Automotive Infrared Camera Technologies: Markets for Seeing Inside and Outside the Vehicle

Automotive technologies for ADAS and in-cabin sensing are evolving at a rapid pace. Besides the evolution of camera and radar and the continued uptake of LiDAR technologies, various infrared camera technologies of different wavelengths are either gaining market share now or are poised to enter the market within the next 5 years, according to IDTechEx's analysis.

 

The infrared spectrum can be split into four categories. In increasing wavelength, these are near-infrared (NIR), short-wave infrared (SWIR), mid-wave infrared (MWIR), and long-wave infrared (LWIR). Of these four, IDTechEx forecasts that MWIR cameras will have limited applications in automotive due to device complexity and cost. On the other hand, NIR cameras (including 3D ToF cameras), which are already sold in millions, will grow to become a widespread technology in DMS (driver monitoring systems). Automotive SWIR and LWIR cameras will occupy a smaller market share but will be competitive technologies for AEB (autonomous emergency braking), and autonomous driving. Automotive SWIR cameras have the potential to enter the market due to advanced sensing in all conditions, but this will depend on competitive pricing. LWIR cameras, first used in the Cadillac DeVille in 2000 and then by Mercedes, and BMW among others, will establish itself as a viable integrated ADAS technology. Multiple players are planning market entry from 2027 onwards.

 

In this webinar, IDTechEx will summarize the current market for automotive infrared camera technologies and consider future developments that may make or break the future uptake of each technology.

 

The webinar encompasses the following highlights:

 

This webinar shares some of the research from the new IDTechEx report, "Infrared (IR) Cameras for Automotive 2025-2035: Technologies, Opportunities, Forecasts".