Tilt Sensor Market

Market Overview

The global tilt sensor market size was valued at USD 203.20 million in 2022. It is estimated to reach USD 409.25 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 8.09% during the forecast period (2023–2031). With the advancement of MEMS technology in the sensor market, demand for tilt sensors has surged, boosting global market growth. Likewise, a flourishing demand for construction equipment owing to the rise in construction activities due to urbanization is estimated to boost market growth.

Tilt sensors are devices that generate an electrical signal proportional to the angle of tilt. The sensors provide the device with information about itself, allowing it to avoid obstacles. The tilt sensor facilitates the driver's maintaining vehicle control during a turn. Tilt sensors are sometimes called inclinometers because tilt sensors only generate a signal, whereas inclinometers generate both a signal and a readout.

Tilt sensors are utilized in numerous applications and measure the tilting position relative to gravity. Due to their low price and high durability, they are utilized for a long time. Tilt sensors are also used to measure the height of poles and trees. Metal and non-metallic sensors are the two types of sensors. Tilt sensors are utilized in various industries, such as mining and construction, aerospace and defense, automotive and transportation, etc.

Market Dynamics

Global Tilt Sensor Market Drivers

Increasing Demand for MEMS Technology-based Tilt Sensors

The tilt sensor based on MEMS technology is anticipated to increase rapidly over the forecast period. This sensor's tiny size and low cost are the primary reasons for its rapid growth in the market. MEMS accelerometer-based high-performance tilt sensors can replace conventional tilt sensors in most application domains, thanks to the quick development of microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technology.

MEMS resonant accelerometers (MRAs) with high sensitivity are completely qualified for tilt sensing. The market's significant drivers are growing safety concerns in the automobile industry and the emergence of Industry 4.0 automation. Similarly, increased safety concerns in the automotive industry, particularly in the future when autonomous vehicles will be widely used, are expected to promote the use of MEMS sensors in such applications.

Rising Demand for Construction Equipment

The market's expansion is aided by a growing focus on infrastructure and automation in building and manufacturing processes. The road construction machinery market has seen substantial expansion in recent years because of increased road development initiatives implemented by the central and state governments, particularly in Asia-Pacific. In addition, the construction sector is becoming more sophisticated. Digitalization, connectivity, and automation propel the industry forward, with significant implications for construction projects.

Furthermore, to meet the increased demand for innovative construction machinery, rental companies have geared up to invest in new technologies and replace outdated fleets with new or upgraded machinery fleets. Tilt sensors are also used in industrial machinery for increased safety, such as those used in building, mining, and other similar sectors. Accidents can occur anytime while operating these devices, so tilt sensors are essential for their prevention.

Global Tilt Sensor Market Restraint

High Cost of Tilt Sensors Based on Force Balance Technology

Tilt sensors utilizing force balance accelerometer technology have been specifically engineered to cater to various applications such as platform stability, surface mapping, and remote tilt angle measurement. Force balance sensors can measure levels ranging from 0.0001g to 200g and have a frequency range of DC to 1000 Hz. The high precision, change in broad measurement, insensitivity to temperature change, and high accuracy are all advantages of these sensors. The high cost of this sensor is a factor that restrains the growth of the force balance sensor market.

Global Tilt Sensor Market Opportunities

Rising Demand from Automotive Sector

Within the automotive sector, the utilization of tilt sensors is on the rise. These sensors and gyroscopes are primarily used to enhance passenger safety and vehicle performance. Tilt sensors are used in numerous vehicle applications, including electronic parking brakes, rollover detection, stability control, and idle stop-start. In addition, as automakers invest more in vehicle automation, the use of ADAS, inertial navigation, hill-start assistance, and dynamic headlight leveling has increased.

For instance, Mercedes has developed lamps that automatically adjust to the road's inclination curves. Tilt sensors have been installed for this automation by the company. The automobile industry is also progressing toward creating autonomous vehicles. In recent years, the production and utilization of these automobiles have dramatically increased. For instance, BMW's new plant began producing autonomous electric vehicles in March 2018. Likewise, UBS predicts AV production and sales revenue will reach USD 243 billion by 2030.

Regional Analysis

Asia-Pacific Dominates the Global Market

Based on region, the global tilt sensor market is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World.

Asia-Pacific is the most significant global tilt sensor market shareholder and is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 8.81% during the forecast period. The region is expected to dominate the tilt sensor market due to a significant increase in investments in infrastructure development, aerospace and defense, and the telecommunications industry, as well as the presence of a robust semiconductor market in the region, primarily driven by China, Japan, and South Korea. Moreover, India is one of the leading economies, driving demand in the region. The country's power and cement industries are anticipated to aid the metals and mining industries; iron and steel demand is also rising. The demand is anticipated to drive the construction and mining equipment markets, increasing demand for precision sensors such as tilt sensors. According to IBEF, India produces 95 minerals, including 55 fuel-related, 10 metallic, 23 non-metallic, three atomic, and 55 minor ones. The country ranks third in coal production and fourth in iron ore production. Due to these factors, the country is one of the largest markets for mining equipment.

Moreover, Japan contributes significantly to the region and many others; it is home to renowned automotive and transportation, aerospace and defense, and mining and construction companies. This is another factor contributing to the region's market expansion.

Europe is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 8.27% over the forecast period. Germany is the leading revenue contributor to the market in the European region. Miniaturization and increased communication capabilities in the automotive industry, which enable their integration into vehicles without interfering with the essential functionality of the automobile, are the main trends driving Germany's tilt sensor market. Moreover, over a third of European car production derives from the German market. Germany also benefits from the highest proportion of anti-lock braking systems installed, with more than 90% of vehicles compared to 67% for the rest of Western Europe. German vehicle manufacturing also leads to the installation of new electronic stability systems, ESP, and suspension control.

In addition, German car manufacturers have a high adoption rate of new inclination sensors, which is likely to continue in the future. Automobile security systems and wheel alignment systems are two key application fields of tilt sensors in the automotive industry. Due to rising research activities, the application areas of tilt sensors are increasing, which is a significant opportunity for the market.

In North America, increasing demand for energy sources, new renewable energy development, and other rapid technological advancements are the primary forces influencing the market for tilt sensors. The region also has the highest adoption of automation and smart devices in almost every industry. The region is the leading smart home and office market due to its high automation rate. Comparatively, the region has also seen the greatest adoption of wireless sensors across various industry verticals. To meet the needs of the next generation of consumers, automotive manufacturers are transitioning toward producing electric vehicles as industry dynamics shift. In addition, the use of electric vehicles in the United States has risen rapidly, which can significantly augment the demand for tilt sensors designed for automotive applications. In addition, the tilt sensor market benefits from industrialization, expanding application areas, expanding end-user industries, and research and development efforts.

The rest of the world includes Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. Due to the government's focus on telecommunications and Chinese investment in the area, particularly emerging technologies, Latin America is experiencing a technology boom. With the region's economy expected to be driven by Brazil and Argentina, consumer spending is also predicted to increase further. The rising GDP and the emerging middle class drive automotive sales in the Middle East and Africa region. Automakers such as BMW, Ford, Mercedes Benz, General Motors, Renault, Nissan, Toyota, and Volkswagen, which have production plants in South Africa, are expected to provide significant opportunities for the tilt sensors market in the region.

Segmental Analysis

The global tilt sensor market is segmented by housing material type, technology, and end-user vertical.

Based on housing material type, the global tilt sensor market is divided into metal and non-metal segments. 

The non-metal segment owns the highest market share and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 8.74% during the forecast period. The growing demand for tilt sensors with plastic housing material propels this market forward. These sensors are in high demand in the industry due to their different appealing qualities, such as superior quality, exact measurements, and cheap maintenance. These plastic housings for sensors are made with cutting-edge technology and come in various sizes and specifications. These housings are commonly used to safeguard sensors in the electrical and automobile industries.

Tilt sensors enclosed in high-grade metal provide a high level of ingress protection due to their unique qualities, such as their compact size and ease of installation. Tilt sensors constructed of aluminum and stainless steel can also be used in several applications. However, compared to non-metal tilt sensors, demand for these tilt sensors is expected to remain substantially lower over the projection period. As metals are robust and can withstand harsh environments, they are used as housing materials for tilt sensors in heavy industries.

Based on technology, the global tilt sensor market is bifurcated into force balance, MEMS, and fluid-filled sensors. 

The force balance sensor segment dominates the global market and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 7.92% over the forecast period. Force balance sensors are gravity-referenced sensors that quantify DC acceleration in ships, cars, planes, and earthquakes. Inclinometers and tiltmeters typically use these sensors. The technique comprises complex mechanical components such as a "mass unbalance" pendulum mechanism and a servo motor. The mass imbalance shifts in response to a change in angle or acceleration acting on the sensor. The servo motor responds by exerting an equal and opposite force on the mass imbalance, which is measured and amplified to provide an output signal.

Fluid-filled sensors are of two types, i.e., capacitive and electrolytic. Capacitive sensors are used to measure inclination and tilt without using any touch. These can be used as switches as well as sensors. The capacitor sensor relies on changes in the capacitor when the shape of the capacitor changes. The capacitive sensing is not dependent on the base material in this case. The electrolytic sensor is measured using an electrolytic sensor, and the angle can be expressed in degrees, arc minutes, or arc seconds. In many applications, electrolytic sensors give exceptionally accurate pitch measurements.

Based on end-user verticals, the global tilt sensor market is segmented into mining and construction, aerospace and defense, automotive and transportation, and telecommunication.

The mining and construction segment is the largest revenue contributor to the market and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 8.81% over the forecast period. Construction and mining are the most significant industry verticals for tilt sensors. Tilt sensors help hydraulic leveling, road construction machines, drilling machines, mining equipment, mobile and stationary cranes, and aerial lift platform leveling systems. Currently, the high-precision tilt sensor can measure the pitch angle of the coal mining arm and achieve precise control. IP67 has a solid ability to resist external electromagnetic interference and vibration shock. Moreover, the market is also expected to grow over the forecast period because of rising investment in mining and construction exploration activities across developing economies.

In the aerospace and defense industries, most of the market for tilt sensors is likely to be expressed because of huge government investments in drones, launchers, weapons platforms, aircraft, and armored vehicles in cooperation with technology providers across all nations. A tilt sensor is used at several angles of a reference plane to measure the tilt. For several applications, tilt sensors test the gravity tilting position, which can detect orientation or inclination easily. These may also be called tilt switches or rolling ball sensors, like mercury switches. These instruments are being modified to increase high-end applications as they have become popular.

Recent Developments

• June 2023: TDK Corporation announced the addition of the IIM-20670 to the InvenSense SmartIndustrialTM sensor platform family. The IIM-20670 includes a monolithic 6-axis IMU, 3-axis accelerometer, and 3-axis gyroscope that is shock-resistant and capable of measuring all six axes simultaneously with a current consumption of less than 10 mA under all operating conditions.
• February 2023: TDK added two types of high-performance digital MEMS accelerometer sensors to the Tronics AXO®300 Series: AXO®301 for industrial and railway applications, and AXO®305 for robotics, land, and marine applications.