The Global Portable Thermal Imagers Markets was valued at US$ 3.67 Bn in 2023 in terms of value and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.3% during the forecast period. The thermal imager is a device similar to a regular camera, which creates an image that is visible to human eyes, using infrared radiation. A thermal imager is also known as a thermographic camera, infrared camera, or thermal imaging camera. There are two types of thermal imagers, cooled type, and uncooled type. Thermal cameras are mostly used in airport security, border patrol police, medical equipment, and others. Thermal Imagers detect the infrared energy emitted, transmitted, or reflected by all materials at temperatures above absolute zero and convert the energy factor into a temperature reading or thermogram. A thermogram is a thermal image displayed by the camera of the object which is emitting, transmitting, or reflecting infrared energy.
Global Portable Thermal Imagers Market: Drivers
Advancements in firefighting equipment
Firefighters require portable thermal imagers to see through smoke and darkness in case of hazardous situations such as fire. Thermal imagers can be used in building fires as well as wildfires to rescue animals and humans. The incidence of wildfires has increased significantly in the last decade. According to the National Institute of Space Research, Brazil, there is a 200% increase in wildfires from 2013 to 2019 in Amazon. As wildfire is unpredictable, rescue operations might have to be carried out even at night. The use of thermal imagers will help in finding trapped animals in the forest. These factors are expected to drive the global portable thermal imagers’ market growth during the forecast period. For instance, in April 2021, Seek Thermal (Seek Thermal is the best way to experience and visualize thermal energy) introduced Reveal FirePRO X to support firefighters with an upgraded personal TIC. The latest version of its high-resolution personal thermal imaging camera (TIC) for firefighters. The upgraded, handheld thermal imaging camera features a new charging port, which makes it even more durable and easier to access when needed.
Global Portable Thermal Imagers Market: Restraints
Environmental factor that affects the performance of portable thermal imagers
One key environmental factor that affects the performance of portable thermal imagers is temperature. Thermal imaging relies on the detection of temperature differences to create an image. Extreme temperatures, such as extremely hot or cold environments, can affect the accuracy and resolution of thermal images. In high-temperature settings, the imager may struggle to differentiate between objects with small temperature variations, leading to reduced clarity and accuracy of the images. Similarly, in extremely cold conditions, the sensitivity and responsiveness of the imager's sensor may be compromised, affecting its ability to detect heat signatures accurately. Another environmental condition that impacts portable thermal imagers is humidity. In humid environments, water vapor in the air can absorb and scatter thermal radiation, reducing the imager's ability to capture clear and precise images. This can result in decreased visibility and the blurring of heat signatures. Additionally, condensation can form on the imager's lens or sensor in high humidity, further hindering its performance.
Battery life and power constraints associated with portable thermal imagers
Battery life is a critical factor when it comes to portable devices, including thermal imagers. These devices require a considerable amount of power to operate and produce accurate thermal images. Power constraints are also a significant concern for portable thermal imagers. In many applications, these devices need to be lightweight and compact, allowing users to carry them easily and use them in various environments. However, the power constraints limit the overall performance and capabilities of the device. Manufacturers often face the challenge of balancing the power requirements with the portability and usability of the thermal imager. However, the limited capacity of batteries often poses a challenge in maintaining extended usage time. Furthermore, the development of energy-efficient components, such as low-power display screens and power-efficient processors, contributes to overcoming power constraints. These advancements not only improve battery life but also allow for more features and functionalities to be incorporated into the devices without compromising their portability.
Global Portable Thermal Imagers Market: Opportunities
Increasing adoption of thermal imagers at airport security
Thermal imagers are used extensively at airport security for determining physical parameters such as body temperature, as body temperature is a crucial parameter to determine a person’s health condition. If a person with a high body temperature is found, he/she needs to be isolated for medical checkups. For instance, in 2020,According to the news by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, a new type of virus known as coronavirus was found in China that causes sickness and death of several people. The primary indication of the person affected by this virus is high fever. The portable thermal imagers are installed at various airports and distributed to various health agencies to identify people with high fever and isolate them from the crowd to prevent further spreading of the virus.
Involvement of thermography in healthcare
A symptomatic screening strategy that is harmless is used with the end goal of finding the high-level phases of a sickness. To find cancer in infants, this method is used in conjunction with other diagnostic and scanning tools. Different illnesses which are determined to have the assistance of these methods incorporate vascular sicknesses, wounds, and diseases.
Thermal imaging cameras are used to measure the heat that has left the individual's body, which in turn aids in determining the individual's health. This method can be used to prevent a number of serious diseases that can be difficult to treat in the future. This method makes use of images to bring out the heat patterns and thermal imbalances. The irritation that is created by the flow of blood in the human body is estimated with the assistance of warm imaging cameras. For instance, at NIRAMAI(Health Analytix is a Bangalore-based deep-tech startup addressing critical healthcare problems through automated solutions)have developed a novel software-based medical device Thermalytix to detect breast cancer at a much earlier stage than traditional methods of self-examination. Thermalytix is a computer-aided diagnostic engine that is powered by Artificial Intelligence. The solution uses a high-resolution thermal sensing device and a cloud-hosted analytics solution for analyzing the thermal images for reliable, early, and accurate breast cancer screening.
Covid-19 Impact Analysis:
The global portable thermal imagers market, like many other industries, has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The outbreak and subsequent measures to control the spread of the virus have caused disruptions in the supply chain, manufacturing activities, and overall market demand. During the initial stages of the pandemic, various countries implemented lockdowns, travel restrictions, and social distancing measures, leading to the closure of manufacturing facilities and disruptions in the supply chain. This resulted in delays in the production and delivery of portable thermal imagers, affecting the availability of these devices in the market. Companies faced challenges in sourcing components and raw materials, as well as in transporting finished products. Moreover, the pandemic caused a decline in market demand for portable thermal imagers across several sectors. Many industries, including construction, automotive, and non-essential manufacturing, experienced a slowdown or temporary shutdown, leading to reduced investments in new equipment and technologies. This decline in demand affected the sales of portable thermal imagers, particularly in sectors where these devices are commonly used, such as building inspections, maintenance, and industrial applications.
Key Takeaways:
The global Portable Thermal Imagers Market was valued at US$ 3.67 Bn in 2023 and is forecast to reach a value of 7.29 Bn by 2030 at a CAGR of 10.3% between 2023 and 2030.
Uncooled vehicle type segment held a dominant position in the global Portable Thermal Imagers Market in 2022, accounting for 68.3% share in terms of value, increasing approval and launch of new products is expected to propel the growth of the segment during the forecast period.
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Global Portable Thermal Imagers Market Trends:
The Miniaturization and Improved Portability of Thermal Imagers
Technological advancements have allowed for the development of smaller, lighter, and more compact devices without compromising performance. This portability enables users to carry the thermal imagers conveniently and use them in various environments. Additionally, the integration of wireless connectivity features and smartphone compatibility has further enhanced the usability and versatility of these devices. The miniaturization and improved portability of thermal imagers have expanded their applications across various industries and fields. Compact and lightweight thermal imagers are now more accessible, enabling users to benefit from thermal imaging technology in a wide range of scenarios, from security and emergency response to healthcare and outdoor pursuits. These advancements have made thermal imaging more versatile, convenient, and user-friendly, propelling its adoption and further innovation in the field. The improved portability of thermal imagers also extends their use in outdoor activities and hobbies. Outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, and wildlife researchers utilize small and lightweight thermal imagers to track animals, identify their movement patterns, and locate them in dense vegetation or at night. Similarly, boaters and navigators benefit from portable thermal imagers for enhanced situational awareness, aiding in the detection of other vessels, objects, or hazards in low-light or foggy conditions.
Expansion being used of Thermal Imager for diagnostics and support
The use of thermal imagers for diagnostics and support has seen significant expansion in recent years. Thermal imaging technology, which captures and visualizes the heat patterns emitted by objects and living organisms, has found a wide range of applications in various fields, including medicine, building inspections, and industrial maintenance. In the field of medicine, thermal imagers have become valuable tools for diagnostic purposes. They can assist in the early detection of diseases and abnormalities by revealing variations in temperature patterns within the human body. For instance, thermal imaging is used in the detection of breast cancer, as cancerous cells tend to generate more heat than surrounding healthy tissue. By identifying these temperature anomalies, doctors can initiate further investigations and provide timely treatment.
Global Portable Thermal Imagers Market: Competitive Landscape
Flir Systems Inc., BAE Systems PLC, Thales Group, Safran Electronics and Defense, Elbit Systems Ltd., Seek Thermal Inc., Fluke Corporation, American Technologies Network Corporation, Thermoteknix Systems Ltd., Raytheon Company, Leonardo DRS, OMEGA Engineering Inc., Visma Instruments and Technologies Pvt. Ltd., and others
