Smart Pneumatics Market

Market Overview

The global smart pneumatics market size was valued at USD 3.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 5.9 billion by 2032, registering a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period (2024-2032). Market expansion is being enhanced by introducing the Internet of Things (IoT) in many industries and the increasing awareness of predictive maintenance among enterprises. 

Smart pneumatics is a trendy and well-preferred equipment extensively used globally. It may be employed in various scenarios. It is an industrial device that handles and transports things within a facility. It finds application in diverse industries such as automotive, manufacturing, retail, food & beverage, and transportation. Smart Pneumatics consists of many components, such as belt conveyors, rollers, and pallets. Smart pneumatics allow more efficient handling of a larger quantity of goods. Smart pneumatics refers to technology and equipment used for material handling, specifically for transferring heavy or bulky raw materials and finished goods between different locations. These systems are designed to execute tasks much faster than human labor.

Several key reasons are driving the rise of the smart pneumatic industry. The increasing need for automation and Industry 4.0 technologies is fueling the adoption of smart pneumatic systems. Further, the manufacturing industry's focus on operational efficiency and productivity encourages the adoption of smart pneumatic solutions for instantaneous monitoring and proactive maintenance. Moreover, the progress in sensor technology and connectivity enables the smooth integration of smart pneumatic components into existing pneumatic systems, facilitating data-driven decision-making and improving overall performance. 

In addition, government programs that support the digitalization of industries and the implementation of smart manufacturing techniques contribute to the expansion of the market by fostering innovation and attracting investments in smart pneumatic technologies.

Highlights

• Smart pneumatic valve generates the highest revenue share based on type.
• Software accounts for the largest market share by component.
• Automotive contributes significantly to the market through end-users.

Market Dynamics

Global Smart Pneumatics Market Drivers:

Growing Awareness Toward Predictive Maintenance

Predictive maintenance (PdM) is crucial for maximizing profits and preserving assets. Unlike conventional reactive maintenance, Predictive Maintenance (PdM) prioritizes proactive measures based on up-to-date information on equipment performance. The adoption of proactive maintenance procedures indicates a shift in industrial processes. Organizations today give more importance to predicting and preparing for problems rather than simply reacting to them. They achieve this by using data analytics, sensor technologies, and predictive algorithms to prevent errors before they happen.

Furthermore, the market is being driven by an increasing recognition of the importance of predictive maintenance due to the rise of Industry 4.0 and advanced ''smarter'' technology. Accenture identifies predictive maintenance of assets as a critical area of attention that can result in significant cost savings. By implementing predictive maintenance, companies can reduce scheduled repairs by up to 12 percent, lower overall maintenance costs by up to 30 percent, and minimize breakdowns by up to 70 percent. Fluid power systems can now benefit from advanced conditions and remote monitoring capabilities, enabling maintenance professionals to detect the occurrence of any impediments or issues accurately. Hence, the growing importance of predictive maintenance drives market growth. 

Global Smart Pneumatics Market Restraints:

Lack of Common Platform and Integration

Although digitalization and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) have led to promising developments, the smart pneumatic market needs to be improved by substantial constraints arising from the absence of a standardized platform and integration difficulties. These barriers impede smart pneumatic systems' smooth integration and expandability across many sectors.

A significant obstacle is the need for established methods and platforms. Various manufacturers frequently employ exclusive technologies and communication protocols, resulting in compatibility challenges. The fragmentation of smart pneumatic components from different manufacturers poses challenges for end-users in integrating them into a unified system. As a result, firms may need higher expenses and difficulties in compatibility between different systems, which can discourage them from investing in smart pneumatic solutions.

In addition, integration problems encompass more than just hardware compatibility. Integrating software involves addressing the challenges of aligning various data types and analytics tools. Integrating smart pneumatic data with existing enterprise resource planning (ERP) or manufacturing execution systems (MES) can be complex and difficult. The challenge of providing smooth data transmission and centralized control can restrict the potential advantages of real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, hence diminishing the entire value proposition of smart pneumatics. Furthermore, the presence of a shared platform can help the growth of a strong network of external apps and services. The lack of standardized frameworks challenges developers in creating widely adoptable solutions, impeding innovation and adoption rates.

Global Smart Pneumatics Market Opportunity

Penetration of Digitization and IIoT

The smart pneumatic market is expected to grow significantly, primarily because of the increasing adoption of digitalization and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). These technologies continuously monitor pneumatic systems, analyze data in real-time, and predict maintenance needs. As a result, they improve these systems' efficiency, reliability, and longevity. Digitization revolutionizes conventional pneumatic systems by including sophisticated sensors and IoT devices, enabling uninterrupted data acquisition on critical parameters like pressure, temperature, and flow rates. Analyzing this data can enhance system performance, detect inefficiencies, and forecast future faults, minimizing downtime and maintenance expenses.

Additionally, implementing IIoT enhances these advantages by facilitating uninterrupted connectivity and communication between pneumatic components and wider industrial networks. Implementing IIoT enables the remote monitoring and control of pneumatic systems, allowing for centralized management and enhancing responsiveness and operational efficiency. This link also facilitates the implementation of sophisticated production techniques, such as Industry 4.0, which depend on smart systems and automation.

According to vXchnge Holdings Inc., more than 80% of industrial manufacturing organizations are currently utilizing or plan to use Internet of Things (IoT) devices to enhance energy efficiency and increase overall production uptime. This will increase the demand for smart pneumatics in the future. In May 2019, Emerson introduced a new tool that allows users of pneumatic systems to rapidly and conveniently assess the potential advantages of incorporating Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technology. By linking the new AVENTICS Smart Pneumatics Analyzer to the pressured air supply of an existing machine, customers will have immediate analysis capabilities for important machine attributes, such as compressed air usage and potential air leaks. 

Ultimately, the merging of digitization and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is a crucial element propelling the growth of the smart pneumatic market. These technologies are revolutionizing pneumatic applications in different sectors by enhancing intelligence, efficiency, and predictability. This is expected to lead to continuous market expansion and innovation.

Regional Analysis

The global smart pneumatics market analysis is conducted across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

Asia-Pacific Dominates the Global Market

Asia Pacific is the most significant global smart pneumatics market shareholder and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% over the forecast period. The region's growth can be attributed to several factors, including the presence of influential market leaders, the increasing adoption of smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0, rapid industrialization, strict workplace regulations, fast urbanization, widespread use of IIoT in different sectors, growing acceptance of safety standards and procedures, and rising awareness of innovative technology. These factors have created a significant demand for smart pneumatics in the region.

Additionally, the energy, automotive, oil and gas, and manufacturing industries in developing countries of the Asia-Pacific region, including India, Japan, and China, are witnessing a growing need for smart pneumatic solutions. Companies extensively utilize these solutions to optimize production processes and bolster operational efficiency and safety. The Asia-Pacific area is experiencing a rise in industry, urbanization, and population, resulting in an increased need for agricultural products, food, and chemicals that utilize smart pneumatic technology in their industrial facilities.

Europe is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 6.8% over the forecast period. The European pneumatic market is propelled by the region's emphasis on industrial automation and Industry 4.0 initiatives, which aim to improve efficiency and production. The industry is expanding due to increasing demand for energy-efficient equipment and strict environmental laws. The integration of IoT and AI in pneumatic systems makes a substantial contribution to technological breakthroughs. Moreover, the demand for sophisticated automation solutions in the automotive, food & beverage, and industrial industries significantly enhances the market. The existence of influential market players and the growing expenditure in research and development for novel goods sustains market expansion.

North America holds a significant market share. Various factors contribute to the growth of the smart pneumatic market in North America. There is a growing trend towards adopting Industry 4.0 technologies to enhance automation and efficiency in the industrial sector. In addition, the increasing focus on energy efficiency and cost reduction promotes the adoption of smart pneumatics, which provide real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance capabilities. The growth of the automotive and aerospace sectors further enhances the need for sophisticated pneumatic systems. Regulatory criteria for industrial automation and safety further drive the market growth. In this market, the main factors driving growth are technical improvements and the demand for efficient and cost-effective production procedures.

Segmental Analysis

The global smart pneumatics market is segregated based on component, type, and end-use industry.

The market is segmented based on type into Smart Pneumatic Valves, Smart Pneumatic Actuators, and Smart Pneumatic Modules.

The smart pneumatic valve segment dominated in 2023. Pneumatic actuators with advanced intelligence utilize sensors and additional electronic components to give the controller precise feedback on many functional parameters, including speed, force, end of stroke, stroke length, and cycle time. The gathered data enables monitoring to ascertain whether the actuator functions according to expectations. Aside from pneumatic valves and actuators, the market also encompasses modules or platforms for monitoring and controlling operations. The module establishes communication with the pneumatic system sensors through the I/O link, enabling users to anticipate issues before they lead to machine malfunction.

The smart pneumatic actuators segment is the fastest growing. Actuators transform energy into mechanical motion, commonly used to regulate pneumatic system valves. Actuators enhance automation capabilities by providing enhanced control. Furthermore, the swift implementation of IoT-enabled actuators for predictive maintenance is expected to drive the growth of this category in the projected timeframe.

Based on components, the market is segmented into Hardware and Software.

The software segment dominated in 2023 since it collects, processes, and analyzes the raw data extracted from the hardware. There are numerous solutions available on the market that employ various technologies. However, most solutions offer standard functionalities such as data integration, analysis, review, and evaluation. Developers prioritize delivering maintenance services to harvest and evaluate data. 

The hardware segment is the fastest growing. Hardware components refer to the tangible aspects of smart pneumatic systems, encompassing valves, sensors, controllers, and actuators. These components effectively achieve accurate control and automation in industrial processes.

Based on end-users, the market is segmented into Automotive, Oil and Gas, Food and Beverage, and Energy and Power.

The automobile dominated in 2023. The global automotive sector is seeing significant growth in the daily production of cars. Efficient maintenance of machines at the manufacturing site is necessary to reduce production cycles and enhance output. Smart pneumatic systems are crucial for improving the efficiency of the industrial process. Automakers use Internet of Things (IoT) devices to improve energy efficiency and oversee assets. This is a significant opportunity for the acquisition and application of profound knowledge. 

The oil and gas segment is the fastest growing. The oil and gas sectors utilize smart pneumatic systems, including pipeline surveillance, process automation, and valve manipulation. These solutions enhance oil and gas operations' safety, dependability, and effectiveness.

The food and beverage segment is the second largest. The industry is progressively embracing automation and smart pneumatic systems to improve productivity, accuracy, and efficiency in packaging, processing, and distribution, and utilizing smart pneumatic technology, such as valves and actuators, aids in optimizing operations and ensuring uniform product excellence, which is essential for managing food and beverage items. This acceptance facilitates the sector's need for dependable and practical solutions to tackle labor shortages, cost constraints, and sustainability objectives, consequently promoting the overall expansion of the smart pneumatic market.

Recent Developments

• December 2023– The AVENTICS Smart Pneumatics Monitor is the core module for interconnected pneumatics. It offers accurate data on the condition of actuators and the energy efficiency of pneumatic systems without requiring the involvement of machine controllers. By minimizing the occurrence of machine downtimes, this approach reduces the risk of disruptions and decreases operating expenses, thus enhancing overall equipment effectiveness.
• January 2024- Weiss Robotics introduced the ZPG 75 series, which includes the proprietary workpiece detecting feature from Weiss Robotics as a standard component. This feature facilitates rapid and dependable identification of the held workpiece, eliminating the need for external limit switches.