Next Imaging Technology Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Induction Tomography, Electromagnetic Imaging, CMOS Imaging), By Technique (Optical, Radiography, Thermal Scanning), By Application (Automotive, Healthcare, Security & Surveillance, Civil Engineering) and By Region(North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, LATAM) Forecasts, 2025-2033

Next Imaging Technology Market Size

The global next imaging technology market size was valued at USD 7.04 billion in 2024 and is estimated to reach from USD 7.64 billion in 2025 to USD 14.80 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 8.6% during the forecast period (2025-2033).

Next-Generation Imaging Technology refers to advanced imaging systems that utilize cutting-edge innovations in optics, sensors, artificial intelligence (AI), and computational photography to enhance image quality, resolution, and processing speed. These technologies are transforming healthcare, automotive, security, entertainment, and scientific research industries by enabling higher precision, real-time imaging, and new capabilities beyond traditional cameras.

The global next imaging technology market is accelerating with new inventions in methods, techniques, and tools for imaging capture, image processing, and display. These cutting-edge activities strive to improve imaging potential in medicine diagnosis, scientific discovery, and industrial applications. By integrating the current advanced technologies involved in AI and 3D images and sensor-related technologies, all imaging processes could be transformed towards more accurate results, detailed descriptions, and efficient practices.

These advancements allow physicians to diagnose a patient's ailments sooner, provide science with the data it needs for research, and even enhance industry-level inspections. Increasingly in-demand, high-resolution imaging products will take this market yet higher, promising future technological, manufacturing, and end-product benefits to multiple sectors worldwide.

There are 8,153 accredited imaging modalities as of 31 December 2023. The following graph shows the Distribution of accredited imaging modalities.

Source: Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC) 

Latest Market Trends

Rise of imaging and AR

3D imaging and AR are increasingly changing the next imaging technology market globally. As a result of increased demand for more immersive and interactive experiences, 3D imaging and AR technologies are rapidly emerging in industries like healthcare, gaming, education, and design. In healthcare, 3D imaging techniques like 3D ultrasound and mammography help increase diagnostic accuracy and effective treatment planning. In surgery, AR overlays critical data during procedures. In gaming and entertainment, AR and VR are the inventions of engaging, interactive experiences while helping out in design and manufacturing by making product visualization and prototyping. This means the market's growth is expected here, with innovation.

• For instance, PxE Holographic Imaging unveiled its Holographic RGB-IR-Depth Camera at CES 2025, transforming 2D camera images into immersive 3D visuals and enhancing devices like smartphones, laptops, and cars.

Advancements in mobile imaging solutions

Mobile imaging technologies are rapidly advancing, especially in healthcare diagnostics. This technology allows healthcare professionals to conduct remote diagnostics, increasing access to medical imaging in underserved or rural areas. Mobile imaging devices, equipped with advanced features, enable faster and more accurate detection of medical conditions outside traditional healthcare settings. On-the-go imaging options will transform how medical imaging is delivered worldwide by enhancing patient care, reducing time spent in wait times, and ensuring the effectiveness of healthcare delivery services.

• For instance, in 2024, GE HealthCare introduced mobile X-ray systems designed to improve ergonomics and reduce strain on healthcare professionals, enhancing both comfort and efficiency in medical imaging practices.

Next Imaging Technology Market Growth Factors

Rising adoption of advanced imaging technologies in healthcare

The growing requirement for high-tech imaging technologies in medical diagnostics and treatment planning is driving the expansion of the global next imaging technology market. In medical imaging, the visual description of the inner parts and workings of the human body is prepared through detailed graphics that can be clinically analyzed. Modern-generation imaging technology includes MRI and CT, providing a high accuracy in detecting diseases by health practitioners and facilitating rapid disease diagnosis.

• For instance, in March 2024, ARPA-H and FDA's CDRH announced a partnership to enhance access to affordable, high-quality medical imaging data, fostering advancements in diagnostic solutions and healthcare innovation.

These innovations provide early detection to improve patient outcomes and enhance service delivery in the healthcare sector. The continued utilization of these technologies underscores their contribution to modern medical diagnosis and therapeutic application.

Increasing adoption of imaging technology in machine vision system

The increasing adoption of next-generation imaging technologies in automated machine vision systems accelerates market growth. Advanced image sensors enhance sensitivity and dynamic range to improve the accuracy of inspections with industrial processes, therefore increasing efficiency. Besides, integrating 3D imaging technologies, including depth sensing and object recognition, improves automation and accuracy in manufacturing, logistics, and quality control. These innovations transform industrial operations, fuel demand for the next-imaging technologies, and place machine vision as a key enabler in the progress of smart manufacturing and automated systems.

• For instance, in October 2023, the Ministry of Electronics & IT introduced TvITS, an AI-powered thermal sensor camera for road traffic monitoring, ensuring accurate detection of stationary and moving objects in all weather conditions.

Market Restraint

High initial cost of following imaging technologies

The significant cost associated with next-generation imaging technologies remains a major barrier to widespread adoption. These advanced solutions require highly sophisticated hardware components, specialized sensors, and complex software systems for accurate image analysis and inspection. The development and integration of such high-end technologies demand extensive research and development (R&D) investments, making these systems expensive for many industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and security.

Furthermore, the complexity of integrating new imaging technologies with existing infrastructure raises installation and operational expenses. Businesses often face challenges in upgrading legacy systems to support these advanced imaging solutions, requiring additional compatibility, training, and maintenance investments. While industries such as healthcare, automotive, and aerospace recognize the substantial benefits of next-gen imaging in diagnostics, automation, and security, the high cost of adoption limits widespread deployment, slowing market growth and innovation.

Market Opportunity

Integration of AI into advanced imaging technologies

The incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into next-generation imaging solutions is expected to drive substantial growth in the market. AI-powered imaging enhances precision, automates image analysis, and improves the detection of abnormalities in various applications, particularly in healthcare, security, and industrial inspection. AI-driven imaging models can analyze vast amounts of visual data in real-time, reducing human errors and increasing diagnostic efficiency.

AI-powered imaging revolutionizes disease detection in healthcare by enabling early diagnosis and accurate tissue analysis. For instance, AI-enhanced imaging can detect colorectal cancer in its early stages by identifying microscopic changes in tissue structures. As AI algorithms evolve, they are expected to optimize imaging procedures further, making diagnostics faster, more reliable, and highly personalized.

• For example, in the United States, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has launched the PRIMED-AI program, which integrates AI with clinical imaging and health data to transform disease prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Beyond healthcare, AI-integrated imaging enhances security surveillance through real-time facial recognition, object detection, and threat analysis. In industrial automation, AI-based imaging ensures precision quality control in manufacturing, reducing defects and improving operational efficiency.

Regional Insights

North America: Dominating region in the global next imaging technology market

North America accounted for the largest revenue share in the global next imaging technology market. North America's mature healthcare industry has adopted the latest imaging technologies such as molecular and functional imaging for surgical procedures, diagnostics, and patient monitoring. Artificial intelligence added to these technologies further increases capabilities and provides far more detailed, accurate, and precise visualization of objects or systems. North American players mainly utilize next-gen imaging technologies as part of process automation across industrial applications and their machine vision ones to further foster market growth; the region maintains a leading position in innovation with this imaging technology.

• For instance, in 2023, the U.S. government’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved nearly 700 AI algorithms with a strong focus on radiology.

Asia Pacific: Fastest Growing Region in the Global Next Imaging Technology Market

The Asia-Pacific region is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period, with a large manufacturing base in countries like China, Japan, and India. The innovation in camera technology by manufacturers in the region has been further supplemented by adopting these advanced technologies for the security and surveillance of critical infrastructure in public spaces. In addition, the growth in usage of the next imaging technologies in the automotive industry, especially for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), is anticipated to accelerate the growth of the regional imaging technology market during the forecast period.

• For instance, in 2024, the Bharat New Vehicle Safety Assessment Program (BNVSAP) established safety requirements for new cars, including the need for certain ADAS features, while the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Cars (FAME) plan offers incentives for the purchase of electric vehicles.

Countries Insights

• United States: The U.S. remains at the forefront of the next imaging technologies market, with significant investments in AI, AR, and 3D imaging. Federal agencies also use AR for training, and the FDA has approved several AR/VR medical devices. In September 2024, the U.S. Food and Administration updated the medical device list incorporating AR/VR. With this update, the FDA has authorized 69 medical devices incorporating Augment Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR).
• China: China is among the foremost manufacturers of advanced imaging technologies, especially in sectors such as security and healthcare. In this respect, the government is supporting AI-driven initiatives that may enhance medical imaging, and there is increasing movement in 3D imaging, especially in the automotive and urban planning industries. In 2023, China's medical equipment market reached a total market capitalization of approximately 179 billion US dollars.
• Japan: Japan invests in next-generation imaging technologies, mainly for medical diagnostics and industrial applications. Advanced work has been done to interlace AI in imagery for medical use in MRI, and CT scans through government-backed healthcare programs. Japan maintains one of the highest densities of MRI and CT scanners globally, with 57.39 MRI units per million population and 115.7 CT scanners per million people.
• Germany: Germany is among the foremost countries in the health sector that use advanced imaging technologies, such as 3D ultrasound and AR for surgery. The government also emphasizes AI-based integration in diagnostic imaging systems for improved patient care. The technology is used abundantly in the automotive and manufacturing sectors for quality control in the automotive and manufacturing industries.
• India: The healthcare sector in India is rapidly embracing the next imaging technologies, and demand for diagnostic imaging systems such as MRI and CT scans is growing. The government's "Make in India" initiative promotes local manufacturing of such devices. As of 2021, data from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) indicates that India had 1,079 CT scan devices and 21 MRI scan devices registered.
• South Korea: South Korea's investment in AI-driven imaging solutions, both medical diagnostics and autonomous driving, by the government as part of supported projects. In 2023, South Korea saw a significant rise in radiologists, with the total increasing to 4,206, up from 3,065 in 2013. This 1.3-fold growth highlights the country’s commitment to enhancing healthcare services, particularly diagnostic imaging. This expansion underscores the increasing demand for imaging technology and radiologists' critical role in delivering accurate diagnoses and improving patient outcomes.
• United Kingdom: The U.K. is focusing on making AI and AR a part of its healthcare to reduce the error rate associated with diagnosis, thereby improving patient outcomes. The National Health Service (NHS) increasingly implements 3D imaging technologies to aid surgeries. A survey revealed that over half of the UK public (54%) support using AI for patient care, such as diagnosing illnesses and recommending treatments.
• Canada: Canada is rapidly embracing AI-powered imaging technologies, especially in healthcare and scientific research. Advanced imagery techniques, including MRI and CT scans, will help enhance the diagnostic power of medicine. In 2023, approximately 6.1% of businesses in Canada adopted AI for production and services, with the healthcare sector being a key area of application.

Segmentation Analysis

By Type

Electromagnetic imaging segment lead in the global market of next imaging technology because it has versatile use with respectable applicability across various industries. Electromagnetic imaging technology is extensively applied in the field of health for diagnostics using MRI and MRA techniques, whereas geophysical exploration and environmental monitoring require critical usage. High-resolution image formation facilitates the mapping of geological structures, detection of defects in materials, and tracking of the water resource groundwaters, all contributing to substantial market growth.

• For instance, in 2024, the government of India introduced a 20% capital subsidy to encourage local production of digital X-ray, CT scan, and MRI components, reducing import dependency.

By Technique

The optical imaging segment led the global market, accounting for the highest share. Optical imaging uses visible light to capture and analyze images and finds extensive applications in scientific research, especially in microscopy, to study microscopic structures and biological samples. The market is expanding further as technology is increasingly integrated with consumer electronics, including smartphones and digital cameras. The broad use in research and consumer markets helps continue driving innovations and growth for optical imaging technology within the global market.

• For instance, in 2023, ISRO introduced its Optical Imaging System (OIS), enabling long-distance surveillance across visible and near-infrared spectra, operating efficiently in twilight and mid-day lighting with a single sensor setup.

By Application

The healthcare segment led the global market, securing the largest revenue share. Advanced imaging technologies, including diagnostic and treatment planning and patient monitoring, are central to health care. During surgical procedures, techniques such as endoscopy, laparoscopy, and catheter-based imaging are gaining more popularity and enable surgeons to see inside the human body with higher precision, allowing for more accuracy in surgeries and improving patient outcomes, thus positively impacting the development of the health imaging market.

• For instance, the government of India approved the National Medical Devices Policy 2023, aiming for a 10-12% share of the global market by 2048, expected to grow the sector from USD 11 billion to USD 50 billion by 2030.

Company Market Share

Key market players are investing in the next imaging technology and pursuing collaborations, acquisitions, and partnerships to enhance their products and expand their market presence.

CureMetrix: An Emerging Player in the Next Imaging Technology Market

CureMetrix specializes in AI-driven imaging solutions for mammography, enhancing breast cancer detection accuracy, improving clinical outcomes, and reducing false positives for healthcare professionals.

Recent Developments:

• In September 2024, CureMetrix specializes in AI-driven imaging solutions for mammography, enhancing breast cancer detection accuracy, improving clinical outcomes, and reducing false positives for healthcare professionals.

Recent Development

• In 2024- Sony launched a cutting-edge 3D imaging technology for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). This high-definition, real-time imaging enhances vehicle safety features like collision avoidance and pedestrian detection, marking a significant advancement in automotive technology and supporting the industry’s move toward autonomous vehicles.

Analyst Opinion

As per our analyst, the global next imaging technology market is set to experience growth with AI, AR, and 3D imaging at its forefront. Healthcare is getting benefits through improved accuracy of diagnoses and enhanced patient outcomes through the use of AI in imaging. On the other hand, AR and 3D imaging are changing the way industries like automotive, manufacturing, and security function with improved efficiency and precision.

Despite cost barriers, government initiatives and investments in emerging technologies have fast-tracked market expansion. The increasing desire for more engaging experiences in games and entertainment enhances this market as well. In the wake of the ongoing and future technological changes, the near future of the next imaging technology market looks pretty promising.