Future trends and challenges in sensor technology

AMA/VDI Study Sensors of the Future: Insights into Trends Up to 2030

2025-04-16 From Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Hendrik Härter | Translated by AI 2 min Reading Time

Sensors are essential components in electronics and automation. The current study "Sensor Trends 2030" sheds light on future developments and challenges in sensor technology.

The 180-page study "Sensor Trends 2030" highlights developments and challenges in sensor technology. It was compiled by 69 authors from research and industry, under the direction of Prof. Dr. Klaus Drese (ISAT Coburg).(Image: AMA) — The 180-page study "Sensor Trends 2030" highlights developments and challenges in sensor technology. It was compiled by 69 authors from research and industry, under the direction of Prof. Dr. Klaus Drese (ISAT Coburg).
(Image: AMA)

The "Sensor Trends 2030" study sheds light on upcoming developments in sensor technology and leaves no doubt that sensors are the key to the technological future. Experts from the AMA Association for Sensors and Measurement and the VDI have published the groundbreaking 180-page study. The study fascinates with the collective expertise of 69 experts under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Klaus Drese from ISAT Coburg.

The analysis clearly shows that while technological progress in Asia is increasingly overtaking Europe's innovative strength, politics and business are struggling to be heard. Particularly in disciplines such as material properties and satellite navigation, strong growth is being recorded - a wake-up call for Germany to take action.

Key messages and opportunities for electronics developers

The study reveals essential developments and challenges:

Technological drivers and innovation: Increasing measurement accuracy while reducing measurement uncertainty remains the main goal in sensor optimization. At the same time, the need for information is increasing exponentially - well-founded decision-making bases are required instead of mere measured values. The transformation from simple sensors to complex sensor systems opens up new fields of application through integration and functional enhancements.
Customized, sustainable solutions: Progress is made where economic advantages and new application possibilities arise. Sensor miniaturization and cost reduction pave the way for compact, efficient designs. The emphasis on sustainability and energy efficiency reflects a societal shift towards resource-saving solutions.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum sensors: AI-supported pattern recognition and self-learning systems are revolutionizing sensor technology, while patenting in the field of AI is increasing every 1.3 years. This dynamic, combined with quantum sensors, marks a turning point in technological development and opens up unprecedented possibilities.

The future of sensor technology

Analysis of international patent applications shows: Asia has dominated with the highest growth rates since 2014. Strong growth has been recorded in the areas of material properties and radionavigation in particular. Germany has the opportunity here to further expand its innovative strength through targeted investment and promotion. "Germany has a strong sensor industry and excellent research facilities," emphasizes Prof. Dr. Klaus Drese. "We now need to secure and further expand our position through targeted funding programs and close cooperation between science and industry." (heh)

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Date: 08.12.2025

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