Market Overview
The German weigh-in-motion system market size witnessed significant growth in the past and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period (2024-2032).
The Weigh in Motion system is a compilation of hardware and software tools for calculating and recording the weight of vehicles in motion. Using a weigh-in-motion System, road traffic administrators, regulators, bridge designers, control agencies, and research organizations acquire accurate axle weight information from moving vehicles. Weigh in Motion is primarily used to calculate the GVW (gross vehicle weight), speed, axle weight, and axle spacing of vehicles. It helps to improve traffic safety, reduce the likelihood of accidents, and prevent road surface degradation. In addition to using weigh-in-motion technology, weight-based toll collection also employs weigh-in-motion technology.
Market Dynamics
Germany weigh-in-motion system market drivers:
Low Cost Compared with Static Weigh Scale
The static weight scale is used to calculate a vehicle's overall weight while it is stationary. The core component of the static weigh evaluation system is an indicator, which in addition to the weight display, is equipped with additional analytical capabilities. A computer-aided system with the proper software is needed to carry out the weighing operation on these static weigh scales.
Other tools like cameras, barriers, and traffic signals are also needed to function in unattended mode. When taken as a whole, these factors tend to make static scales more expensive than weigh-in-motion scales.
Furthermore, maintenance costs are higher because the static weights scale needs to be protected from corrosion and filth. Steel components are often protected against corrosion using the galvanizing process. Every bridge has a service aperture that needs to be kept clean and protected from debris. These accumulated maintenance expenses make static weigh scales more expensive than weigh-in-motion.
Germany weigh-in-motion system market restraints:
Lack of Standardized and Uniform Technologies
Weigh-in-motion systems are one example of a traffic control technology that lacks standardization and uniformity. Many hardware and software parts from several suppliers make up the weigh-in-motion gadget. Additionally, manufacturers' technical specifications differ between sensors, CPUs, and other devices and are incompatible with various underlying platforms.
Additionally, different nations and areas have specific communication community standards and protocols that prevent solution providers from offering their services globally. The component of the weigh-in-motion system is exceedingly difficult to replace in the aftermarket due to a lack of standardization. Therefore, a weigh-in-motion system's demand is constrained by a lack of mandates, specifications, and procedures for adoption.
Germany weigh-in-motion system market opportunities:
Increasing Investment in Smart Cities
A "smart city" is a concept that uses data analysis and smart technologies to increase economic growth, operational efficiency, and city function. A city can identify and staff police in high-risk regions thanks to compelling big-data applications and procedures. People are embracing novel approaches to improve productivity, control, economics, integration, sustainability, and efficiency, increasing investment in smart cities.
Many governments worldwide have recently embraced smart city initiatives to spur economic expansion. The adoption of smart cities and smart mobility technologies depends heavily on the development of transportation demand management (TDM). As ICTs continue to be utilized in urban community innovation, the role of innovation is anticipated to grow. The need for weigh-in-motion is anticipated to rise due to the attractive automation prospects offered by this new smart transportation.
Regional Analysis
The market for weigh-in-motion systems in Germany has expanded significantly in recent years. Advanced technologies called weigh-in-motion systems are used to track and gauge the weight of moving vehicles. These systems are essential for several purposes, including toll collecting, weight regulation, and data gathering.
Germany has a significant need for weigh-in-motion systems because of its developed economy and established transportation infrastructure. The nation is a major hub for international trade and transportation thanks to its advantageous position in Europe and massive road system. To maintain compliance with weight restrictions and improve road safety, it is necessary to deploy efficient and precise weighing systems.
Furthermore, Germany's dedication to environmental preservation and sustainability fuels an even greater demand for weigh-in-motion systems. In addition to posing safety issues, heavy vehicles use more fuel and emit more pollution. Authorities can monitor and enforce weight restrictions using weigh-in-motion devices, ensuring that vehicles operate within legal parameters and reduce their negative environmental effects.
Segmental Analysis
The German weigh-in-motion system market is segmented based on Vehicle Speed, Type, End-Use Industry, Component, Sensor Type, and Function.
Based on Vehicle Speed, the market is segmented into Low-Speed, High-Speed.
Low-Speed holds a major market share and is expected to register a CAGR of 5.3% over the forecast period. To verify over-the-road compliance, the low-speed weigh-in-motion is primarily utilized to measure axle weights on-site precisely. It is anticipated to account for a large portion of the overall market share during the forecast period. The main cause of the increase in low-speed weigh-in-motion is the slowed speed of numerous commercial vehicles and big load carriers on highways and open roads.
Compared to high-speed weigh-in-motion, this system has several benefits, including lower acquisition and maintenance costs. Additionally, low-speed weigh-in-motion is used in many other industries, including mining, logistics, agriculture, and many others, which is predicted to increase demand for the technology.
Based on Type, the market is segmented into Weigh Bridge Systems, In-Road Systems, and Onboard Systems.
Weigh Bridge System holds a major market share and is expected to register a CAGR of 5.2% over the forecast period. The main purpose of this device, which is permanently fixed to the concrete foundation, is to gather weight data for the entire load a vehicle carries. To determine the real weight of the products, Weighbridge weighs the empty and loaded truck. To operate, this system primarily requires a load cell. Automated weighbridge systems apply to all business undertakings, from waste management to construction, and they have the advantages of lower labor costs and increased productivity.
The weighbridge's integration with IoT has various benefits, including a completely automated system that enables a vehicle's driver to undertake weight measuring alone. Secure vehicle identification, real-time data monitoring, and automatic traffic control signals enabling traffic flow control are further benefits of IoT integration. These improvements in the weighbridge system are primarily driving the development of the market.
Based on End-Use Industry, the market is segmented into Highway Toll, Logistics, Oil and Refinery, and Others.
Highway Toll holds a major market share and is expected to register a CAGR of 5.7% over the forecast period. The primary driving force behind the demand for weigh-in-motion in the highway toll industry is the requirement to identify overloaded cars at the toll plaza. This method ensures that on-road traffic flows continuously since it does not impede traffic from collecting essential data that the toll plaza needs.
Traffic congestion at the toll plaza is a major issue that arises during the vehicle weight assessment process. This lengthens the processing time and reduces the toll plaza's productivity. One of the main elements influencing the demand for the weigh-in-motion in the highway toll industry is that it provides the ideal answer to these problems.
Based on Components, the market is segmented into Software and Services and Hardware.
Software and Services hold a major market share and is expected to register a CAGR of 5.2% over the forecast period.
Based on Sensor Type, the market is segmented into Piezoelectric Sensors, Bending Sensors, Inductive Loop, Infrared Sensor, and Others.
Piezoelectric Sensor holds a major market share and is expected to register a CAGR of 5.3% over the forecast period. The weigh-in-motion system uses piezoelectric sensors to measure axle weight while the vehicle is moving. These sensors use piezoelectric components designed to generate electric signals when a force from the moving vehicle is applied to the sensor. The flowing traffic on the highway can maintain its speed and avoid the problem of traffic congestion thanks to these piezoelectric sensors, which can quickly determine the weight of a vehicle driving at more than 100 kmph.
Compared to other systems, piezoelectric sensors are more compact and have a simpler design for weigh-in-motion applications. These sensors also have a large measuring range and a shallower road installation depth. The demand for piezoelectric sensors in weigh-in-motion systems worldwide is driven by these advantages over other types of sensors.
Based on Application, the market is segmented into Weight-Based Toll Collection, Weight Enforcement, Traffic Data, Vehicle Profiling, and Axle Counting.
Weight-Based Toll Collection holds a major market share and is expected to register a CAGR of 4.7% over the forecast period. The cost of using an expressway is calculated according to how much wear the vehicle causes. Street users pay according to the actual weight of their vehicles on weight-based expressways. The weigh-in-motion frameworks ensure fair prices while generating extra cash to assist the foundation. Additionally, this technology can identify stolen automobiles, and RFID is used to track down accident instances.
