U.S. demand for chemical sensors is projected to grow 7.6 percent per year to $5.4 billion in 2012, with biosensors continuing to be the largest type of chemical sensor, according to a report by The Freedonia Group (www.freedoniagroup.com).
Freedonia predicts overall growth will also be boosted by technological advances that allow for price reduction, sensor miniaturization, and greater precision — all of which will expand the use of chemical sensors into new markets, as well as new applications within existing markets. Demand for chemical sensors based on emerging technologies, such as optical sensors, will see the fastest gains, according to Freedonia. The medical market is expected to remain the largest in terms of sales of chemical sensors, but strong growth is forecast in all chemical sensor outlets, which also include industrial and environmental monitoring applications.