Global Motorcycle Inertial Measurement Unit Sensor Market 2017-2021

Overview of the global motorcycle inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor market

Market research analysts at Technavio predict that the global motorcycle inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor market will grow steadily at a CAGR of more than 11% by 2021. The advancements in IMU manufacturing technologies is identified as one of the primary growth factors for this market. Modern IMUs are equipped with sensor-fusion software and are used in applications such as automatic screen rotation, gesture recognition, step-counting, personal navigation, and free-fall detection. Data integration in the IMUs from multiple sensors eliminates several deficits of individual sensors when calculating the accurate position and the orientation of information. Vendors are also able to achieve low production costs, which has resulted in the availability of certain combo sensors at lower costs than discrete sensors. The unit shipments of motorcycle IMU sensors are projected to overtake discrete sensors by the end of the forecast period. The increase in R&D investments results in the development of advanced versions of IMUs, efficient gyroscopes, and accelerators, which will drive the market’s growth.

The adoption of micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) technologies in the motorcycle sensors is one of the key trends that will contribute to the growth of this market in the  coming years. The unique selling proposition of navigation sensors in the MEMS (MEMS IMUs) is their small size, low cost, and light weight. Continuous developments in MEMS sensors are expected to give rise to sensors that are small, economical, and reliable.  Moreover, the augmented MEMS IMUs are preferred by the defense sector for smart munitions, missile and aircraft autopilots, fire control systems, radar antenna motion compensation, and tactical missile guidance systems. The MEMS IMUs that are developed for the motorcycle industry are likely to become standard and provide the same degree of reliability as their defense counterparts.

Competitive landscape and key vendors  

The motorcycle IMU sensor market consists of only two key vendors that supply IMU sensors to almost all motorcycle manufacturers. Other vendors in the market are also into the production of IMU sensors for automotive applications such as passenger cars. These vendors have a huge potential to enter the motorcycle IMU sensor market due to their vast experience. There is also the presence of other vendors who manufacturer IMU sensors for automotive and other industrial applications.