Thermal Imaging Market Trends

Thermal Imaging Market Trends

Miniaturization and cost reduction are key trends in the thermal imaging industry. Advances in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology and economies of scale in production have led to smaller, more affordable thermal cameras. This shift has not only reduced costs but also opened new applications in consumer electronics.
 

Miniaturization means making devices smaller. In thermal imaging, this involves creating compact cameras that can be easily integrated into other devices like smartphones and wearable gadgets. Cost reduction involves lowering the price of these cameras, making them more accessible to a broader range of consumers and industries. Advances in MEMS technology have been crucial in achieving both miniaturization and cost reduction. MEMS technology allows us to produce tiny mechanical and electrical components, which can be used to build smaller and more efficient thermal cameras. For example, in October 2023, Senop, a subsidiary of Millog Oy, announced the development of a next-generation thermal imager module. This new module is more compact, energy-efficient, and versatile compared to their current offering. It features a reduced pixel size of 12 μm, down from the current 17 μm, while maintaining similar temperature sensitivity.
 

Thermal imaging technology is no longer limited to defense and security applications. It is now being used in a wide range of commercial sectors. For example, in agriculture, thermal imaging can monitor crop health by identifying temperature variations that might indicate issues like disease or pests. It also helps detect pests early, preventing infestations and crop damage. Additionally, thermal imaging aids in managing irrigation by showing which areas of a field need water, thus optimizing water use and improving crop yields. The USDA has noted that larger farms, especially those over 1,500 acres, are more likely to adopt such advanced technologies because they have the resources to invest in the necessary equipment and training.