The demand for non-destructive material testing with enhanced safety standards in various industries is expected to propel the growth. The growing need for low-cost devices in the commercial and healthcare sector is expected to further augment the product demand according to the analysts.

The Short Wavelength Infrared (SWIR) thermal scanner is presumed to witness strong growth over the next few years. SWIR provides the ability to see through glass, offers day-to-night imaging, and high sensitivity and greater resolution. Moreover, the increased penetration of SWIR-based thermal imaging for surveillance and security applications in military and other emergency services is bolstering the market growth. As a result, key players are developing technically advanced and low-priced SWIR cameras to capture the lucrative opportunity.

The modern automotive industry implemented the use of various combinations of materials owing to the future-oriented lightweight manufacturing of the vehicles. As a result, the industry demands innovative and alternative approaches to contemporary testing. Thermal scanners can provide precise and efficient testing and quality control in the automotive industry by detecting the defects and streamline repairs without damaging the parts. Moreover, thermal imaging can complement ADAS in the automotive industry. However, the industry is facing some major challenges amid the COVID-19 crisis. The supply chain disruptions on account of border closure, interruptions in manufacturing facilities across Europe, and closure of assembly plants in U.S. has impacted the automotive industry growth. Thus, the demand for thermal scanners in the automotive industry is likely to witness sluggish growth in 2020.

The European thermal scanner market is expected to exhibit steady growth over the forecast period. The region has witnessed widespread adoption of thermal scanners in healthcare and commercial applications for fever detection and multiple diagnoses of the illness. Countries such as Spain, Italy, U.K., and Germany have witnessed remarkable impact of COVID-19, which has resulted in increased deployment of thermal scanners at public places such as airports, metro stations, and hospitals. After the pandemic, the use of thermal scanners and temperature checks at these public places, especially at airports, is expected to be continued, which will result in steady market growth. According to Grand View Research, the CEO of Heathrow Airport, U.K., predicted that going forward, the airports will implement the passenger temperature checking along with the security checks as a common practice.

The key players named by the researchers as active in this market include Flir Systems;  Fluke Corporation; Leonardo S.p.A.; L3 Harris Technologies; and Opgal Optronic Industries.