Image Measuring Instrument Market Report 2026

The image measuring instrument market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $1.33 billion in 2025 to $1.46 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.6%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to expansion of manufacturing quality inspection needs, growth in electronics and automotive production, rising adoption of optical measurement tools, increased demand for non-destructive testing, availability of advanced imaging technologies.

The image measuring instrument market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $2.08 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.3%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing automation in industrial inspection, rising demand for digital metrology solutions, expansion of precision manufacturing, growing use in medical and aerospace sectors, increasing investment in smart inspection infrastructure. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing adoption of automated image measurement systems, rising use of high-resolution optical sensors, growing integration with advanced measurement software, expansion of non-contact inspection applications, enhanced focus on measurement repeatability.

The growing trend of automation in manufacturing is set to drive the expansion of the image measuring instrument market in the near future. Manufacturing automation involves using machines and technology to handle production tasks with minimal human intervention, enhancing efficiency by enabling faster and more precise processes. Image measuring instruments play a crucial role in this shift by providing accurate, non-contact measurements and inspections. These devices allow machines to automatically check dimensions, detect defects, and ensure product quality without manual input. For example, in April 2024, the International Federation of Robotics, a non-profit organization based in Germany, reported a significant rise in automation investments by manufacturing companies in the United States. Industrial robot installations increased by 12%, reaching a total of 44,303 units in 2023. As a result, the ongoing automation trend in manufacturing is accelerating the growth of the image measuring instrument market.

Key players in the image measuring instrument market are focusing on the development of innovative solutions, such as compact manual vision measuring machines, to improve measurement accuracy, reduce inspection time, and enhance operational efficiency in quality control. These compact devices utilize optical imaging and manual controls to precisely measure the dimensions and geometry of small to medium-sized components in a cost-effective and space-efficient manner. For instance, in September 2025, Mitutoyo Corporation, a leading Japanese manufacturer of measuring instruments and metrology technology, introduced the QM-Fit. This compact manual vision measuring machine is designed to replace traditional profile projectors. The QM-Fit enables quick and accurate dimensional inspection with a user-friendly touchscreen interface and automatic feature recognition, eliminating the need for manual setup or focusing. Equipped with a high-resolution 20-megapixel color sensor, telecentric lens, and digital zoom, it delivers precise measurements with an accuracy of ±10 micrometers and repeatability within ±4 micrometers. Its compact size allows for flexible installation on the shop floor without the need for special stands, offering real-time graphical pass/fail results and traceability for quality audits.

In July 2025, AMETEK Inc., a US-based manufacturer of electronic instruments and electromechanical devices, acquired FARO Technologies Inc. for approximately $920 million. This acquisition enables AMETEK to enhance its precision measurement capabilities and expand into lucrative market segments by combining FARO's expertise in 3D metrology and digital reality solutions with AMETEK’s Ultra Precision Technologies Division. FARO Technologies, a US-based leader in 3D measurement, imaging, and realization solutions, specializes in image measuring instruments.

Major companies operating in the image measuring instrument market are Keyence Corporation, Mitutoyo Corporation, Carl Zeiss AG, Hexagon AB, Nikon Metrology NV, KLA Corporation, JENOPTIK AG, Vision Engineering Ltd., AMETEK Inc., Bruker Corporation, Renishaw plc, Mahr GmbH, TRIMOS SA, Viscom AG, Marposs S.p.A., SAKI Corporation, Tokyo Seimitsu Co., Ltd., OGP (Optical Gaging Products), Starrett Company, Micro-Vu Corporation, Creaform Inc., Alicona Imaging GmbH.

North America was the largest region in the image measuring instrument market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the image measuring instrument market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the image measuring instrument market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The image measuring instrument market consists of sales of video measuring machines, optical measuring systems, profile projectors, digital optical comparators, and surface and contour measuring systems. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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