Technavio: Global occupancy sensor market driven by need for efficiency, security, automation

by Brianna Crandall — April 25, 2016 — Technavio recently released an industry research report presenting a detailed segmentation of the global occupancy sensor market by type (PIR [passive infrared] and ultrasonic sensors), by application (residential and commercial, industrial manufacturing, smart home, automotive, and others), and by geography (the Americas, APAC [Asia-Pacific], and EMEA [Europe, the Middle East and Asia]). Leading vendors in this market are Acuity Brands, GE, Legrand and Schneider Electric.

Technavio’s market research analysts estimate the global occupancy sensor market will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12% between 2016 and 2020. The market for occupancy sensors is driven by an increasing demand for energy-efficient devices, a growing need for automation in manufacturing facilities, and increasing defense expenditures in several countries.

The ability of these sensors to improve accuracy, ensure safety, and increase functionality and efficiency, along with the advent of wireless technology and an upgrade from conventional sensing technology, will result in significant demand for occupancy sensors, according to the report. The Americas is the largest market for occupancy sensors, owing to the growing use of occupancy sensors in smart homes.

The new market research report from Technavio provides a breakdown and analysis of the occupancy sensors segments by technology.

According to Asif Ghani, lead analyst, Semiconductor, Technavio Research:

The demand for energy is on the rise, and power companies are struggling to meet consumer demand. Conserving power and turning off lights and appliances when they are not in use is a good way to reduce carbon emissions. Automation and using smart sensors is helping companies and individuals save a lot of money on their energy bills and also extend the life of their machinery and equipment. Automation is becoming quite a common feature in daily life as well, with offices and homes using smart sensor technology.

Occupancy sensors use a few different technologies to detect whether a person or people are in a room with the help of passive infrared (PIR) or ultrasonic sensors, explains Technavio. Regardless of the type of sensor, lights get turned on when a person enters a room. PIR sensors detect body heat within a specific field and activate lighting, so they can be very effective in small spaces.

The extensive use of PIR sensors for lighting and security applications in the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors is expected to lead to the sector’s steady growth during the predicted period. PIR sensors will dominate the market by usage and account for a share of around 77% by 2020.

The key vendors in the global occupancy sensor market include Acuity Brands, GE, Legrand, and Schneider Electric. Globally, the level of competition is quite intense among the key vendors, according to the report. The demand for sensors is highest in the industrial sector, where automation and sensors can help to save a lot of money on energy and streamline the manufacturing process.

A more detailed analysis is available in the Technavio report, Global Occupancy Sensor Market 2016-2020. Technavio offers customized reports by other regions and specific segments upon request.