The global EO/IR gimbals market size was valued at USD 688 million in 2021. It is expected to reach USD 2260 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 14.13% during the forecast period (2022-2030).
A gimbal is pivoting support that enables one-axis rotation of any item. Using motors and sophisticated sensors, a gimbal supports and stabilizes a camera. This allows the user to record silky smooth video footage while moving. Electro-optical (EO) and infrared (IR) sensors, as well as a gyroscope to steady the camera attached to it, are the main components of EO/IR gimbals, which are pivots. The electro-optics/infrared (EO/IR) gimbal is a small device with two sensors that improve pointing accuracy. Drone and autonomous system targeting and tracking systems, frequently created for surveillance, security, and defense applications, use electro-optical (EO) and infrared (IR) thermal imaging. Gyro-stabilized and 360-degree continuous rotation are two features of this gimbal. Search and rescue, aerial survey, fire inspection, and traffic surveillance are just a few of their numerous uses.
The rise of the EO/IR gimbals market is primarily caused by increased demand for sophisticated sensors, sighting equipment, countermeasures, and reconnaissance. Additionally, introducing new, improved technology in a related industry slows market expansion. Object tracking, real-time video stabilization, navigation, onboard video encoding, anti-vibration, and GEO-lock are a few of the main characteristics of EO/IR gimbals. The demand for drones for recreational use is surging, businesses are becoming more interested in developing next-generation logistics, and there is a growing need for intelligent monitoring, all of which drive the market expansion for EO/IR gimbals. Additionally, the usage of drones is subject to rules set forth by different nations, which restrains industry expansion.
UAVs significantly affect security and surveillance by effectively and inexpensively reducing threats. The development of UAV surveillance technology is accelerating, and several industry players are investing in the manufacture of drones for this purpose. Gimbals help the cameras mounted on drones or other unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) provide security while unaffected by weather or vibrations. As a result, business and government sectors are using surveillance drones more frequently. Drone surveillance is the best option for ensuring the safety and security of significant populations or even sensitive regions. Since intelligent surveillance is the best instrument for protection in real-time situations, the market for EO/IR gimbals is expanding due to this rising need.
SIPRI reports that there has been a rise in overall global defense expenditure, which equates to a growth rate of 2.6% from 2017 to 2018. Consequently, nations pour considerable resources into expanding their military might and enhancing their defensive capabilities. Gimbals serve a crucial function in the defense industry by ensuring the safety and stability of cameras attached to critical activities and missions. About one hundred countries had autonomous military drones in 2019, according to the Center for the Study of the Drone at Bard College. This fact contributed to the expansion of the EO/IR gimbals industry.
The Federal Aviation Administration classified recreational and commercial drones as belonging to the same category for the purposes of model airplane flight. Since drones are incredibly easy to fly and can be launched from any virtual place, they are spreading and causing mishaps. Consequently, some nations have outlawed its utilization due to concerns regarding privacy, safety, and security. On the other hand, some countries have placed minimal limits on its utilization, distinguishing between recreational and commercial drones. The restrictions that impose bans on the use of drones hinder the growth of the market for EO/IR gimbals, particularly for commercial applications of drones.
As a result of the expanding demand for EO/IR gimbals in the UAVs, UAS, and defense and military sectors, the leading market players, are making significant investments in research and development activities to provide improved EO/IR gimbals that come equipped with distinctive characteristics. EO/IR gimbals with five axes are being developed by major firms to make them more accessible while also vastly improving their performance. Due to extensive research and investment in product development, several product launches are anticipated during the projection period. The increase in consumer interest in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) also contributes to the expansion of the EO/IR gimbals market.
| Study Period | 2018-2030 | CAGR | 14.13% |
| Historical Period | 2018-2020 | Forecast Period | 2022-2030 |
| Base Year | 2021 | Base Year Market Size | USD 688 Million |
| Forecast Year | 2030 | Forecast Year Market Size | USD 2260 Million |
| Largest Market | North America | Fastest Growing Market | Europe |
The global EO/IR gimbals market size and future projections for the five major regions of North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Middle East & Africa (MEA), and South America are covered for the forecast period of 2019 to 2030.
The study analyzes the demand and supply-side factors that affect the EO/IR gimbal market and further evaluates market dynamics, including key drivers, constraints, opportunities, and future trends, that will impact the market over the forecast period. The research also provides comprehensive PEST assessments for each of the five regions after evaluating the political, economic, social, and technological variables influencing the EO/IR Gimbal market in each of the five areas—North America, Europe, APAC, MEA, and South America.
North America is predicted to have the most significant market share in the region. The United States is forecasted to predominate the regional market share while expanding at a CAGR of 15.13%. Unmanned aerial vehicles, often drones or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), are increasingly common in the United States. Due to the sector's technical improvements, there has been a surge in need for EOIR gimbal in the defense, military, and marine industries. These nations host the headquarters of some of the leading players in the defense industry. Hence during the projected period, market growth is anticipated to be dominated by this nation.
The rise in technology development and innovation is primarily responsible for the high growth of the US EO/IR gimbal market. This should increase the military and defense capabilities of the United States. The US defense industry has bought many drones in the past few years, including 1,117,900 registered recreational drones and 441,709 commercial drones. The market for EOIR gimbals is predicted to expand due to the rising use of commercial drones across various industries. The US Department of Defense also budgeted around USD 9 billion for unmanned systems and related technologies in 2019 and is preparing to increase the number of small unmanned air systems in its inventory. These elements are anticipated to offer lucrative prospects for expanding the EOIR gimbal market during the expected time frame.
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The global EO/IR gimbals market is bifurcated based on the product type, end-use, and region.
As per the product type, the segments are 2-axis EO/IR gimbals and 3-axis EO/IR gimbals.
The 3-axis EO/IR gimbals section will presumably hold the largest market share, growing at a CAGR of 17.7%. A 3-axis gimbal ensures that the camera's motion is stabilized even when the person holding it moves up, down, left, right, forward, and backward. Due to the one-roll motor, the gimbal typically offers higher video stabilization. This EO/IR gimbal has 30x EO optical zoom, 30x IR optical zoom, onboard video encoding, live streaming, object tracking, real-time video stabilization, navigation, and GEO lock.
Globally, demand for 3-axis gimbals is rising due to ongoing aircraft fleet upgrades and significant investments in unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and UAVs. The gimbal is made explicitly for search and rescue operations, information gathering and observation, surveillance, and numerous mission types. Additionally, 3-axis gimbals are increasingly popular among mobile filmmakers due to their increased stability for smartphone users and features like their ability to operate in multiple dimensions without shaking or jerking and to cover angles from left to right, up and down, and forward and backward.
The 2-axis EO/IR gimbals section will hold the second-largest share. The 2-axis gimbal system may meet the needs of aerial photography, aircraft navigation, reconnaissance, and other applications. It primarily seeks, observes, and tracks the land or water. The 2-axis gimbal is lightweight and compact. It has a compact design, high flexibility, low power consumption, wireless digital transmission, HD+IR dual sensor for day or night monitoring, and excellent cost-efficiency.
Due to advantages like small design, lightweight, high-quality video sensor, automatic object tracking, and continuous 360-degree rotation, the need for 2-axis gimbals in UAVs, fixed wings, and VTOL has surged. For instance, the YANGDA team tested a fixed-wing VTOL drone with a 2-axis 30X EO/IR dual-sensor gimbal. With the SONY FCB-EV7520 camera block, this premium video sensor, the Eagle Eye-30IE-U, offers anti-fog and video enhancement. The market for EOIR gimbals is anticipated to experience growth due to the rapid usage of 2-axis gimbals in the defense and military sectors.
The end-use segments are UAV/UAS, defense, marine, law enforcement, and others.
The defense section is presumed to hold the highest revenue share, expanding at a CAGR of 11.55%. For object tracking, search and rescue, real-time video stabilization, damage assessment, live streaming, and surveillance, EO/IR gimbal systems are frequently utilized in the defense sector. For the support of present and future defense needs, major defense industry firms offer governments military capabilities across the marine, land, aviation, and electronic systems domains. For significant military operations worldwide, the defense sector collaborates closely with government agencies as a crucial strategic partner.
The largest aircraft fleet among other nations, with 13,400 aircraft, is what the US defense and military can be credited to. Additionally, the development of military electronics and related technologies, such as integrated circuits, electronic warfare (EW), EO/IR sensors, communications, surveillance & reconnaissance, and power electronics, receives around 40% of the US defense budget. It is anticipated that these advances in the defense sector would increase demand for EO/IR gimbals.
The UAV/UAS section will hold the second-largest share. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drones, unmanned vehicles, including USVs and UGVs, and fixed-site installations utilize EO/IR gimbal systems. For unmanned aerial systems, including multirotor, fixed wing & hybrid UAVs, aerostats, and balloons, EO/IR gimbal is ideal. It is also built into UGVs, aerostats, tiny Group 1 and 2 VTOLs, and fixed-wing UAVs, and it is geared for short and medium-range surveillance and targeting tasks.
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are used in the military to replace trucks, cars, and planes for security purposes. Additionally, the number of unmanned aircraft systems overall throughout the Department of Defense is anticipated to significantly rise, particularly within the Army Department. As a result, the use of drones and other unmanned aircraft systems has increased consumer spending power, fueling the global market for EOIR gimbals. Additionally, the need for EOIR gimbals is anticipated to benefit from rising demand for unmanned aerial systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, and increased spending power on technology.
