Infrared Technology Breakthroughs Paving the Way for a US$500 Million Market, Says IDTechEx Report

(IN BRIEF) Thermal cameras have been a part of automotive technology for 25 years, with 1.2 million vehicles equipped with thermal LWIR camera technology, representing only 0.08% of the estimated 1.5 billion vehicles on the road globally. According to market intelligence firm IDTechEx, while the average vehicle has over one automotive radar unit installed, thermal cameras need further development to become a standard feature in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). John Li, a Technology Analyst at IDTechEx, emphasizes that regulatory changes and innovation are essential for LWIR cameras to reach their full potential in the automotive sector. The recent IDTechEx market report indicates that new regulations, such as updated NCAP programs in Europe and China, and stricter AEB tests by NHTSA in the US, are paving the way for increased adoption of LWIR cameras in new vehicles by 2029. Significant advancements have been made since the first LWIR camera appeared on the Cadillac DeVille in 2000, with current technology from Teledyne FLIR now in its fourth generation. Li points out that the development of LWIR transparent windshields and new materials, like chalcogenide glasses, could significantly enhance the uptake of these cameras. IDTechEx forecasts that the market for LWIR cameras will grow more than tenfold from 2025 to 2035, reaching approximately $500 million. For more information, visit IDTechEx’s website.

(PRESS RELEASE) CAMBRIDGE, 9-Oct-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Thermal cameras have been an automotive technology for 25 years, and 1.2 million on-road vehicles have thermal LWIR camera technology installed; however, this is only 0.08% of the estimated total of 1.5 billion vehicles on roads worldwide – it is clear that developments are required for thermal cameras to become a common choice in ADAS sensor suites. In contrast, market intelligence firm IDTechEx finds that there is an average of over one automotive radar unit per vehicle as of 2024, with typical SAE level 2 vehicles having 3 radars installed per car.

Drawing on research from the recent IDTechEx market report, “Infrared (IR) Cameras for Automotive 2025-2035: Technologies, Opportunities, Forecasts”, Technology Analyst John Li advises that for LWIR cameras to fill their potential in the automotive market, drivers in regulation and innovation are a crucial requirement, leading to performance increases and cost decreases. These drivers are analyzed in the report and accounted for in forecasts of LWIR camera volumes and market size over the next decade.

The report finds that regulations that could drive LWIR camera adoption have already begun, with updated NCAP programs in Europe and China updated this past year to include testing for AEB and tests in dark conditions. NHTSA’s US regulation for the passing of more stringent AEB tests means that by 2029, IDTechEx expects LWIR cameras to service a portion of new vehicles in the US market to meet these harsher requirements.

On the side of product development and innovation, there have been significant strides since the first LWIR camera on the Cadillac DeVille in 2000, supplied by Raytheon. As of 2024, Teledyne FLIR, the largest thermal camera supplier, is on its fourth generation of cameras, with a fifth generation expected in 2025.

John Li explains: “The development of LWIR transparent windshield sections is a key factor in propelling the uptake of automotive LWIR cameras. Going hand in hand with the development of LWIR transparent windshields is the potential of germanium alternatives that can act as LWIR transparent windows or be molded into lenses. Of the potential materials, chalcogenide glasses have emerged as a strong contender to take market share from germanium for infrared cameras.”

Using analysis of current product development and the value proposition of these enabling technologies in the methodology, IDTechEx forecasts the market for LWIR cameras to grow by more than ten times from 2025 to 2035, reaching approximately US$500 million. For further analysis of innovations and regulations, please visit www.IDTechEx.com/InfraAuto.

About IDTechEx

IDTechEx provides trusted independent research on emerging technologies and their markets. For more information, contact research@IDTechEx.com or visit www.IDTechEx.com.

Media contact:

Charlotte Martin
Subscriptions Marketing Manager
press@IDTechEx.com
+44(0)1223 812300

FAQs

1. What are thermal LWIR cameras, and how are they used in vehicles?
Thermal LWIR (Long-Wave Infrared) cameras are sensors that detect heat emitted from objects, allowing vehicles to see in low-light conditions and improve safety features. They can be integrated into Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) to enhance nighttime visibility and help identify pedestrians, animals, or other vehicles.

2. How many vehicles currently have thermal cameras installed?
As of now, approximately 1.2 million vehicles on the road are equipped with thermal LWIR camera technology, which accounts for only 0.08% of the estimated 1.5 billion vehicles globally.

3. Why are thermal cameras not more commonly used in vehicles?
The limited adoption of thermal cameras in vehicles can be attributed to several factors, including the need for regulatory support, innovation in camera technology, and a greater understanding of the benefits they offer. Significant developments are required for these cameras to become a standard feature in ADAS sensor suites.

4. What regulatory changes are expected to boost the adoption of thermal cameras?
Recent updates to NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) in Europe and China, which now include testing for Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) in dark conditions, indicate a shift towards incorporating thermal camera technology. Additionally, the NHTSA’s new regulations for more stringent AEB tests in the US are expected to drive the use of LWIR cameras in new vehicles by 2029.

5. What advancements have been made in thermal camera technology?
Since the first LWIR camera was introduced in the Cadillac DeVille in 2000, there have been significant advancements, including the release of fourth-generation cameras by Teledyne FLIR. The development of LWIR transparent windshields and alternative materials, like chalcogenide glasses, are also expected to enhance camera performance and integration in vehicles.

6. How does IDTechEx forecast the future market for thermal cameras?
IDTechEx predicts that the market for LWIR cameras will expand more than tenfold from 2025 to 2035, reaching approximately $500 million. This growth is based on current product developments and the increasing importance of thermal cameras in enhancing vehicle safety.

7. Where can I find more information about thermal cameras and their applications in the automotive industry?
For more detailed analysis and insights, you can visit the IDTechEx website at www.IDTechEx.com/InfraAuto. Additionally, for inquiries, you can contact research@IDTechEx.com.

SOURCE: IDTechEx