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The Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) Market size is estimated to grow by USD 7.76 billion between 2022 and 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 14.59%. Inertial measurement units (IMUs) are usually fusion sensor units, which contain a minimum of three accelerometers and three gyroscopes. The importance of ASP of MEMS sensors is declining due to the rising demand of the internal measurement unit market, which is propelling the market growth. Additionally, customers are investing in wearables such as smartwatches, smart bands, and smart clothing. During the year 2020, the global shipment of wearable devices increased by approximately 30% than 2019. IMUs are integrated into wearable devices to enhance their location, display, and distance-measuring functionalities which are boosting the market growth. Market players are competing on price, quality, technology, brand identity, and distribution to dominate the market.
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This market research report extensively covers market segmentation by Component (gyroscopes, accelerometers, inertial combo, and magnetometers), End-user (consumer electronics, automobiles, industrial, and others), and (North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa). It also includes an in-depth analysis of drivers, trends, and challenges. Furthermore, the report includes historic market data from 2017 to 2021.
The market is driven by advancements in MEMS technology and the increasing demand for precise navigation aids in defense systems. IMUs play a crucial role in guiding military fighters, nuclear missiles, and autonomous navigation systems with high performance metrics and low power consumption. However, challenges persist in achieving optimal bias stability and ensuring redundancy in critical applications. Additionally, the market faces trends towards integrating IMUs with emerging technologies like virtual and augmented reality and the Internet of Things, presenting both opportunities and complexities in the robotics industry and national defense development. Our researchers analyzed the data with 2022 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers will help companies refine their marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.
Technological advances in the design and manufacturing process is a key driver shaping the market. For instance, market leaders like STMicroelectronics NV and InvenSense have innovated combo sensors, amalgamating accelerometers and gyroscopes into a compact 10x10 square meter unit. These sensors employ sensor fusion software enabling functions like automatic screen rotation, gesture recognition, step counting, personal navigation, and free-fall detection. The fusion mitigates individual sensor limitations, enhancing accuracy in positioning and orientation data. Furthermore, select combo sensors boast lower production costs compared to discrete sensors. Projecting prevailing adoption trends, IMU sensor shipments are anticipated to surpass discrete sensors. Intensive R&D investment by key IMU vendors anticipates advanced iterations, propelling the global IMU market growth through enhanced manufacturing technologies.
Increasing applications in reconnaissance operations is a significant trend influencing the growth. Operators of UAVs receive navigation-related information through sensors and communication links, while onboard IMU and synthetic aperture radars enable precise location and position determination. The use of miniature unmanned systems for communication transfer, destruction of enemy air defense, electronic attack detection and prevention, combat search and rescue operations, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations is on the rise, indicating the potential for growth in the military UAV market.
Thus, the rising adoption of UAVs for military and defense applications is expected to drive the demand for IMUs, which in turn, will boost the growth of the global IMU market during the forecast period.
Safeguarding internal elements of MEMS IMU sensors in rugged mounting environments, involving heat, moisture, and corrosive substances, is the major challenge. The development, commercialization, and packaging of micromachined gyroscopes are notably demanding due to their susceptibility to fabrication and environmental deviations. Achieving optimal performance at a reasonable cost necessitates a resilient MEMS sensing unit. Packaging these components is complex too, given the heightened robustness of MEMS-packaged modules.
Standardizing MEMS component packaging proves costly, accounting for 30% to 50% of total expenses for a complete MEMS packaged module. Complex packaging with media isolation can escalate expenses to 95% encompassing packaging, testing, and assembly. Notably, packaging, especially for MEMS IMUs, stands as a major expense, and industry players focus on cost-efficiency to bolster profits within narrow margins. Consequently, the substantial packaging costs pose a hurdle to the market's growth in the foreseeable future.
The market thrives on diverse factors, with MEMS technology at its core, offering compactness and efficiency. These units are pivotal in various applications, from defense ships to military fighters and unmanned aerial vehicles, ensuring precise navigation aids. Advanced IMUs leverage fiber optic and microelectromechanical systems, reducing power consumption while enhancing performance metrics like bias stability. They are integral to guided munitions and autonomous navigation systems, ensuring accuracy and reliability in challenging environments. As technology evolves, IMUs find new avenues in the robotics industry and virtual reality/augmented reality, supported by robust redundancy and sophisticated mechanical gyro and ring laser gyro systems.
The gyroscopes segment was valued at USD 1.83 billion in 2017 and continue to grow by 2021. Gyroscopes are motion sensors that detect and measure the angular motion of objects. The various types of gyroscopes are one axis, two axis, and three axis. Accelerometers measure proper acceleration forces, which could be static or dynamic. The demand for accelerometers is growing from end-user sectors such as automobiles and consumer electronics. Inertial combo sensors consist of both accelerometers and gyroscopes. Such factors will drive the market growth.
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The consumer electronics segment comprises smartphones, tablets, and wearables. The advent of advanced technologies such as gesture control and digital assistants in smartphones, smart wearables, and tablets will increase the number of IMUs used in such devices. The adoption of AR and VR devices is increasing due to the availability of specific applications and content. Investments in AR and VR are also increasing. Major vendors of AR and VR, such as Magic Leap, Oculus VR, Blippar, and MindMaze, are a part of such investments.
IMUs are used extensively in automobiles. The output of IMUs is used to navigate or dead-reckon autonomous cars for short periods of time. The failure of GPS systems when travelling through tunnels also necessitates the deployment of IMUs. Therefore, developments related to autonomous cars and increasing investments will drive the growth of the automobile segment during the forecast period.
North America is estimated to contribute 38% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio’s analysts have elaborately explained the regional market trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.
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North America is an early adopter of AR. Several AR applications are being developed for iOS and Android in the region. Many companies that offer smart glasses, such as VUZIX, Microsoft, and ODG, are also headquartered in the region. Smart glasses are equipped with several wearable sensors. For instance, Vuzix Blade 3000 is equipped with built-in GPS and directional sensors, including a gyroscope, an accelerometer, and hull sensors. Though North America is a mature market, the demand for new types of wearables will originate from the region. Hence, the demand for IMUs will increase steadily during the forecast period.
Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the market.
ASC GmbH - The company offers inertial measurement unit products such as ASC IMU 7-LN, ASC IMU 7-MF, and ASC IMU 8. Also the company develops acceleration sensors, inclination and angular rate sensors, and IMUs.
The market growth and forecasting also include detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about 20 market companies, including:
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of vendors has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key market players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize vendors as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.
The market research and growth report forecasts market growth by revenue at global, regional & country levels and provides an analysis of the latest trends and growth opportunities from 2017 to 2027.
The market witnesses robust growth driven by various sectors, notably military helicopters and special mission aircraft, relying on precise inertial navigational systems. These units offer exceptional fault tolerance crucial for combative rotorcraft and defense missions, often incorporating advanced technologies like FOG-based gyroscopes for superior performance. With strict regulations like the Export Administration Regulations, IMU suppliers navigate complex defense budgets and international traffic, catering to diverse needs from commercial airplanes to unmanned marine vehicles. The IMU market also extends to space-grade applications, supplying critical components for satellites and space vehicles. As demand surges and technology evolves, IMUs play an indispensable role across aircraft, marine, and military armored applications, ensuring precision in navigation and control.
Moreover, the market experiences steady growth driven by diverse sectors such as special mission helicopters and combative rotorcrafts, which rely on precise navigation provided by IMUs. This demand is fueled by significant factors, including defense spending priorities, the continuous cycle of airplane retirements, and the production of helicopters. IMUs also find applications in emerging technologies like Virtual Reality and specific components such as the BMI085, meeting the stringent standards set by organizations like the Shipbuilders Association and the Office of Management and Budget. Additionally, IMUs are adapted to varying requirements, ranging from space grade for satellites to commercial Grade for everyday applications, underscoring their versatility and importance across industries.
Market Scope |
|
Report Coverage |
Details |
Page number |
184 |
Base year |
2022 |
Historic period |
2017-2021 |
Forecast period |
2023-2027 |
Growth momentum & CAGR |
Accelerate at a CAGR of 14.59% |
Market growth 2023-2027 |
USD 7.76 billion |
Market structure |
Fragmented |
YoY growth 2022-2023(%) |
13.08 |
Regional analysis |
North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa |
Performing market contribution |
North America at 38% |
Key countries |
US, China, India, Germany, and UK |
Competitive landscape |
Leading Companies, Market Positioning of Companies, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks |
Key companies profiled |
ACEINNA Inc., Adafruit Industries LLC, Analog Devices Inc., ASC GmbH, Gladiator Technologies Inc., Honeywell International Inc., KVH Industries Inc., L3Harris Technologies Inc., M5Stack Technology Co. Ltd., MEMSIC Semiconductor Co. Ltd., Murata Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Parker Hannifin Corp., Robert Bosch GmbH, Safran SA, STMicroelectronics NV, TDK Corp., Thales Group, Trimble Inc., Northrop Grumman Corp., and Texas Instruments Inc. |
Market dynamics |
Parent market growth analysis, market forecast, Market Forecasting, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, and Market condition analysis for the forecast period. |
Customization purview |
If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. |
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1 Executive Summary
2 Market Landscape
3 Market Sizing
4 Historic Market Size
5 Five Forces Analysis
6 Market Segmentation by Component
7 Market Segmentation by End-user
8 Customer Landscape
9 Geographic Landscape
10 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends
11 Vendor Landscape
12 Vendor Analysis
13 Appendix
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