USD 415.01 Million
Report ID:
SQMIG20D2306 |
Region:
Global |
Published Date: May, 2025
Pages:
198
|Tables:
87
|Figures:
71
Global Microbolometer Market size was valued at USD 415.01 Million in 2023 and is poised to grow from USD 445.16 Million in 2024 to USD 757.20 Million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 7.3% in the forecast period (2025-2032).
The global microbolometer market growth is driven by the increasing demand for advanced thermal imaging, thermometry, and fever detection systems in a variety of industries. The principal reason is the augmented application of infrared cameras in observation systems, particularly industrial security and intelligent cities. The city of Chicago, for instance, used vanadium oxide (VOx)-based thermal imaging cameras on its public transportation system in 2024 for real-time heat signature monitoring for infrastructure diagnosis, security, and anti-vandalism.
In addition, the defense and aerospace industries continue to invest in high-performance thermal systems for night vision and target acquisition. Due to their portability and ease of application in field inspections and maintenance of equipment, small thermal scanners are also increasingly in demand. Amorphous silicon (a-Si) and vanadium oxide (VOx) remain the most widely used materials in the fabrication of microbolometers; a-Si provides a lower-cost option, whereas VOx is used for high-end applications because of its excellent sensitivity.
What Advantages Do AI-Driven Microbolometers Offer Across Industries?
The application of AI is increasingly becoming more innovative to improve the abilities of thermal imaging systems based on microbolometers. Equipment is now able to conduct real-time analysis, pattern detection, and predictive diagnosis with the integration of AI algorithms and temperature sensors. This facilitates wiser, quicker, and automated decision-making.
AI-driven microbolometer cameras, for instance, were installed in public buildings as part of a major European smart city initiative in 2025. The cameras could detect anomalies and manage crowds by monitoring behavioral patterns alongside detecting heat patterns.
AI-driven thermal imaging is applied in companies for predictive maintenance, which minimizes downtime and enhances safety by detecting overheated equipment prior to failure. In addition, AI enhances the performance of surveillance systems and thermal scopes by providing more precise object classification and tracking in military uses. Therefore, AI is not only making microbolometers better but also widening the scope of uses for them, so that thermal imaging becomes more intelligent, efficient, and industry independent.
Market snapshot - 2025-2032
Global Market Size
USD 415.01 Million
Largest Segment
Vanadium Oxide
Fastest Growth
Amorphous Silicon
Growth Rate
7.3% CAGR
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The global microbolometer market is segmented into type, application, wavelength, and region. By type, the market is bifurcated into vanadium oxide and amorphous silicon. Depending on the application, it is classified into military, aerospace & defense, automotive, and medical. According to wavelength, the market is divided into long-wave infrared (LWIR) and mid-wave infrared (MWIR). Regionally, it is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.
As per the 2024 global microbolometer market analysis, in microbolometers, vanadium oxide is the most sought-after material due to its high heat sensitivity, noise suppression, and image quality. VOx is used extensively in high-demand applications such as industrial imaging, aviation, and the military. VOx microbolometers are also highly compatible with advanced packaging techniques, making them perfect for portable and low-volume infrared imaging systems.
The amorphous silicon category will have the highest global microbolometer market share because it is cost-effective and can be produced on a large scale with ease. It is well-suited for consumer and commercial uses where cost is an issue, like automobile systems and building diagnostics. As a result, a-Si is a suitable choice for volume-oriented applications and new economies.
Based on the 2024 global microbolometer market forecast, microbolometers are employed most widely in the military, aerospace & defense industry. The demand for advanced thermal imaging technology in night vision, military equipment, and surveillance is the force behind it. VOx-based thermal cameras are used extensively in military-grade surveillance cameras, drones, and targeting systems due to their excellent sensitivity and robustness in adverse conditions. Due to its performance-oriented nature, this market has been among the primary catalysts of microbolometer technology.
The microbolometer market will grow at the fastest pace in the medical industry. Medical applications are being spurred on by growing utilization of thermal cameras to detect fever, non-invasive diagnosis, and patient monitoring. Thermal cameras based on microbolometers, for instance, are increasingly being applied by clinics and hospitals to check body temperatures and detect diseases early, particularly during preventive health screening.
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As per the 2024 microbolometer market regional forecast, Asia-Pacific is growing rapidly because of increasing defense budgets and rising usage in commercial and industrial applications such as security and the automotive industry. As China, India, and Southeast Asia become key customers for thermal imaging products, the region also gets a boost from developments in infrared technology. The demand for microbolometers is also boosted by the expansion of smart city initiatives and surveillance systems. To enhance surveillance in public infrastructure, Hikvision China launched new smart security thermal camera systems in 2024 equipped with high-performance microbolometers. The expansion of thermal photography in urban public safety solutions is demonstrated here.
One of the earliest nations to adopt infrared technology is South Korea, with its use mainly in the automotive and defense sectors. The nation's microbolometer market share has increased due to high demand for quality thermal cameras by the security, automotive, and military markets. Samsung Electronics introduced a series of infrared sensors for autonomous vehicles in 2025. The sensors employ advanced microbolometer technology to enhance night vision and detect pedestrians.
Japan, where there is great priority placed on technical innovation, controls the microbolometer sector. The infrared market grows as the demand for high-definition thermal imaging expands in military, industrial, and disaster relief. For industrial inspection, Panasonic announced a thermal imaging camera with a microbolometer in 2024. The camera enhances efficiency in the operation of Japan's industries, particularly in vital infrastructure, when used for machinery maintenance.
Microbolometers demand in the defense, security, and industrial fields is the prevailing trend in Europe. The major investments in the defense technology sector and industrial automation in the region further boost the use of infrared imaging sensors. Germany, the UK, and France are growing the market through an increased interest in the surveillance, aerospace, and automotive markets. Third-generation military thermal cameras were released in 2024 by French defense industry corporation Thales Group. Improved precision and reach are made possible due to latest-generation microbolometer technology, and so do performance gains during poor conditions.
Microbolometers are highly demanded in the UK, especially by the security and defense sectors. high-resolution thermal imaging cameras using microbolometer sensors are highly sought after because of the nation's focus on military technology and counter-surveillance equipment. The Ministry of Defense of the UK made its defensive operations for military interventions and border management stronger in 2024 with the use of thermal imaging gear equipped with state-of-the-art microbolometers for surveillance and reconnaissance operations. France
France has a strong microbolometer market due to the high focus on defense and aerospace uses. The market is expanding due to the rising demand for non-contact inspection and monitoring systems in security, automotive, and manufacturing applications. In 2024, French aerospace and military firm Safran announced a thermal vision system utilizing microbolometers for surveillance and aircraft maintenance. France's dominance of the European defense market has been further solidified as a consequence.
The automotive, defense, and industrial industries continue to drive demand for the German microbolometer market. Germany is a pioneer in applying thermal imaging systems in various industries with a robust emphasis on engineering, manufacturing, and technology. To enhance safety and driving accuracy during low-visibility conditions, the automotive sector has been employing thermal imaging since 2025, when Bosch launched infrared sensors based on microbolometers for autonomous vehicles.
North America is especially prominent in the microbolometer market, due to its large defense and aerospace industries, and growing consumer electronics, automotive, and industrial applications. Growing demand is being spurred by the utilization of sophisticated thermal imaging systems for both military and commercial uses. Once more at the forefront of thermal camera innovation, FLIR Systems, a Teledyne Technologies acquired company, released a family of portable thermal-imaging cameras in 2024 that employ high-resolution microbolometers to make police and industrial inspections.
With its huge defense budget, advanced aerospace industry, and growing application of thermal imaging in consumer products, automotive, and security, the US remains the leader in the microbolometer industry. High-performance infrared imaging systems are especially required for military and surveillance use. New thermal infrared systems with microbolometers for enhanced night vision and targeting in combat environments were unveiled by Raytheon Technologies in 2024 for military defense use.
Defense, security, and environmental surveillance are propelling the growth of Canada's microbolometer market. The need for sophisticated infrared sensors across industries is increasing due to Canadian government investments in border security and military activities. To accurately measure temperature in remote areas for search and rescue missions, Canada's Magellan Aerospace utilized microbolometers in 2024 as part of their next-generation thermal camera systems for environmental surveillance.
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Growing Demand for Thermal Imaging for Defense and Security
Increasing Demand in Commercial and Industrial Markets for Thermal Imaging Based on Microbolometers
Expensive, Advanced Microbolometer Systems
Poor Results in Unfavorable Situations
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The availability of notable firms that specialize in developing sensor technology and diversifying their product portfolios across industries characterizes the competitive forces of the microbolometer market. Notable firms with robust product portfolios in the industrial, security, and defense industries are L3Harris Technologies and FLIR Systems. Product innovation, geographic expansion, and strategic alliances are significant strategies employed to stay competitive. To respond to changing market needs, they are incorporating downsizing and the emerging trend of artificial intelligence in their thermal imaging solutions.
SkyQuest’s ABIRAW (Advanced Business Intelligence, Research & Analysis Wing) is our Business Information Services team that Collects, Collates, Correlates, and Analyses the Data collected by means of Primary Exploratory Research backed by robust Secondary Desk research.
As per SkyQuest analysis, as a result of increasing demand in commercial, industrial, and defense sectors, the global microbolometer market is predicted to grow considerably. Convergence of AI and trends towards miniaturization are making thermal imaging systems more viable and efficient. Yet, issues of high cost and performance in adverse conditions still remain. The market will grow to a broad spectrum of applications, such as consumer electronics, automotive, and medical, due to ongoing innovation, especially in AI and small design.
Report Metric | Details |
---|---|
Market size value in 2023 | USD 415.01 Million |
Market size value in 2032 | USD 757.20 Million |
Growth Rate | 7.3% |
Base year | 2024 |
Forecast period | 2025-2032 |
Forecast Unit (Value) | USD Million |
Segments covered |
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Regions covered | North America (US, Canada), Europe (Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe), Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, Rest of Asia-Pacific), Latin America (Brazil, Rest of Latin America), Middle East & Africa (South Africa, GCC Countries, Rest of MEA) |
Companies covered |
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Table Of Content
Executive Summary
Market overview
Parent Market Analysis
Market overview
Market size
KEY MARKET INSIGHTS
COVID IMPACT
MARKET DYNAMICS & OUTLOOK
Market Size by Region
KEY COMPANY PROFILES
Methodology
For the Microbolometer Market, our research methodology involved a mixture of primary and secondary data sources. Key steps involved in the research process are listed below:
1. Information Procurement: This stage involved the procurement of Market data or related information via primary and secondary sources. The various secondary sources used included various company websites, annual reports, trade databases, and paid databases such as Hoover's, Bloomberg Business, Factiva, and Avention. Our team did 45 primary interactions Globally which included several stakeholders such as manufacturers, customers, key opinion leaders, etc. Overall, information procurement was one of the most extensive stages in our research process.
2. Information Analysis: This step involved triangulation of data through bottom-up and top-down approaches to estimate and validate the total size and future estimate of the Microbolometer Market.
3. Report Formulation: The final step entailed the placement of data points in appropriate Market spaces in an attempt to deduce viable conclusions.
4. Validation & Publishing: Validation is the most important step in the process. Validation & re-validation via an intricately designed process helped us finalize data points to be used for final calculations. The final Market estimates and forecasts were then aligned and sent to our panel of industry experts for validation of data. Once the validation was done the report was sent to our Quality Assurance team to ensure adherence to style guides, consistency & design.
Analyst Support
Customization Options
With the given market data, our dedicated team of analysts can offer you the following customization options are available for the Microbolometer Market:
Product Analysis: Product matrix, which offers a detailed comparison of the product portfolio of companies.
Regional Analysis: Further analysis of the Microbolometer Market for additional countries.
Competitive Analysis: Detailed analysis and profiling of additional Market players & comparative analysis of competitive products.
Go to Market Strategy: Find the high-growth channels to invest your marketing efforts and increase your customer base.
Innovation Mapping: Identify racial solutions and innovation, connected to deep ecosystems of innovators, start-ups, academics, and strategic partners.
Category Intelligence: Customized intelligence that is relevant to their supply Markets will enable them to make smarter sourcing decisions and improve their category management.
Public Company Transcript Analysis: To improve the investment performance by generating new alpha and making better-informed decisions.
Social Media Listening: To analyze the conversations and trends happening not just around your brand, but around your industry as a whole, and use those insights to make better Marketing decisions.
Global Microbolometer Market size was valued at USD 415.01 Million in 2023 and is poised to grow from USD 445.16 Million in 2024 to USD 757.20 Million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 7.3% in the forecast period (2025-2032).
The availability of notable firms that specialize in developing sensor technology and diversifying their product portfolios across industries characterizes the competitive forces of the microbolometer market. Notable firms with robust product portfolios in the industrial, security, and defense industries are L3Harris Technologies and FLIR Systems. Product innovation, geographic expansion, and strategic alliances are significant strategies employed to stay competitive. To respond to changing market needs, they are incorporating downsizing and the emerging trend of artificial intelligence in their thermal imaging solutions. 'ULIS', 'L3Harris Technologies, Inc.', 'Leonardo S.p.A', 'Raytheon Technologies Corporation', 'Sofradir', 'BAE Systems', 'Northrop Grumman Corporation', 'Teledyne Technologies', 'Honeywell International Inc.', 'Diehl Defence', 'Thales Group', 'Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Limited', 'VisionIQ', 'Nivisys', 'Seek Thermal'
The increasing demand for sophisticated security, night vision, and surveillance systems by the defense and military industries is one of the key drivers of the growth of the microbolometer market. Microbolometers are critical to situation awareness, surveillance, and target detection in complete darkness or low light. Their ability to detect heat signatures offers vital benefits for military missions, perimeter surveillance, and border protection. This is driving innovation in microbolometer sensors for defense use.
Integration with Consumer Products and Miniaturization: One of the major microbolometer industry trends includes integration with consumer products. Moreover, miniaturization of microbolometers for application in small, portable products is gaining increasing popularity. Consumer devices like wearables, mobile phones, and automotive systems are integrating these lighter and smaller systems for improved security, health monitoring, and personal protection.
What Innovations Are Leading the Microbolometer Revolution in Asia-Pacific?
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