Innovations & Growth Potential in the Global Thermometer Market
As human body temperature continues to be an early sign of diagnosis, thermometers are found in every clinic and household. Since the inception of medical sciences, thermometers have undergone several developments to bring more accuracy. Triton’s research states that the Global Thermometer Market is estimated to advance at a CAGR of 7.56% during the forecast period 2023-2030.
Due to the environmental toxicity of mercury, the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) recommends phasing out conventional mercury-based thermometers. Thus, infrared radiation (IR) thermometers, known for their speed and accuracy in offering near-instantaneous temperatures, are now widely used. In this regard, Telepower Communication Co Ltd introduced a cost-effective, high-performing infrared thermometer that supports Bluetooth connectivity. Such developments foster the need for more product innovations.
Innovations in Digital Thermometers:
1. Smart/Digital Thermometers
The temperature measurement process has been revolutionized with technological innovations. In this regard, traditional mercury thermometers are making a new path
for smart and digital thermometers. These contactless, smart heat sensors have the utmost precision in temperature detection.
Smart thermometers are distinguished from the traditional ones with their easy-toread display and speedy detection of temperature. According to a report by the National Institute of Health (NIH), smart thermometer readings are highly predictive of surveillance data for a respective region and season. The report also found that smart thermometers helped in improving predictions of influenza among the people in California.
2. Superconductor Thermometer
Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) invented a miniature thermometer in November 2020 with big potential applications. This thermometer is 2.5 by 1.15 millimeters in size and is embedded in another cryogenic microwave device to measure temperature when placed on a chip. Compared to conventional ones, the NIST’s superconducting thermometer is capable of measuring temperatures below 1 Kelvin in about 5 milliseconds
Thus, being faster, smaller, and more convenient than conventional cryogenic thermometers, the new invention can be mass-produced for chip-scale devices. It can monitor the temperature of processor chips in superconductor-based quantum computers, which must stay cold to function efficiently.
3. Ultra-fine thermal sensor
Researchers in Japan have developed a micro-thin thermal sensor. This can be easily attached to the skin to monitor the health of infants. Embedded in a super-fine, thin film, with about ¼ the thickness of human hair, this thermometer measures temperatures between 25-30 degrees Celsius
Additionally, the materials used to manufacture these thermal sensors are cheap and widely available which ensures a commercialized use of the device.
4. FeverPhone App
A team of researchers from Washington University developed an application to measure temperature by placing the smartphone on the forehead. Named FeverPhone, this app allows the touchscreen to gather data and predict temperature within 90 seconds. It analyses interactions between the heat generated by the phone’s battery and the touch of fingers, accurately estimating body temperature without any extra hardware.
Notably, during a test conducted in an emergency department, the application showed impressive results in detecting core body temperatures compared to traditional ones. This eliminates the need to carry separate thermometers and rely on a smartphone for temperature monitoring.