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The market exceeds 100 billion yuan to see China's optical sensor four-year plan of action
In recent years, China's industrial scientific research institutions have increasingly adopted advanced technologies such as multi-image fusion, intelligent inspection robots, and bionics, tailored to the needs of key sectors like military, aerospace, high-end manufacturing, robotics, autonomous vehicles, and smart grids. These developments include cutting-edge optical sensor technologies, flexible design methods, and sensor innovations. Many of these studies are now gradually entering the market.
[Image: Optical Sensor]
Optical sensors have become essential components in automotive, industrial, medical, and consumer electronics fields, symbolizing intelligent product design. Especially in smartphones, smart lighting, digital devices, and smart manufacturing, their role has grown significantly. The advancement of IoT technology has further driven improvements in optical sensor capabilities.
Recently, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology’s Electronic Information Department commissioned industry associations to develop the “China Optoelectronic Device Industry Technology Roadmap (2018-2022).†This roadmap outlines the development status and future plans for optical sensor products, emphasizing their importance in the growth of IoT, smart mobile terminals, and intelligent manufacturing.
The global optical sensor market reached 183.6 billion yuan by 2022, with a compound annual growth rate of 5% from 2016 to 2022. China’s market, which was 77.8 billion yuan in 2016, accounted for 57% of the global market. By 2022, it is expected to grow to 111 billion yuan, reflecting a higher growth rate than the global average. Despite this potential, Chinese companies still face challenges due to limited resources and weaker technological foundations compared to international competitors.
In the infrared sensor field, several large-scale manufacturers have emerged, with some products meeting domestic needs. However, high-end technology remains a challenge. In fiber optic sensors, although investment by major Chinese manufacturers has boosted technological progress, the range of products is still limited, and most companies operate on small margins.
In image sensors, Chinese firms dominate the low-pixel segment but struggle in high-pixel CMOS sensors, which are dominated by Japanese, U.S., and South Korean companies. However, recent acquisitions, such as CITIC Capital’s purchase of US-based Howe Technology, signal progress in this area.
Laser, ambient light, and ultraviolet sensors also face similar challenges, with few domestic players and heavy reliance on foreign imports. Overall, China’s optical sensor industry lags behind global leaders in both R&D and production, with a gap of about 10–15 years.
Intellectual property has become a critical factor in competition. While global patent applications have surged, especially in the U.S., Japan, and South Korea, Chinese companies lack strategic IP and substantial invention patents. To grow, they must focus more on intellectual property protection and innovation.
The optical sensor industry requires multidisciplinary expertise, including optics, microelectronics, materials science, and computer networks. It demands collaboration across the supply chain and a strong emphasis on both basic research and practical application.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the sector face economic policy challenges, as support tends to favor larger firms. SMEs often bear high costs and limited access to funding, hindering their growth.
Looking ahead, the industry aims to enhance high-end product quality, align with global trends like miniaturization and multi-functionality, and invest in new materials and processes. Strategic cooperation with foreign firms, along with internal R&D management improvements, will be crucial.
Refined management and international expansion are also key goals. Companies must focus on efficiency, cost control, and global standards to compete effectively. International talent, certifications, and marketing strategies will help them capture a larger share of the global market.
By 2022, China aims to increase local brand sales, reach over 30% localization rates, and develop competitive products in infrared and fiber optic sensors. The goal is to cultivate national brands, boost innovation, and accelerate R&D through government support and investment in key projects.