Tactile Sensors Market Size - By Type, Product Type, By Technology, By Application Analysis, Share, Growth Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Report ID: GMI10509
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Published Date: February 2025
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Report Format: PDF

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Tactile Sensors Market Size

The global tactile sensors market was valued at USD 16.4 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 13.5% from 2025 to 2034, driven by factors such as surge in adoption of consumer electronic devices, emerging use of tactile sensors in automotive industry, as well as rising inclination towards automation and robotics.
 

The rise in adoption of consumer electronic devices is a major factor supporting the market expansion of tactile sensors worldwide. Tactile sensors are increasingly used in consumer electronic devices such as smartphones, wearables, tablets, laptop screens, and smart TVs. These sensors are increasingly demanded by consumers in consumer electronic devices as they simulate the human sense of touch improving the functionality of consumer devices.
 

Tactile Sensors Market

In addition, the use of tactile sensors in the automotive industry has increased, which is exhibiting a positive influence on the tactile sensors market growth. Innovation in the automotive industry is on the rise with the goal of improving vehicle autonomy and intelligence. A vehicle requires to sense as well as observe in order to accurately replicate human driving abilities. To completely comprehend and engage with its surroundings, an intelligent vehicle needs to incorporate a variety of sensory inputs.
 

The vehicle's physical contacts with its surroundings are detected and measured using tactile sensors. Tactile sensors operate by making contact and offer useful information regarding pressure, vibration, texture, and other tactile characteristics. Therefore, manufacturers provide features that allow vehicles to sense the road in order to make them smarter and more autonomous, which propels the demand of touch sensitivity, in turn, leads the higher adoption of tactile sensors in automotive industry. Key companies should partner with tier-1 automotive supplier to integrate AI-powered tactile sensors in upcoming electric vehicles. Acquire startups specializing in AI-driven haptic feedback technology.
 

Tactile Sensors Market Trends

  • One of the significant trends is the emerging use of tactile sensors in the healthcare industry. Tactile sensors provide high potential in medicine because of their small size and suitable metrological qualities, which is leads to need for integration into smart interfaces and microsurgical instruments. Prosthetics and artificial skin, minimal invasive surgery, and smart interfaces for biomechanical analysis are the three primary medical domains where these sensors are used to measure contact qualities, specifically force and pressure.  
     
  • Accordingly, there are various studies conducted on flexible touch sensors that have a wider application range, high sensitivity, and flexibility. The improved interfaces allow the detection of complex signal superposition from the human body with long-term reliability. This enables simultaneously capture the mechanical and auditory characteristics of the human body with high fidelity. Thus, the emerging application of tactile sensors in the medical industry is gaining high traction which is fostering the tactile sensors market expansion.
     
  • The rising inclination towards smart textiles is another key trend that is resulting in to the rapid market expansion. Tactile sensor clothing serves as an interactive interface for sports, medical, and health monitoring. The tactile textiles are developed through digital machine knitting of cost-effective piezoresistive fibres, and adapt to arbitrary three-dimensional geometries.
     
  • Tactile sensors specially designed for pressure are used to measures and records the pressures that particular garment designs exert, allowing for the scientific optimization of both fit and function. Capacitive tactile pressure sensing technology is ideal for measuring pressures correctly at relatively low levels, as fitting clothes frequently requires pressures of less than 1 psi.
     
  • Features such as the soft, flexible, and conformable is an additional ability of capacitive touch sensors, which is essential for creating clothing that fits tightly. During the development phase, capacitive tactile pressure sensors can be incorporated into mannequins or stitched into straps that connect the garment to a mannequin or human testers for more consistent, repeat testing, which is presenting various growth prospects for the market development.
     
  • In addition, the growing trend of sustainable tactile sensors further drives the growth of the tactile sensors market. The focus on using eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient designs leads to the development of sustainable tactile sensors. Consequentially, manufacturers are seeking to introduce sustainable tactile sensors which aim on meeting the emerging sustainability trend.
     
  • Through techniques including doping, controlling crystallinity, and integrating composite materials, the researchers emphasized the significance of raising the piezoelectric constant for piezoelectric sensors. The use of lead-free ceramics and polymer mixes to produce flexible, eco-friendly sensors appropriate for dynamic applications represents a significant development. Additionally, it found that the sensitivity and versatility of these sensors were significantly enhanced by combining solvent-based crystallization techniques with 3D printing. Hence, the growing focus on adopting sustainable tactile sensors is emerging trend across the globe.
     

Tactile Sensors Market Analysis

Global Tactile Sensors Market Size, By Product, 2021-2034  (USD Billion)

Based on the type, the market is segmented into capacitive sensors, resistive sensors, piezoelectric sensors, optical sensors, and others.
 

  • The capacitive sensors type segment accounted for USD 5.3 billion in 2024. Capacitive sensors are becoming increasingly widespread because of its higher measurement accuracy, longer durability, and superior sensitivity over inductive or resistive sensors These sensors are being developed rapidly to meet the intricate user interface requirements of contemporary applications. Furthermore, it is anticipated that the growing demand for multi-touch screens with capabilities like pinch to zoom also propel segment growth expansion in the consumer electronics sector. Capacitive touch sensors are also becoming higher in demand as a result of the growing demand for consumer electronics with touch screens. 
     
  • Resistive sensors will account for USD 8.3 billion by 2034 owing to the growing need for process control and automation in a variety of sectors. Companies boost their operations by using these sensors to measure temperature, pressure, and other physical factors. The advanced technology of resistive sensors is increasing due to technological breakthroughs and the emergence of Industry 4.0, which improves measurement accuracy and dependability, in turn, leads to the segment growth.
     
  • The piezoelectric sensors segment accounted for USD 4.9 billion in 2024. A piezoelectric sensor provides a functional electrical signal output after detecting mechanical changes in the surrounding atmosphere. a piezoelectric sensor produces a workable electrical signal output by detecting mechanical changes in the surrounding atmosphere. This electrical output can be utilized to create motion or track mechanical changes. The market is also expanding as a result of growing awareness of the numerous novel uses for piezoelectric sensors. The segment for piezoelectric sensors is expanding owing to the government's increasingly robust rules regarding rapid adoption of sensing technologies in the automotive sector. Furthermore, there is a need for piezoelectric sensors due to the growing use in the aerospace industry.
     
  • In 2024, the optical sensors segment accounted for USD 2.4 billion. The segment is expanding due to factors such the increasing use of automation across a variety of sectors and the increased demand for consumer electronics like laptops, smartphones, and wearable smart devices. Furthermore, the growing need for optical sensors in the automotive, aerospace & military, and healthcare sectors is also contributing to the segment expansion.
     
Global Tactile Sensors Market, Revenue Share, By Product Type, 2024

Based on the product type, the market is divided into single-point sensors, array sensors, integrated sensors, and hybrid sensors.
 

  • The single-point sensors segment is expected to account for 33% of the global tactile sensors market in 2024. Factors such as surge in demand in industrial automation and robotics for precise force and pressure detection, increasing adoption in fitness trackers, smart gloves, and assistive technologies are the key factors attributed to the segment growth.
     
  • The array sensors segment captured 41.1% of the global tactile sensors market in 2024. The rising demand for the tactile sensors from medical & rehabilitation applications, as well as growth in thin, flexible, and printable sensors for smart surfaces and textiles are contributing to market growth. 
     
  • In 2024, the integrated sensors market was reached  USD 2.7 billion. increased integration of embedded sensors in smart home devices, consumer electronics, and industrial equipment is driving the segment growth.
     
  • The hybrid sensors segment is expected to reach USD 4 billion by 2034. There is a rising demand for tactile sensors in hybrid sensors for flexible robotic grippers and complex sensing prosthetics which is fueling the growth of this segment.
     

Based on technology, the market is segmented into Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW), Electroactive Polymers (EAP), Micro-electromechanical Systems (MEMS), and others.
 

  • Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) technology segment dominated the market accounting for USD 4.5 billion in 2024. The requirement for affordable, small-sized, and highly efficient components has dramatically increased in the areas of wireless communication, signal processing, and sensors. This has been primarily driven by the advent of 5G and IoT technologies in the automotive, medical, and industrial fields. The Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) technology are gaining high traction in mobile devices and other miniaturized electronics, which is resulting into the segment growth.
     
  • The Electroactive Polymers (EAP) segment accounted for USD 19.1 billion in 2034. The segment is growing as a result of the expanding uses of electroactive polymers in the electronics and automotive industries, which are driven by their robust and lightweight characteristics. Furthermore, improvements in conductive technologies and the growing significance of piezoelectric and ferromagnetic materials in electronic devices both greatly support the segment growth.
     
  • The Micro-electromechanical Systems (MEMS) segment will grow at a CAGR of 12.1% till 2034. The expanding use of MEMS technology in consumer electronics and LTE networks, the growing popularity of smart consumer electronics, the expanding use of device miniaturization, and the expanding range of applications for MEMS technology are the main factors propelling the segment growth.
     

Based on application, the tactile sensors sensor market is bifurcated into consumer electronics, automotive, healthcare & medical devices, industrial & robotics, industrial automation, aerospace & defense, and others.
 

  • The consumer electronics market dominated the market, accounting for USD 1.4 billion in 2024 owing to the increase in adoption of smartphones and tablets, along with the rise in focus on development of haptic feedback.  These sensors are crucial for enhancing the performance of consumer electronics as they mimic the human sense of touch. 
     
  • In 2024, the automotive market accounted for USD 2.4 billion. The demand for touch-sensitive dashboards, in-cabin surveillance, and safety systems is driving the use of tactile sensors in the automotive sector. Electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly likely to use touch-based controls, which leads to a wider spread of tactile sensors in automotive applications.
     
  • The healthcare & medical devices market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.2% from 2025 to 2034. The high growth of this segment is attributed to stipulating demand for prosthetics, smart patches, and rehabilitation devices coupled with the focus on haptic feedback enhancement. Also, by incorporating tactile pressure sensors into the tip of a laparoscopic probe, doctors may virtually "feel" their way through the human body through even the smallest initial incisions.
     
  • The industrial & robotics market is expected to reach USD 9.9 billion by 2034, owing to factors such as surge in adoption of human-friendly robots with advanced touch sensing for safe interaction. Also, automation and intelligent robotic systems requiring real-time tactile feedback is also acts as a catalyzing factor for the segment growth. Moreover, the growth of industrial automation segment is supported by rising advancement of durable sensors for extreme industrial conditions and AI developments have lead it feasible to analyze data in real time for better automation.
     
  • The aerospace & defense market is projected to reach USD 18.1 million by 2034. The integration of tactical sensors built into airplane parts to monitor stress and damage in real time and into unmanned systems for enhanced situational awareness is contributing to the segment growth. Also, tactile sensors enhance aircraft control systems and cockpit interface, which is presenting favourable opportunities for the segment growth in the projected years.
     
U.S. Tactile Sensors Market Size, 2021-2034 (USD Billion)

In 2024, North America market for tactile sensors held approximately 32.8% revenue share, attributed to growing investment in research & development activities and the stringent safety regulations in industrial automation.
 

  • In 2024, the U.S. market for tactile sensors accounted for USD 3.5 billion. United States tactile sensors market is likely to be driven by the rapid shift towards automation and adopting robotics, coupled with the rise in demand for advanced wearable medical devices and prosthetics. Moreover, the high presence of the leading market players such as Tekscan, Inc, SynTouch Inc., and Touch International Inc. are further leading to developments in tactile sensors with enhanced functionality. Also, these companies manage by maintaining a significant presence in many different areas and providing a variety of products that satisfy both domestic and foreign requirements.
     
  • The tactile sensors market for Canada is expected to reach USD 5.4 billion by 2034. The market for Canada tactile sensors is contributed by the surge in rise of autonomous vehicles, as well as expansion of the healthcare sector across Canada. 
     

In 2024, Europe accounted for a share of 21.2% of the global tactile sensors industry. Factors supporting the growth of tactile sensors in Europe are rising inclination towards automation, along with the high demand for portable electronics.
 

  • The UK tactile sensors market is expected to reach USD 2.6 billion by 2034. The rising focus on advancing user interfaces in consumer electronics, as well as increasing advancements in sensor technology in the UK is primarily attributing to market expansion. Tactile sensors improve the user experience by allowing users to navigate and multi-touch by giving users a sensation of touch and haptic feedback. Tactile sensors are widely used in touch screens of smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches.
     
  • The Germany tactile sensors market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.5% up to 2034, bolstered by rising integration of tactile sensors in smart home systems such as security systems, lighting control, and boosts appliance functionalities. According to Statista, the smart home sector in Germany accounted USD 8.7 billion during 2024, which is anticipated to increase and is likely to reach USD 12.3 billion by 2028. Tactile sensors are crucial for artificial intelligence systems to sense their surroundings. Tactile sensors are utilized to enhance devices interactions more intuitive by detecting touch, pressure, and even texture.
     
  • France tactile sensors market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.4% from 2025 to 2034. In France, there is favorable government support for sensor miniaturization and soaring demand for high-precision tactile sensors in applications such as aerospace and defense is propelling the demand for tactile sensors.
     
  • Italy market is expected to reach USD 726 million by 2034, driven by the rising emphasis on research in healthcare applications. Additionally, there are several opportunities for tactile sensor applications are presented by ongoing developments in sensor technology, such as increased sensitivity and downsizing, which are offering growth potential to the regional market players.
     
  • Spain market is projected to reach USD 468.8 million by 2034. The development of healthcare sector is leading to the adoption of tactile sensors. In healthcare, tactile sensors track pressure, force, and texture on the skin. These sensors can be used to detect the various stages of pressure sores, find early indicators of diabetic neuropathy, improve prosthetic limb control, give feedback during minimally invasive procedures, and even analyze gait.
     

In 2024, Asia Pacific accounted for 30% of the tactile sensors industry. Increasing media and sports industry driving the market growth in the region.
 

  • The China tactile sensors market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 16.3% between 2025 to 2034. Factors such as robust semiconductor industry, as well as strong robotics & AI industry are primarily attributed to the regional market growth. As per the International Federation of Robotics, there are 1,755,132 industrial robots operating in Chinese enterprises, a 17% increase. In 2023, there were 276,288 units installed annually. At 51% of global demand, this was the second-highest amount ever recorded. Consequentially, the growing adoption of robotics in China is fueling the demand of the tactile sensors at high rate.
     
  • In 2024, Japan is expected to account for a share of 17.3% of the tactile sensors market in Asia Pacific. The rising development of wearable & smart textile development across the region is acting as a major catalyst for the demand of tactile sensors. Moreover, the growing incorporation of tactile sensors into smart home devices such as appliances and wearables are further leveraging opportunities for the market growth over the anticipated years.
     
  • South Korea tactile sensors market accounted for USD 566.7 million in 2024. The high growth of automotive industry, IoT integration, as well as robotics development, leads to an increased demand for advanced tactile sensors, which is driving the market across the region.
     
  • Indian dominated market share of 10.7% in 2024. Factors such as increasing demand for smart devices in consumer electronics, coupled with the rapid advancements in wearable technology, is primarily leading to the high demand for tactile sensors, which is accelerating the market growth of.
     
  • The tactile sensors market in ANZ is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.6% between 2025 to 2034. Robust healthcare industry, as well as rising popularity of tactile sensors in IoT devices lead the demand for the tactile sensors in ANZ.
     

In 2024, Latin America accounted for a share of 6.4% of the global market.
 

  • Brazil market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.8% through 2034. The rising popularity of fitness tracking devices, and high investments in manufacturing robotics is driving the growth of the market
     
  • Mexico market is expected to be accounted for USD 1.4 million in 2024. The surge in demand for haptic interfaces in vehicles, coupled with the increasing adoption in prosthetics and rehabilitation devices shows the market growth in Mexico.
     

In 2024, the Middle East and Africa accounted for a share of 9.6% of the global tactile sensors industry.
 

  • In 2024, UAE accounted for 32.3 % of the Middle East & Africa tactile sensors market as the regional government is taking various initiatives for smart city & infrastructure development, which is propelling the market growth. For instance, in October 2023, the Department of Municipalities and Transportation in Abu Dhabi introduced “Smart Cities for a Sustainable World" is the theme of the third Smart City Summit (ADSCS). Its main goal is to encourage insightful discussions about barriers and best practices associated with the establishment of smart cities. Its main goal is to encourage insightful discussions about barriers and best practices associated with the establishment of smart cities. This summit focuses smart city technologies have been investigated as creative ways to address urgent global problems, particularly those related to sustainability and climate change. Additionally, the summit promotes innovation and advancements in AI and smart cities.
     
  • Saudi Arabia tactile sensors market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 16.9% during 2025 to 2034. Saudi Arabia tactile sensors demand is driven by rising development of robotics and automation in industrial sectors. In addition, the soaring demand for assistive devices and wearable technology is fueling the adoption of tactile sensors, in turn, augments the market growth at a substantial rate.
     
  • South Africa market will reach USD 3 billion by 2034 owing to the increasing demand in the healthcare sector. Tactile sensors are increasingly integrated in medical devices including surgical tools, prosthetic limbs, and patient monitoring systems. Also, growing penetration of connected devices is also offering growth prospects to the tactile sensors over the anticipated years.
     

Tactile Sensors Market Share

The tactile sensors industry is a significant level of fragmented owing to the many players working in various application areas and businesses. Companies such as Honeywell International Inc., Analog Devices, Inc., Bosch Sensortec GmbH, STMicroelectronics, and Texas Instruments Incorporated are holding highest numbers of market shares of nearly 34%.  The market for tactile sensors is continuously developing with new product innovations that are tailored for advancing tactile recognition and visualization capabilities, along with entered a strategic alliance.
 

In addition, the rising developments underscore the industry's shift towards for integrating novel and emerging technologies. The companies continue to innovate with groundbreaking concepts and patents in areas that embodied AI ecosystem. Also, the companies are utilizing haptic servoing techniques in combination with touch sensors to optimize dexterity for general-purpose robots.
 

Tactile Sensors Market Companies

Leading companies in the market comprise:

  • Honeywell International Inc.
  • Analog Devices, Inc.
  • Bosch Sensortec GmbH
  • STMicroelectronics
  • Texas Instruments Incorporated
     

Honeywell International Inc. creates and produces sophisticated electronic sensors that can detect and measure in a variety of applications in order to meet the various demands of industries throughout the world. The company’s extensive portfolio includes cutting-edge sensors for temperature, pressure, force, current, humidity, magnetic fields, motion, and position. Honeywell sensors ensure smooth integration into intricate systems for real-time data gathering and analysis by providing dependable and accurate output, usually in the form of an electrical signal. These sensors are designed to fulfill the highest criteria of performance, durability, and efficiency, whether they are utilized in consumer electronics, electric vehicles, medical devices, industrial automation, or aerospace.
 

Analog Devices Inc. portfolio of the capacitance-to-digital converters (CDCs) and touch screen controllers offer solutions for a variety of system requirements, including position, proximity, humidity, and industrial and medical settings. High resolution, high linearity, high accuracy, quick response times, and high input sensitivity are all features of CDC products, which establish new benchmark for single-chip solutions. Analog Devices Inc. touch screen controllers provide low on-resistance switches, a synchronous serial interface, and throughput rates higher than 125 kSPS for driving touch panels.
 

Tactile Sensors Industry News

  • In December 2024, Sanctuary AI announced the introduction of a new generation of tactile sensor technology optimized in order to enhance dexterous manipulation. Sanctuary aims to offer general-purpose robots human-level dexterity to carry out valuable jobs at work.  This innovative tactile sensor design is sensitive, scalable, and compliant.
     
  • In November 2024, TAPKO Technologies and ams OSRAM entered into partnership for the development of advanced KNX devices that use Optical Force Sensors (OFS) for touch and tactile sensing solutions. This novel OFS-based technology is transforming touch-sensing designs with its exceptional robustness. It offers dependable functioning even with wet or gloved hands due to its inherent resistance to water and dirt.
     
  • In February 2024, GelSight unveiled the company’s partnership agreement with Hexagon. The partnership will enable the companies’ respective teams to promote and sell GelSight’s tactile sensing products, as well as future integrated products to the market. Through the partnership, GelSight's tactile sensing products and future integrated offerings will be marketed and sold by the teams of the respective firms.
     

This tactile sensors market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue (USD Billion) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

Market, By Type

  • Capacitive Sensors
  • Resistive Sensors
  • Piezoelectric Sensors
  • Optical Sensors
  • Others

Market, By Product Type

  • Single-point Sensors
  • Array Sensors
  • Integrated Sensors
  • Hybrid Sensors

Market, By Technology

  • Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW)
  • Electroactive Polymers (EAP)
  • Micro-electromechanical Systems (MEMS)
  • Others

Market, By Application

  • Consumer Electronics
  • Automotive
  • Healthcare & Medical Devices
  • Industrial & Robotics
  • Industrial automation
  • Aerospace & Defense
  • Others

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Europe
    • UK
    • Germany
    • France
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • Russia
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • South Korea
    • ANZ 
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Mexico 
  • MEA
    • UAE
    • Saudi Arabia
    • South Africa

 

Authors: Suraj Gujar , Saptadeep Das
Frequently Asked Question(FAQ) :
Who are the key players in tactile sensors market?
Some of the major players in the tactile sensors industry include Honeywell International Inc., Analog Devices, Inc., Bosch Sensortec GmbH, STMicroelectronics, and Texas Instruments Incorporated.
What is the size of capacitive sensors type segment in the tactile sensors industry?
How much tactile sensors market share captured by North America in 2024?
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Tactile Sensors Market Scope
  • Tactile Sensors Market Size
  • Tactile Sensors Market Trends
  • Tactile Sensors Market Analysis
  • Tactile Sensors Market Share
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    Base Year: 2024

    Companies covered: 17

    Tables & Figures: 335

    Countries covered: 18

    Pages: 181

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