Sensor foresight—technology and market

A technology foresight study on sensor technology has been carried out in order to enhance a strategic outlook on sensor technology. The conclusions of the sensor technology report are based on: 1) technology mapping and scanning existing forward-looking literature on sensor technology, 2) a number of structured expert workshops with international participants, and 3) an international, internet-based Delphi survey with respondents from 24 countries. The study has analysed six categories of sensors (electromagnetic, mechanical, electrical, magnetic, chemical, nuclear) covering 13 sub-categories and a number of systemic issues. All sources of information (i.e. the literature survey, expert judgements, the questionnaire survey) indicate the same pattern regarding future attractiveness of sensor categories. MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) and optical sensors, biochemical/biological sensors, and systemic issues are all expected to be the most interesting sensor categories over the next 10 years regarding market volume. Expectations for the future development of biosensors have conflicted. General technological key features are expected to be quite generic: low price, small size, robustness, dispensability, and the ability to be self-calibrating. Future sensors are expected to be integrated systems in multiple objects.