The global infrared thermometer market is poised to grow exponentially over the forecast period on account of increasing need for contact-free temperature measurement techniques following the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.

Infrared thermometers are used to determine body temperatures in humans as well as animals through the use of IR waves emitted by infrared sensors. These devices, also known as non-contact thermometers, demonstrate strong potential in most medical setups and are able to deliver accurate readings without touching the patient’s body. In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, the application scope of these thermometers has expanded beyond hospitals and homes to more commercial spaces like malls, offices, hotels, and restaurants, among others.

The infrared thermometer market has been bifurcated in terms of product type, application, measurement point, end-use, distribution channel, and region. With respect to product type, the market has been further segregated into fixed mount infrared thermometers, handheld infrared thermometers, and pocket infrared thermometers.

The fixed mount infrared thermometers segment recorded over USD 125 million in valuation in 2021 and is expected to depict -2.2% CAGR through 2028. The COVID-19 crisis has greatly impacted segmental growth, given the mounting number of infections during the pandemic. Wall-mounted IR thermometers gained immense popularity during this period since they allowed faster and more accurate temperature self-checks in public spaces and commercial establishments, without requiring the use of handheld devices.

Based on measurement point, the infrared thermometer industry has been categorized into ear infrared thermometers, multifunction infrared thermometers, and forehead infrared thermometers. The ear infrared thermometer segment exceeded USD 375 million in revenue in 2021 and is likely to showcase market growth of nearly -2.5% through the estimated timeline. Owing to their accuracy and convenience, these thermometers have gained popularity among parents as an ideal temperature monitoring device for children, which is primed to augment segmental progress.

With regards to application, the infrared thermometer market has been divided into veterinary infrared thermometers and medical infrared thermometers. In 2021, the veterinary infrared thermometers segment was valued at more than USD 253 million and is poised to register nearly -2.9% CAGR through 2028. Escalating prevalence of zoonotic diseases among animals, such as foot-mouth disease and bovine ephemeral fever, is a major factor set to drive infrared thermometer industry expansion from the veterinary application segment.

To cite an instance, in December 2021, cattle herds in Kyogle Shire, New South Wales, were diagnosed with bovine ephemeral fever, with clinical signs observed in Tweed and Byron Shires as well. Notably, the ability of IR thermometers to help farmers monitor the health of their livestock without causing them stress is poised to boost product adoption in veterinary applications in the forthcoming years.

In terms of distribution channel, the infrared thermometer market has been classified into online channels and retail stores. The online channels segment recorded a revenue of USD 269 million in 2021 and is anticipated to exhibit approximately -2.0% CAGR through 2028. This is credited primarily to the growing inclination of consumers towards online portals due to greater convenience and ease of access to a vast array of medical products, particularly amidst the threat of a global pandemic.

Based on end-use, the infrared thermometer market has been segmented into ambulatory surgical centers, hospitals and clinics, and others. In 2021, the ambulatory surgical centers segment surpassed USD 194 million valuation and is anticipated to observe considerable progress over the forecast period. This progress is attributed to various factors, including faster & efficient treatments, better comfort, and access to skilled and qualified medical professionals at these facilities.

From the regional perspective, the North America infrared thermometer market was valued at over USD 557 million in 2021 and is slated to grow at more than -3.3% CAGR through 2028 owing to rapid advancements in IR thermometer technologies and strong presence of major players.
For instance, in May 2020, Neptune Wellness Solutions, a key provider of natural health & wellness products, made efforts to improve the supply of efficient non-contact thermometers in North America as a COVID-19 response, through the launch of its non-contact infrared thermometer, Neptune Air. Thus, increasing focus on companies to expand their product offerings is foreseen to drive regional market growth in the future.