Sensors Play an Important Role in Industrial Automation and Industry 4.0

In the last few years, the adoption of automation in industrial operations has increased speedily. Industries are employing smart devices and systems to automate their traditional process, thus optimizing and improving the overall productivity and efficiency. The demand for industrial sensors has improved over time with the swift penetration of IoT in industrial operations. With the growing demand, market participants are embracing strategic collaborations for innovations and geographic expansion.

Industries are embracing IoT technologies to optimize the supply chain and manufacturing process. Sensors play a vital role in industry 4.0 and industrial automation. The growing trend towards industrial IoT and industrial automation will boost the demand in the industrial sensors market. In addition, increase in the adoption of smart sensors in various industries provides lucrative opportunities for the global industrial sensors market. According to Allied Market Research, the global industrial sensors market is anticipated to grow with a significant CAGR of 9.77% from 2020 to 2027.

The penetration of IoT in industries is increasing in the age of industry 4.0, and resulting in large scale deployment of IoT devices for smart manufacturing and supply chains. Traditionally, these devices were connected over wired medium. However, with the growing digitization and the demand for flexibility and sizable geographical distribution of the devices wireless connection mode is preferred among the customers. The wireless connections are vital component in the architecture of the system and it should meet the stringent requirements such as minimal delays and reliable connectivity.

The dependability of IoT networks on wireless communications calls out for improved solutions that can provide reliability to optimize industrial operations and applications.  Market players are adopting strategic partnerships for to provide top-notch solutions for the rapid networking of the information technology (IT) and operational technology sectors (OT). SICK, a German industrial sensor company, has acquired Mobilisis, a Croatian company, in order to expand its wireless networking capabilities for industrial Internet of things (IoT) devices. With this acquisition, the company aims to establish seamless connectivity between sensor data and cloud platforms and to speed up its application-specific digital sensor system solutions and service offerings. 

The size of sensor is a matter of concerns in designing of several components, as the evolving trends in the market demands for compact components. Leading players are investing in continual development and innovation of the latest technology in industrial sensors to stay at the top of the game. Following the trend of new product launches, Allegro introduced its 3D Hall effect sensor IC, A33230, which can measure angles in any plane relative to the machine. The compact 3D sensor will allow designers to reduce the PCB area, thereby lowering the overall weight, expenses, and bill of materials.

The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic hampered the global industrial sensor market. Manufacturing hubs have stopped their operations or were temporarily working at low efficiency, which lowered the demand for industrial sensors in the market. Electronic components such as sensors, ICs, PCBs, and LED chips are mostly imported from China. The global industrial sensors industry was impacted negatively in the initial phase of the pandemic due to various regulations on import-export trade. The prices of semiconductors have increased due to disrupted supply chains and a shortage of raw materials, thus affecting the growth of the global industrial sensor market. However, as the industries have resumed their operations to some extent, there will be a growing demand for industrial sensors as industrial automation is increasing rapidly. The market will recoup soon.

Related Post