Humidity Sensor Market: Global Industry Analysis by Market Share, Trend, Size, Competitive Landscape, Regional Outlook and Forecast (2024-2030)

Humidity Sensor Market Overview

Humidity sensors, or hygrometers, measure air humidity and are crucial for comfortable, safe, and efficient environments. They are used in HVAC systems to control temperature and prevent mold and in various applications including printers, ovens, greenhouses, food processing, and laboratories.  There are three primary types: capacitive, resistive, and thermal conductivity sensors. Capacitive sensors measure relative humidity and are found in HVAC systems, automobiles, and domestic appliances. Resistive sensors are used in industrial, commercial, and domestic settings. Thermal conductivity sensors measure absolute humidity and are used in high-temperature environments like pharmaceutical applications, dryers, and kilns. These sensors are essential in maintaining ideal conditions, preventing damage, and ensuring the efficiency and safety of various systems and processes.

 

The global humidity sensor market, valued at USD 5.75 Bn in 2023, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.5% from 2024 to 2030.  The market growth is further propelled by the rising demand for contactless sensors in hazardous environments, including radiation-exposed areas. Also, the increasing use of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology in sensing applications boosts the demand for MEMS-based humidity sensors.

 

The growing adoption of wireless sensors for climate monitoring in greenhouse farming and the advantages of humidity sensors, such as easy implementation and low power consumption, are also significant factors driving Humidity Sensor Industry growth. Government regulations in regions like North America and Europe mandate their use in sectors such as food processing and printing to ensure quality and safety. For instance, India's Food Safety and Standards Authority mandates these sensors in the food industry to prevent contamination from high moisture levels.

 

 

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Humidity Sensor Market Dynamics

Increasing Demand for HVAC Systems to Drive the Market Growth

Advancements in HVAC technology are steering the industry towards highly intelligent, fully automated, and environmentally friendly systems. Next-generation AI-based automated solutions for heating and cooling, along with smart HVAC incorporating IoT technology, play a promising role in enhancing the functioning and overall performance of HVAC systems, including the rising demand for energy-efficient HVAC systems. HVAC systems are essential in residential and commercial buildings. They maintain comfortable and healthy indoor environments by controlling temperature, humidity, and ventilation. In modern buildings, these functions are usually combined into one or more HVAC systems, covering design, installation, and operation.

 

The HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) sector is a significant driver for the humidity sensor market. As energy efficiency and indoor air quality become more critical in both residential and commercial buildings, the need for accurate humidity measurement and control systems grows. The rising demand for air conditioners positively impacts the humidity sensor market as these sensors are essential for optimizing indoor climate control. They ensure efficient humidity regulation, enhancing comfort and energy efficiency, which drives the integration of humidity sensors in modern air conditioning systems.

 

 

The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) 2015 Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS) estimates that 76 million primarily occupied U.S. homes (64% of the total) use central air-conditioning equipment. Also, approximately 13 million homes (11%) use heat pumps for heating or cooling. By 2023, all new residential central air-conditioning and air-source heat pump systems sold in the United required to meet new energy efficiency standards, thus fueling the growth of HVAC services.

 

Humidity sensors have a major role in optimizing HVAC systems by providing real-time data, which helps maintain ideal humidity levels, reducing energy consumption and enhancing comfort. The push for smart buildings and green certifications, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), further fuels this demand, as humidity control is essential for achieving these standards. The government’s investments in construction boost Humidity Sensor Market demand, aligning with a focus on carbon emissions reduction and energy efficiency.

 

Growth in IoT and Smart Home Devices

The proliferation of IoT (Internet of Things) and smart home devices in smart homes significantly propels the humidity sensor market. The number of smart home users worldwide grew significantly from 2019 to 2023, reaching millions. This industry growth is driven, as more smart homes integrate humidity sensors for optimized climate control, enhancing energy efficiency and indoor comfort. Modern smart homes  rely on various sensors to automate and optimize household functions, including climate control. Humidity sensors integrated with IoT devices enable real-time monitoring and adjustment of home environments, contributing to energy efficiency and comfort.

 

The growing consumer preference for connected, smart living spaces drives the adoption of humidity sensors, as they are essential components in devices like smart thermostats, air purifiers, and dehumidifiers. The continuous advancements in IoT technology and increased affordability of smart devices further accelerate market growth.

 

 

Humidity sensors integrated into IoT systems help farmers monitor and manage humidity levels accurately. High humidity levels promote the growth of mold, fungi, and pests. On the other hand, low humidity leads to excessive moisture loss, impacting plant health. By using humidity sensors, farmers gain crucial insights into the moisture content in the air, allowing them to take timely actions to maintain an optimal balance.

 

 

Rising Health and Comfort Awareness to Boost the Market

Increasing awareness of health and comfort issues associated with humidity levels is another key growth driver for the humidity sensor market. Improper humidity levels lead to various health problems, such as respiratory issues, allergies, and skin conditions. Additionally, high humidity causes mold growth and property damage. As consumers become more aware of these issues, the demand for humidity sensors in residential, healthcare, and commercial settings rises. These sensors help maintain optimal humidity levels, ensuring healthier and more comfortable living and working environments. The trend towards wellness and health-centric products in the market supports this growth driver.

 

Integration with AI and Machine Learning to Create Lucrative Opportunity of Market Growth

The integration of humidity sensors with AI (Artificial Intelligence) and machine learning presents a unique opportunity in the Humidity Sensor Market.  For instance, Sensirion has unveiled the SHT40I-Analog humidity and temperature sensor, engineered specifically for demanding industrial environments where high noise levels preclude digital solutions. Ideal for applications such as refrigerators and air conditioners, the SHT40I-Analog builds on Sensirion's fourth-generation sensor platform, offering robust performance and long-term stability. This sensor features a 5 V supply voltage, robust housing, and enhanced driving strength, making it suitable for harsh conditions. It includes an optional periodic variable power heater for operation in extremely humid and condensing environments.

 

The SHT40I-Analog provides a typical relative humidity accuracy of ±2.5 %RH and a typical temperature accuracy of ±0.3 °C. It operates within a humidity range of 0–100%RH and a temperature range of -40 to 125 °C.  With a compact package size of 1.5 x 1.5 x 0.5 mm³, the sensor offers flexibility in design. Customer-specific output characteristics and additional options for filter membranes and covers are available upon request, ensuring easy integration for high-volume applications. By leveraging AI, humidity sensors become more intelligent and predictive, enabling advanced functionalities including anticipatory climate control and predictive maintenance in HVAC systems.

 

This integration allows for more efficient energy use, reduced operational costs, and enhanced user comfort. AI-driven humidity sensors can learn from user behavior and environmental patterns, providing customized solutions for different settings. This technological synergy opens new avenues for innovation and differentiation in the highly competitive humidity sensor market.

 

In developing accurate and reliable humidity sensors, the market faces several challenges. One challenge is the poor film formation, low electrical conductivity, and limited hydrophilicity of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Another challenge is the limitations and challenges of graphene-based humidity sensors, including the need for precise evaluation of humidity percentage, and the mechanical and thermal stability of graphene composites. Also, in the field of human body-related (HBR) humidity detection, challenges exist in terms of respiratory behavior, speech recognition, and non-contact switch applications. The development of organic materials for humidity sensors faces challenges in reducing production costs without affecting sensitivity and reliability. Integration with existing technologies and maintaining low power consumption in small form factors are also difficult for the Humidity Sensor Market.

 

Humidity Sensor Market Segment Analysis

Based on the application, the automotive segment held the largest Humidity Sensor Market share in 2023. Segment led the market due to the increasing adoption of sensors for optimal air regulation inside vehicles, preventing windscreen fogging, and monitoring dew point and air intake. Humidity sensors in automotive applications enhance comfort and safety by regulating cabin humidity, preventing window fogging, and optimizing engine performance. For instance, in automotive applications, humidity sensors like Sensirion’s SHT3xA are vital for managing vehicle climate and ensuring comfort. They regulate air humidity, prevent windshield fogging, and monitor dew points to protect electronics.

 

Key features include high accuracy, compact size (2.5 mm x 2.5 mm x 0.9 mm), low power consumption, and robustness. The SHT3xA integrates CMOSens technology with an I2C interface, operating across 0 to 100% RH with an 8-second response time. It meets AEC-Q100 standards, ensuring reliability in automotive environments. Trends include advancements in technology, more compact and reliable sensors, and integration with IoT for enhanced data collection and connectivity. The use of these sensors is increasing in oil & gas, power & energy, mining, paper, and textile industries for ambient moisture monitoring. The pharmaceutical & healthcare segment is also expected to see substantial growth as humidity sensors are essential in ventilators, incubators, and respiratory monitoring systems. Additionally, the agricultural segment is set to grow as these sensors are increasingly used to monitor soil moisture content.

 

Humidity Sensor Market Regional Analysis

North America dominated the global largest humidity sensor market share in 2023. This growth is driven by the presence of major manufacturers and the rising adoption of air quality monitoring systems with integrated humidity sensors. The region's demand for humidity sensors in handheld devices is also contributing to market growth. Also, the adoption of precision agriculture by both small and large-scale farmers is likely to drive the demand for humidity sensors. Improving soil quality to reduce erosion and pollution will require high-quality sensors. Additionally, the rapid development of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the increasing demand for smart agriculture are expected to further boost the market for humidity sensors.

 

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, air conditioning is prevalent in most U.S. residential buildings, with usage expected to rise due to increasing global temperatures. This will heighten the demand for advanced humidity sensor technology that provides faster, more precise, and energy-efficient moisture control. In Canada, collaborations between leading IT companies, such as GE and Nokia, are set to enhance infrastructure through IoT platforms. Google's initiative to develop a smart city in Toronto presents further opportunities for the humidity sensor market over the forecast period.

 

Asia Pacific is projected to be the fastest-growing market. Governments and regulatory agencies are implementing stringent emission and safety standards, necessitating the use of humidity sensors in vehicles. Additionally, the development of smart cities in China, India, and South Korea is expected to boost the demand for humidity sensors in environmental monitoring applications.

 

Humidity Sensor Market Competitive Landscape

Key players in the humidity sensor market include Robert Bosch GmbH, General Electric Company, Delphi Technologies, Hitachi, Ltd., Honeywell International, Inc., PCE Instruments, BEI Sensors, TE Connectivity, Continental AG, and Infineon Technologies AG. These companies are heavily investing in research and development and focusing on new product launches to expand and secure their market positions. They are concentrating on creating innovative humidity sensor solutions, such as infrared-based sensors, and are also increasing production capacities to strengthen their market presence. Additionally, they are pursuing mergers and acquisitions to enhance their market share.

 

Honeywell has launched a cost-effective, simplified energy management solution for the mid-market hotel segment, featuring INNCOM hardware with a thermostat, motion sensor, and door switch for scalable multi-property management. In contrast, the Building America House Simulation Protocols (HSP) focus on setting default heating, cooling, and humidity points based on ASHRAE Standard 55-2004 for compliance simulations. While Honeywell emphasizes practical, scalable solutions for energy management, HSP provides standardized benchmarks for heating and cooling in building simulations.

 

In conclusion, the global humidity sensor market growth is driven by the rising demand for advanced, contactless sensors in hazardous environments and the increasing integration of MEMS technology. Key factors include the expanding HVAC sector, driven by advancements in energy-efficient and smart systems, and the proliferation of IoT and smart home devices that enhance climate control and energy efficiency. Regional dynamics show North America leading due to strong manufacturer presence and precision agriculture adoption, while Asia Pacific is expected to grow rapidly due to stringent regulations and smart city developments. Challenges such as material limitations and integration issues persist, but innovations like AI and machine learning offer promising opportunities for market advancement.

 

Humidity Sensor Market Scope

Humidity Sensor Market
Market Size in 2023	USD 5.75 Bn.
Market Size in 2030	USD 10.18 Bn.
CAGR (2024(2030)	8.5 %
Historic Data	2018-2022
Base Year	2023
Forecast Period	2024-2030
Humidity Sensor Market Segments	By Type Capacitive Resistive Thermal
	By Measurement Type Absolute Humidity Sensors Relative Humidity Sensors Others
	By Material Type Semiconducting Metal Oxides Polymer-Based Ceramic Sensing
	By Application Automotive Agriculture Food and Beverages Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Others

 

Humidity Sensor Market, by Region

North America (United States, Canada and Mexico)

Europe (UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Austria and Rest of Europe)

Asia Pacific (China, South Korea, Japan, India, Australia, ASEAN, Pakistan and Rest of APAC)

South America (Brazil, Argentina Rest of South America)

Middle East & Africa (South Africa, GCC, Nigeria, Egypt and Rest of ME&A)

 

Humidity Sensor Market Key Players

North America Humidity Sensor Manufacturers

1. Honeywell International, Inc (United States)
2. GE Inspection Technologies (United States)
3. Amphenol Corporation (United States)
4. Texas Instruments (United States)
5. Silicon Laboratories (United States)
6. Littelfuse Inc. (United States)
7. Sensata Technologies Inc. (United States)
8. Analog Devices Inc. (United States)

Europe Humidity Sensor Companies

9. Sensirion AG (Switzerland)
10. PCE Holdings GmbH (Germany)
11. Bosch Sensortec GmbH (Germany)
12. STMicroelectronics NV (Switzerland)
13. TE Connectivity (Switzerland)
14. Continental AG (Germany)
15. Delphi Technologies (United Kingdom)
16. NXP Semiconductors (Netherlands)
17. Infineon Technologies AG (Germany)

Asia Pacific Humidity Sensor Key Players

18. OMRON Corporation (Japan)
19. Alps Alpine Co., Ltd (Japan)
20. TDK Corporation (Japan)
21. Others