Automotive Ultrasonic Technologies Market

Market Overview

The automotive ultrasonic technologies market size was valued at USD 1.32 billion in 2021. It is projected to reach USD 2.66 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 8.1% during the forecast period (2022-2030). 

Ultrasonic technology in automobiles enables drivers to identify potential hazards ahead of their vehicles. Vehicles with the newest, most modern driver assistance features, such as parking aid systems, blind spot detection systems, height, and pressure monitoring systems, and autonomously opening tailgates, frequently incorporate automotive ultrasonic technology. Ultrasonic sensors transmit high-frequency sound waves to measure the separation between objects in close proximity, simulating the echolocation technique used by bats. In order to obtain a complete view of a vehicle's immediate surroundings, ultrasonic sensors can be used in conjunction with other vehicle sensors, such as radar, cameras, and lidar. The need for effective ultrasonic sensors has grown due to technological improvements and the widespread use of ADAS features in automobiles, which has contributed to expanding the global market.

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

Growing Demand for Internet of Things (IoT)-Based Technology

An interconnected system of computing devices known as the Internet of Things (IoT) allows data to be exchanged for specific purposes without the involvement of a person or a computer. Globally, increasing time is spent looking for parking spaces. The University of Kansas developed a project on smart parking solutions using IoT and various other technologies to address this issue in many nations. Additionally, using a smart parking system with ultrasonic technology assists with better parking, saves the driver time, and provides precise information on the vehicle's backside.

High Demand for Safety Features in Vehicles

Parking aids, collision avoidance systems, lane departure warnings, traction control, electronic stability control, tire pressure monitors, and telematics are some of the safety technologies in high demand due to the rise in traffic accidents worldwide. Vehicles with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) installed may identify and categorize particular objects on the road and inform the driver based on the conditions. Depending on traffic conditions, these systems can automatically slow down or stop the car. Additionally, it has been noted that the death rates from traffic accidents have increased dramatically, which can be reduced using these automotive ultrasonic technologies.

Market Restraint

High Implementation Cost and Configuration Complexity

The need to regularly upgrade the system and software needed to keep them compatible with the outside world arises from ongoing technological breakthroughs. Additionally, the price of every component, including RFID, fuzzy logic, sensor, and the cost of assembly for smart vehicles, is more significant for the consumer. It costs more since compatibility combines more parts and sensors onto one dielectric plate. Due to the extensive system's need for wireless equipment installed in vehicles for efficient operation, its deployment comes at a higher cost. Therefore, the aftermarket adoption of ultrasonic technology in automobiles is hampered by high design complexity and higher initial implantation cost.

Market Opportunities

Technological Advancements in Advanced Driver Assistance System

To make customers more comfortable and to boost sales, businesses are adding a larger variety of amenities and technologies to their cars. The safety of the driver and the vehicle is also improved by technical improvements in electronic components, such as cell phones and ultrasonic sensors backed by wireless connection and cloud networks. The dynamic advancements in technology, such as intelligent parking assist systems that assist vehicles in parking without the need for a guide to provide directions, night vision systems that are useful in areas with little to no light, lane departure systems, obstacle detection systems, and automatic braking at the first sign of danger, have increased the sales in the automotive industry. The leading players in the automotive ultrasonic technologies market are thus expected to benefit significantly from technical developments in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), creating attractive growth prospects for the market over the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

The global automotive ultrasonic technologies market is bifurcated into four regions, namely North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.

Asia-Pacific Dominates the Global Market

Asia-Pacific is the most significant shareholder in the global automotive ultrasonic technologies market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.1% during the forecast period. Due to the robust economic climate and ongoing rise in household disposable income, it is projected that the market for luxury vehicles will increase throughout the Asia-Pacific region. For advanced driving assistance, several businesses in the region, including Texa UK Ltd., calibrated radar, camera, and ultrasonic sensor technologies put in the vehicles. China, which leads the world in implementing cutting-edge technology in the automotive industry, is constantly improving advanced driver assistance systems like cruise control and park assist, which require more effective ultrasonic sensors and related technologies for smoother operations. Top Indian automakers are also advancing by incorporating cutting-edge driving systems into their vehicles in response to governmental requirements. The Indian government has required automakers to equip their automobiles with safety features like clever parking aid systems.

Europe is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.3% during the forecast period. The expansion of the automotive industry across Europe is facilitated by technological advancements in the automotive sector that enables the effective implementation of safety measures and improved drive quality in vehicles. Moreover, the introduction of ADAS has improved the safety features of cars as autonomous driving has grown in popularity. Adopting safety systems in vehicles to increase safety and comfort is also supported by the existence of favorable laws and affordable cars. In addition, several technology-driven businesses are functioning throughout Germany, including Continental AG, Robert Bosch GmbH, and others. These businesses have implemented product launches and other developmental techniques that help the market flourish. As a result, the market is expected to proliferate over the forecast period.

North America is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period. Due to the rising vehicle production in various nations, North America's automotive ultrasonic technology market is expanding. The demand for advanced safety features in the vehicle has also increased due to technological advancements and the introduction of semi-autonomous vehicles driving throughout the region. This has proven to be a driving force behind the expansion of the market for automotive ultrasonic technologies. In addition, various companies are working on various technologies across the U.S., including Texas Instruments, Honeywell International, and others. Magna International operates across Canada and prefers producing effective automotive ultrasonic technology, which eventually contributes to the market's nationwide expansion. Magna International has also implemented development initiatives, another booming cause for the market's growth.

Brazil has enforced the use of advanced driver aid system features, including blind spot recognition, collision avoidance system, and others for car makers to prevent crashes, by the New Car Assessment Program's (NCAP) new policy. The selling of a product is significantly influenced by price. Price continues to be the critical deciding factor in Brazilian auto advertising efforts, with comfort amenities like air conditioning or safety systems coming in second. Top automakers are developing advanced driving functions for cars to better serve the suppliers in Latin America. A growth factor in the nation can be attributed to the higher percentage of passenger cars in nations like Brazil and Argentina equipped with ADAS features.

Segmental Analysis

The global automotive ultrasonic technologies market is segmented by type, application, and vehicle type.

By Type Analysis

Based on type, the global automotive ultrasonic technologies market is bifurcated into proximity detection and range measurement.

The proximity detection segment is the highest contributor to the market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.9% during the forecast period. The procedure of locating any obstruction on the front or back of the vehicle is known as proximity detection. A vehicle that uses ultrasonic sensors can locate anything without physically touching it. In order to detect changes in the electromagnetic field or return signal, ultrasonic sensors emit an electromagnetic field or a beam of electromagnetic radiation (in the form of infrared rays). The proximity sensor target is commonly used to describe the thing being sensed. Ultrasonic sensors are frequently employed as a type of proximity detection sensor since they can detect both metallic and nonmetallic items and have good stability.

Since ultrasonic sensors can estimate the distance to various objects regardless of shape, color, or surface texture, they are employed in range measurements. Ultrasonic range sensors can also measure an approaching or receding item. Distances can be measured without causing any damage to the item by employing non-contact ultrasonic sensors. The use of ultrasonic sensors for range measuring has many benefits, making it a widely used tool for determining the proximity of objects. The ultrasonic range measuring sensors can measure an object's proximity when mounted in a vehicle, and the system can quickly calculate the distance to prevent accidents.

By Application Analysis

Based on application, the global automotive ultrasonic technologies market is bifurcated into park assist, blind spot detection, and others.

The park assist segment owns the highest market share and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.1% during the forecast period. Toyota Motor Corporation created the Park Assist System, an intelligent parking assistance system, in 1999 for use with Toyota vehicles sold in the United States. This technology, which comprises a screen mounted on the automobile's dashboard, aids the driver with parking the car in the designated area. The system uses several sensors to establish the approximate distance between two parked automobiles. The system has an internal computer that determines the steering angles and speeds needed to maneuver safely through the parking space. The park assist system uses ultrasonic technology to measure the distance between the vehicles and the walls.

Blind spot detection uses specialized sensors to find objects that are present in a blind spot. Image sensors are typically employed to relay an image to the display to give the driver important information. When these sensors detect an object in the blind spot, an alarm is set off. Consumers in emerging economies are more affluent, which has led to an increase in the use of luxury vehicles. The market's application area has expanded with new capabilities like lane change assistance and cross-traffic alerts. Blind spot detection has gained appeal as a stand-alone application since the system has expanded significantly by adding new features.

By Vehicle Type Analysis

Based on vehicle type, the global automotive ultrasonic technologies market is bifurcated into passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, commercial vehicles, and electric vehicles.

The passenger cars segment is the highest contributor to the market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.3% during the forecast period. A passenger automobile is used to transport passengers and has a maximum seating capacity of nine people (including the driver). It is divided into microcars, hatchbacks, sedans, saloons, SUVs, and MUVs. Microcars are small automobiles with a one-liter engine and a two-passenger maximum capacity. Hatchbacks are passenger cars with seating for four to five occupants. The last type of vehicle is a sedan, which has the same number of seats as a hatchback but also has a large trunk. Additionally, the increased penetration of passenger vehicles drives the demand for cutting-edge technologies, which have been developed to give the advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) with a variety of safety and security features, supporting the expansion of this market segment globally.

Light commercial vehicles are those used to transport cargo that has at least four wheels. The difference in vehicle mass between light commercial vehicles and big trucks is measured in tons (metric tons). The range for this limit is between 3.5 and 7 tons, depending on national and professional standards. Due to its crucial significance in transportation, this segment is regarded as the vehicle type with the fastest-growing market share. The market is expected to expand due to technological advancements and laws requiring advanced driving assistance systems to be fitted in automobiles.

Recent Developments

• May 2022- Ultraleap in the UK developed an ultrasonic sensor and transducer that it claims is a fraction of the size of existing devices. The sensors are critical to its mid-air haptics technology for touchless controllers in vehicles and virtual reality systems for the metaverse.
• April 2022- DENSO Corporation, a leading mobility supplier, and United Semiconductor Japan Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of global semiconductor foundry United Microelectronics Corporation, announced that the companies have agreed to collaborate on the production of power semiconductors at USJC’s 300mm fab in order to serve the growing demand in the automotive market.