual sensor solutions that optimize production processes and enhance resource management. Government policies promoting innovation and sustainability have also encouraged industries to integrate advanced monitoring technologies into their operations.
Europe virtual sensors market is expected to grow at a significant CAGR from 2025 to 2030 as organizations increasingly recognize the value of these technologies in enhancing operational efficiency and compliance with regulatory standards. The region's focus on sustainability and energy efficiency drives demand for virtual sensor solutions to monitor environmental conditions and optimize resource usage. Moreover, advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning are significantly enhancing the capabilities of virtual sensors, enabling their application across various industries such as healthcare, automotive, and smart cities.
The virtual sensors market features several key players who shape its landscape, including Siemens, which develops innovative virtual sensor solutions for diverse industries. General Electric Company also creates advanced virtual sensor technologies to enhance operational efficiency. Schneider Electric focuses on integrating virtual sensors into its energy management and automation solutions, while Cisco Systems, Inc. provides networking and connectivity solutions that support the deployment of virtual sensors in various applications.
Schneider Electric provides digital transformation, energy management, and automation solutions. The company focuses on enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability through innovative technologies, including its offerings in the virtual sensors industry. Schneider Electric's virtual sensors enable seamless data collection, connectivity, and real-time analytics, allowing organizations to improve safety and reliability while optimizing their energy management systems.
Cisco Systems, Inc. specializes in networking hardware, telecommunications equipment, and high-technology services. In the virtual sensors industry, Cisco leverages its networking expertise to support virtual sensor deployment across various applications. By providing robust connectivity solutions, Cisco enables organizations to integrate virtual sensors into their systems effectively, enhancing data-driven decision-making and operational efficiency.
The following are the leading companies in the virtual sensors market. These companies collectively hold the largest market share and dictate industry trends.
In November 2024, Elliptic Labs launched its AI software platform on Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 Carbon Aura Edition laptop. This release showcases the application of Elliptic Labs' cutting-edge technology, which features the new Smart Share capability and the AI Virtual Human Presence and Tap Sensor. The Smart Share capability effortlessly facilitates photo transfers between Aura Edition laptops and smartphones, allowing users to tap their phone against the side of the laptop's display to start the transfer.
In November 2024, Elliptic Labs announced the launch of its AI Virtual Proximity Sensor INNER BEAUTY on the Redmi Note 14 series. This deployment highlights Elliptic Labs’ technology, which is currently integrated into over 500 million devices worldwide. The AI Virtual Proximity Sensor is designed to detect when a phone is held to a user's ear while on a call, which enables the smartphone to automatically turn off its display and deactivate the screen's touch functionality.
Report Attribute |
Details |
Market size value in 2025 |
USD 1.38 billion |
Revenue forecast in 2030 |
USD 4.70 billion |
Growth rate |
CAGR of 27.9% from 2025 to 2030 |
Base year for estimation |
2024 |
Historical data |
2018 - 2023 |
Forecast period |
2025 - 2030 |
Quantitative units |
Revenue in USD million/billion, and CAGR from 2025 to 2030 |
Report coverage |
Revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends |
Segments covered |
Component, deployment, end-use, region |
Regional scope |
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa |
Country scope |
U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, UK, France, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, Brazil, UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa |
Key companies profiled |
Siemens; General Electric Company; Schneider Electric; Aspen Technology, Inc.; Rockwell Automation; Honeywell International Inc.; ABB; Emerson Electric Co.; Cisco Systems, Inc.; Endress+Hauser Group Services AG |
Customization scope |
Free report customization (equivalent up to 8 analysts working days) with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional and segment scope. |
Pricing and purchase options |
Avail customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs. Explore purchase options |
This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global virtual sensors market report based on component, deployment, end-use, and region.
Component Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
Solutions
Services
Deployment Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
Cloud
On-premise
End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
Oil & Gas
Aerospace & Defense
Automotive & Transportation
Healthcare
Manufacturing & Utilities
Electronics
Others
Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
North America
U.S.
Canada
Mexico
Europe
Germany
UK
France
Asia Pacific
China
Japan
India
Australia
South Korea
Latin America
Brazil
Middle East and Africa (MEA)
UAE
Saudi Arabia
South Africa
"The quality of research they have done for us has been excellent."