Growth of position sensors market In this article we look at the predicted growth in the position sensor industry, including the geographical specifics and the driving forces behind the growth. The next five years is set to be a period of huge growth in the position sensor industry, especially linear measurement models, with predictions of a market value of $5.85 billion by 2022. Research by marketsandmarkets.com suggests that over the five years there will be a compound annual growth rate of 6.1%, while Micromarket Monitor has this figure closer to 5%. Whichever is more accurate is up for debate, but one thing is certain there will be a good, steady growth in the demand for position sensors in the near future.The driving forces behind this growth are geographically specific, with robotics and manufacturing being the main reasons for increases in sensor use in North America (USA and Canada). The size of the automotive manufacturing industry in the USA is considerable, and with every part of the industry using more and more position sensors in automated manufacturing processes, it is no surprise that this will be one of the fastest growing sectors. The increased use of robotics is not confined to automotive manufacture, however, and the wide ranging applications of robotic machinery will contribute to the growth of the linear position sensor market.The Asia Pacific area is also set to be at the top of the growth tables, with automated manufacture growing exponentially there as well. With the potential to beat North America as the fastest growing geographic area of position sensor use, it is the general trend towards automation and increased production levels that is driving the increase here.In Europe, the move towards new technologies in vehicles is driving the growth of sensor use. While there is a need for sensors in robotics, it is the development of driver assistance systems and hybrid drive cars that is the biggest force behind the growth. EU regulations (661/2009) state that new vehicles must have Electronic Stability Control and Advanced Emergency Braking Systems, both of which rely on feedback from integrated position sensors in order to work.Hybrid engines, automatic and double clutch gearboxes, and parking assistance systems all make use of linear position sensors to function, and these technologies are becoming more and more prevalent in modern cars. Commercial vehicles have used sensors for various applications for many years, but the same systems are now being migrated over to private vehicles, as they have been proven to benefit the drivers and make the vehicles safer. As well as the functional aspects of the vehicle, sensors are also used in seat positioning systems as well as pedal and steering wheel adjustors.While there is a definite geographic divide between the two main uses of linear position sensors, there are industry sectors that are common to all locations that are also predicted to experience growth in their use of sensors. Machine tools, materials handling and robotics are the biggest potential growth areas, with the integration of sensors in new machinery driving growth sustainably, as manufacturers invest in newer and more efficient robotic manufacturing equipment. These sectors are worldwide, with perhaps lower growth in developing countries than in established economies, but still with a tendency towards the latest technology where it is appropriate and affordable.This is great news for Positek, as more money in the sensor industry in general will lead to faster research and development of newer, better and even smaller sensors, in line with the fledgling trend of miniaturisation of sensors. It is expected that this will be the next major driving force in the growth of the linear position sensor market. Exciting times lie ahead, so watch this space for new sensors and more good news. Article published on: 13/01/2017 Article last updated on: 13/01/2017