Resolvers Market Size and Trends

The Global Resolvers Market size was valued at US$ 970 Million in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 1,670 Million by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7% from 2023 to 2030. Resolvers are electromechanical devices that perform angular position measurements. They are used in myriad applications that require precise shaft angular positioning and speed control including industrial robots, antilock braking systems, machine tools, and other automation systems. The key factors driving the market growth include the increasing use of resolvers in defense equipment such as radars, motion control systems, satellites etc. and growth of industrial automation. The resolvers market is segmented based on type, axis type, end-use industry, output, component, and region. By type, the market is segmented into brushless resolvers, brushed resolvers, and others. The brushless resolvers segment accounts for the largest share of the resolvers market owing to their various advantages over brushed resolvers such as contactless design, higher accuracy, and reliability.

Resolvers Market Drivers:

Increasing use in defense equipment: The use of resolvers is increasing significantly in defense applications such as radars, motion control systems, satellites, and other navigation and positioning equipment. Resolvers are highly reliable and accurate, which makes them suitable for defense applications. For instance, Northrop Grumman utilizes rugged resolvers on the turret drive system for its AN/TPY-2 radar. Increased defense spending globally is driving the adoption of resolvers in critical defense electronic systems. Defense forces are also retrofitting legacy equipment with modern resolvers for improved capabilities. The robust design and resistance to vibration enables long service life for resolvers in defense applications. Northrop Grumman Corporation is an American multinational aerospace and defense technology company. With 95,000 employees and an annual revenue in excess of $30 billion, it is one of the world\'s largest weapons manufacturers and military technology providers.
Growth of industrial automation: Growing automation across process industries is creating a substantial demand for resolvers in servomotors, robotics, CNC machines, and other automated systems. Resolvers enable accurate tracking of angular position in feedback control systems for automation. Key industries driving resolver adoption include automotive, metals & mining, oil & gas, power generation, chemicals production, and food & beverage. For example, resolvers are used extensively in automotive powertrain systems and assembly lines. The increasing investments in Industry 4.0 technologies is accelerating the automation trend in the industrial sector. This is likely to spur the adoption of resolvers significantly.
Advancements in resolver technology: Ongoing advancements such as contactless resolvers, hollow bore resolvers, multi-speed resolvers, absolute encoders, and the development of Application-specific integrated circuit have enhanced the capabilities and performance of resolvers. Modern resolvers offer higher accuracy, reliability, resolution, and faster processing than earlier models. Manufacturers are developing customized and application specific resolvers according to end-user requirements. The emergence of smart resolvers integrated with electronics and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) also presents growth opportunities.
Rising adoption of motion control systems: The growing use of motion control systems in automation solutions is driving the adoption of resolvers as position sensors. Resolvers allow precise closed-loop motion control in servo motors. They find wide applications in motion control for factory automation, computer numerical control machines, robotics, conveyors systems, and packaging equipment. Resolvers enable efficient coordination between motors and provide position feedback. Advancements in multi-axis motion controllers and Industry 4.0 are catalyzing the use of resolvers for motion control across industries.

Resolvers Market Trends:

Development of customized and application specific resolvers: Resolver manufacturers are developing application-specific designs customized according to the unique requirements of end-use cases. Parameter programmable resolvers allow adaptation to different output formats, operating speeds, temperature ranges, and accuracy levels. Customization enhances resolver performance in the desired application. Leading companies like Honeywell and Tamagawa offer engineering support for custom resolver designs. The trend of application-specific resolvers is gaining significant traction in the market. For instance, the U.S.-based BEI Sensors has filed several patents since 2020 for resolver designs customized for servo motors, medical devices, and aircraft systems. This reflects their focus on developing solutions as per the resolvers used in these strategic sectors.
Adoption of hollow bore resolvers: Hollow bore resolvers are gaining increasing popularity owing to space savings and integration benefits. Unlike conventional resolvers, they provide a hollow shaft which allows routing of wires and cables through the center. This enables the embedding of resolvers within electric motors and generators for more compact systems. The space efficiency is driving the utilization of hollow bore resolvers in motion control systems, robot joints, automated guided vehicles , and other applications where space constraints exist. For instance, a 2022 case study from the European Space Agency highlighted the successful implementation of hollow bore resolver technology in the attitude control system of a satellite due to its ability to achieve high performance in a smaller size envelope. The growing use of resolvers including hollow bore types in advanced technologies will likely propel the global resolvers market forward in the coming years.
Emergence of wireless resolvers: Wireless resolvers eliminate complex cable connections and offer flexibility in feedback systems. They allow remote monitoring and find applications in rotating equipment where slip rings are not desired. Wireless operation aids quick resolver installation and enhances portability. Key companies like Honeywell and TE Connectivity provide wireless resolver solutions using ASIC/SoC technology. The wireless trend will gain more traction with the adoption of Industry 4.0 and IoT.
Integration of resolvers with motors: Resolver manufacturers are increasingly collaborating with motor OEMs to develop integrated resolver-motors. Inbuilt resolvers simplify system architecture and enhance motion control performance. They eliminate alignment issues associated with external resolvers. TE Connectivity, Renishaw, and Micronor offer brushless servo motors with integrated resolvers. Pre-aligned and pre-calibrated integrated motor-resolvers are gaining adoption for automation applications requiring compact servo systems.