CMOS Industrial Cameras Market

Market Overview

The global CMOS industrial cameras market size is estimated to grow at a significant rate during the forecast period (2024–2032). The global CMOS industrial cameras market is driven by the growing proliferation of Industry 4.0 in several sectors, increasing the demand for these cameras for inspection and quality control purposes. Moreover, these cameras are finding their use in several emerging fields, which is, in turn, boosting market expansion.

CMOS industrial cameras employ complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensors to collect images specifically for industrial purposes. CMOS sensors are extensively utilized across multiple industries, including manufacturing, inspection, security, medical, and scientific research, owing to their benefits of low power consumption, rapid operation, superior image quality, and cost-effectiveness.

CMOS industrial cameras are offered in various resolutions, spanning from standard definition to high definition and beyond. The quality of the image is contingent upon multiple parameters, including the size of the sensor, the size of the pixels, and other characteristics. The classification of these cameras is based on their functions and characteristics, resulting in several types, including area scan cameras, line scan cameras, smart cameras, and 3D cameras.

Market Dynamics

Global CMOS Industrial Cameras Market Drivers

Rising Adoption of Industry 4.0

The digitization process is crucial for manufacturing industries, as all businesses aim to optimize their productivity regardless of their scale. Amidst economic challenges, manufacturers increasingly focus on cost reduction as a key priority to address revenue generation issues. Manufacturers of all scales are progressively shifting their focus towards Industry 4.0, which involves rapidly implementing digital technologies and methodologies, including Lean, Six Sigma, and others, to address and resolve these issues. Therefore, there is an increased need for CMOS industrial cameras in web-based material inspection applications, such as plastic or paper manufacture, smart control systems, automated machines, and assembly inspection.

Moreover, as stated in the McKinsey 2019 report, the implementation of Industry 4.0 enhances the efficiency of technical occupations by a significant margin of 45 to 55%. Siemens (Germany), Allied Vision, and Stemmer Imaging are among the companies that have embraced Industry 4.0. Thus, such factors boost the global market.

Emerging Applications

An important factor contributing to the growth of the CMOS industrial camera market is the increasing use of CMOS industrial cameras in growing and specialized industries. CMOS industrial cameras have versatile applications in capturing images for research, education, entertainment, and art, expanding the potential market for these cameras. CMOS industrial cameras can capture high-speed and high-resolution photos of events like lightning, explosions, and wildlife. These photographs serve scientific research and educational purposes.

Furthermore, CMOS industrial cameras can collect images for virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) applications. These applications offer immersive and interactive experiences in entertainment and art. Moreover, CMOS industrial cameras can acquire images for medical and healthcare purposes, including endoscopy, microscopy, and ophthalmology. This can enhance the identification and management of different diseases and disorders. Hence, the projected growth of CMOS industrial cameras in novel and specialized sectors is expected to propel the market growth.

Global CMOS Industrial Cameras Market Restraint

High Initial Investment and Maintenance Cost 

A significant limitation of the CMOS industrial camera market is the substantial initial expenditure and ongoing expenses associated with CMOS industrial cameras and systems. CMOS industrial cameras and systems necessitate specialized hardware, software, and accessories, including lenses, filters, cables, connectors, controllers, and software development kits (SDKs). These additional components might result in increased capital and operational expenses for end-users.

Additionally, CMOS industrial cameras and systems may necessitate periodic calibration, cleaning, and upgrading, increasing maintenance expenses and causing downtime for the end users. Moreover, CMOS industrial cameras and systems may encounter compatibility and interoperability challenges with various devices, standards, and protocols, impacting their overall performance and functioning. Hence, the substantial upfront investment and ongoing expenses associated with CMOS industrial cameras and systems could impede their uptake and expansion in the market.

Global CMOS Industrial Cameras Market Opportunities

Technological Advancements

In recent years, CMOS sensors and cameras have experienced significant advancements, including increased resolution, improved frame rate, reduced noise, expanded dynamic range, and enhanced color reproduction. For instance, in September 2023, Sony Electronics unveiled the ILX-LR1, a multifunctional camera with interchangeable lenses designed primarily for industrial use. The device is equipped with a 61-megapixel 35 mm full-frame image sensor that offers a high level of resolution. The camera features a 1/1.38 ″-Types 61MP full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor and a BIONZ XR image processing engine. The purpose of this combination is to provide photos and films that exhibit precise color reproduction, seamless transitions between tones, and little noise.

Furthermore, in November 2023, IDS introduced the uEye CP industrial cameras that are now equipped with the Sony Pregius S series IMX541 global shutter CMOS sensor. The gadget includes a backlight with a pixel size of 2.74 µm, a resolution of 20.36 MPixels, and a maximum frame rate of 19 fps. The camera is outfitted with a USB 3 interface, which boasts a maximum interface speed of 5 Gbps. The camera is offered in both monochrome and color options. Therefore, these technical advancements and innovations are expected to generate opportunities for market expansion.

Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global CMOS industrial cameras market is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.

Europe has a sizable market share mainly because of the region's growing adoption of automation and quality control in sectors like aerospace, automotive, and pharmaceuticals. The demand for CMOS industrial cameras is rising as key manufacturers in several industrial sectors collaborate to establish a platform dedicated to deploying Industry 4.0. For instance, in 2020, the BMW group from Germany, along with Microsoft and Bosch, collaborated to establish the Open Manufacturing Platform (OPM). This collaboration aims to expedite the implementation of industry 4.0 technologies, such as IoT connection and autonomous transport systems. Manufacturers may increase productivity and efficiency, minimize downtime, and align supply and demand.

Furthermore, the United Kingdom contributes significantly to the increasing usage of CMOS industrial cameras. This is due to the UK government's enormous investment in road transportation to establish the UK as a global hub for intelligent mobility. In 2016, the UK government allocated around USD 22.28 million towards funding eight smart transportation initiatives, aiming to bring them into commercial operation by 2020. Moreover, Europe is anticipated to reap the advantages of technological progress and innovation in CMOS sensors and cameras, which have the potential to enhance the performance and usefulness of CMOS industrial cameras in the region. All of these variables contribute to the expansion of the European market.

North American market growth is projected to be substantial due to the prominent presence of key CMOS industrial camera manufacturers in the region, including Teledyne Technologies, FLIR Systems, and Basler. The North American region is anticipated to have significant demand for CMOS industrial cameras across many industries, including manufacturing, security, medical, and scientific research. Moreover, the region is inhabited by technologically sophisticated nations such as the United States and Canada, which is expected to stimulate the need for CMOS industrial cameras to improve automation and streamline quality control procedures across various industries.

Segmental Analysis

The global CMOS industrial camera market is segmented by type and application.

Based on type, the global CMOS industrial cameras market is divided into area scan cameras and line scan cameras. 

Area scan cameras, often called frame grabbers or frame grabber cameras, are utilized in imaging and computer vision applications to acquire static or series of images from flat two-dimensional surfaces. These cameras are specifically engineered to capture a whole image in a single instance, unlike line scan cameras that take images sequentially, line by line. Area scan cameras can capture the whole field of view in a single exposure, making them well-suited for applications that require a complete image to be captured all at once.

Moreover, these cameras employ a grid of pixels organized in rows and columns to capture the image. Every pixel corresponds precisely to a particular place in the captured scene. These cameras provide versatility and can be employed in many applications, including industrial inspection, quality control, medical imaging, scientific research, and surveillance.

Based on application, the global CMOS industrial cameras market is segmented into industry, medical and life sciences, ITS (Intelligent Transportation System), and others. 

CMOS industrial cameras have many uses in the Medical and Life Sciences industry, offering sophisticated imaging solutions for various needs. CMOS industrial cameras are used with microscopes to achieve high-resolution imaging of cells, tissues, and biological processes. These cameras are appropriate for fluorescence imaging, enabling researchers to observe distinct biological components or molecules.

CMOS cameras can be incorporated into several medical instruments, including laparoscopes or robotic surgery systems, to offer doctors sharp images during minimally invasive surgeries. CMOS technology provides several benefits, such as low energy consumption, fast data retrieval, and cost efficiency. These features make CMOS cameras suitable for various medical and life sciences applications, facilitating progress in research, diagnosis, and treatment.

Recent Developments

• September 2023- Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation (SSS) announced the imminent launch of the IMX735, a cutting-edge CMOS image sensor designed specifically for car cameras. This sensor boasts the highest pixel count in the market, with an impressive 17.42 effective megapixels.
• October 2023- Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation (SSS) announced the imminent launch of the IMX900, a stacked CMOS image sensor with a global shutter designed for industrial application. The IMX900 is 1/3-type-lens-compatible and has a resolution of 3.2 effective megapixels, making it the highest-resolution sensor in its category.