According to a recent report by Kings Research, the global industrial controls market size was valued at USD 244.78 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 266.61 billion in 2024 to USD 577.20 billion by 2031, exhibiting a CAGR of 11.67% during the forecast period.
Market Overview
Industrial controls encompass an array of automation devices and systems, such as Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, and more. These technologies are fundamental to streamlining operations, improving efficiency, and reducing human error across sectors like manufacturing, oil & gas, chemicals, utilities, and more.
The increasing focus on operational excellence and energy efficiency has made industrial control systems critical tools for optimizing industrial environments. Additionally, the integration of digital technologies such as AI, IoT, and machine learning into control architectures is reshaping industrial landscapes across developed and emerging economies.
Key Market Trends
Several transformative trends are steering the trajectory of the industrial controls market:
Adoption of Smart Factories: The shift toward Industry 4.0 is enabling smart factories that are deeply interconnected via intelligent systems, sensors, and analytics. Industrial controls form the core of such transformations.
Growth in AI & IoT Integration: Real-time monitoring, diagnostics, and predictive analytics enabled by AI and IoT are allowing industries to make data-driven decisions, boosting efficiency and reducing downtime.
Focus on Cybersecurity: As connectivity increases, so do the risks. Industrial control systems are becoming a target for cyberattacks, prompting increased investment in secure protocols and resilient architectures.
Decarbonization and Sustainability: Industrial firms are under pressure to reduce emissions and conserve energy. Controls that facilitate efficient energy management are becoming a top priority.
Remote Monitoring and Cloud Connectivity: Cloud-based SCADA systems and remote management are gaining traction due to their scalability and real-time visibility benefits.
Market Demand and Drivers
The demand for industrial control systems is escalating due to several core drivers:
Automation in Manufacturing: Advanced manufacturing requires precision and reliability, and industrial controls offer real-time monitoring, remote operation, and seamless integration with ERP/MES systems.
Energy Sector Digitization: Utilities and oil & gas firms are upgrading their control infrastructure to ensure safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
Regulatory and Compliance Pressure: Governments and international bodies are enforcing strict environmental and safety standards, compelling industries to implement robust control systems.
Infrastructure Modernization: Modern factories and infrastructure projects worldwide are increasingly reliant on intelligent automation to meet global productivity benchmarks.
Growing Adoption in Emerging Markets: Countries in Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and parts of Africa are experiencing rapid industrialization, driving demand for scalable and cost-effective control systems.
Market Dynamics
Opportunities
Expansion of Edge Computing: As more processing shifts to the edge, controls are becoming smarter and faster. Edge-enabled devices are empowering near-instantaneous responses, especially in time-sensitive sectors like manufacturing and healthcare.
Greenfield Industrial Projects: New projects, especially in the Middle East and Asia, provide vast opportunities for automation vendors to deploy state-of-the-art industrial control systems from the ground up.
Upgradation of Legacy Systems: Many established plants are in the process of replacing outdated control technologies with integrated, digital-first solutions that support predictive maintenance and real-time analytics.
Challenges
High Initial Investment: Despite long-term savings, the upfront cost of deploying advanced industrial controls can be significant, particularly for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Lack of Skilled Workforce: Operating and maintaining advanced control systems require skilled technicians, a resource currently in short supply in several markets.
Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities: Interconnected systems, while efficient, can expose critical infrastructure to potential breaches unless adequate safeguards are in place.
Future Outlook
The industrial controls market will continue to evolve rapidly in the coming years. A growing number of industries are moving toward hyper-automation—integrating robotics, AI, and controls into a unified decision-making framework. Demand will be heavily influenced by the penetration of cloud-based platforms, modular control systems, and cyber-physical systems across industries.
In addition, the convergence of IT (Information Technology) and OT (Operational Technology) will break down silos, enabling seamless communication between enterprise systems and shop-floor equipment. As companies embrace digital twins and virtual commissioning technologies, industrial control vendors will be tasked with providing scalable, interoperable, and secure systems that align with evolving enterprise needs.
Market Segmentation
According to Kings Research, the industrial controls market is segmented as follows:
By Component:
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
Distributed Control Systems (DCS)
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)
Human-Machine Interface (HMI)
Sensors and Actuators
Others
By End-Use Industry:
Manufacturing (Automotive, Electronics, Textiles, Food & Beverage)
Oil & Gas
Chemicals
Power Generation and Utilities
Metals and Mining
Pharmaceuticals
Water & Wastewater Management
Others
By Application:
Process Control
Safety Systems
Motion Control
Monitoring Systems
Data Acquisition
By Region:
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific
Latin America
Middle East & Africa
Regional Analysis
North America
The North American region, particularly the U.S., remains a dominant force in the global industrial controls market due to the presence of major automation players and widespread digital transformation across sectors. Investments in smart grids, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing are propelling demand for sophisticated control solutions.
Europe
Europe is experiencing strong growth driven by the EU’s Industry 5.0 vision, emphasizing human-centric, resilient, and sustainable production. Countries like Germany, Italy, and the UK are witnessing large-scale adoption of automation in traditional and green industries alike.
Asia-Pacific
Asia-Pacific is expected to witness the fastest growth, led by China, India, Japan, and South Korea. Rapid industrialization, supportive government policies (such as China’s "Made in China 2025"), and increasing foreign direct investment (FDI) are fueling market expansion in the region.
Latin America and Middle East & Africa (MEA)
These regions are gradually catching up, with industrialization efforts and infrastructure investments creating opportunities for automation vendors. In the Middle East, smart city initiatives and oil & gas modernization projects are key growth drivers.
Recent Developments
January 2024 – Siemens launched a next-gen modular PLC line with integrated AI and edge capabilities to support adaptive manufacturing.
March 2024 – Schneider Electric expanded its EcoStruxure Automation Expert platform to include more hybrid automation capabilities aimed at pharmaceutical and process industries.
May 2024 – Rockwell Automation partnered with Microsoft to introduce generative AI capabilities into industrial workflows using cloud-based digital twins.
October 2024 – ABB acquired a cybersecurity firm to strengthen its industrial automation division, a response to growing threats and customer demand for secure ICS environments.
Key Players in the Industrial Controls Market
The competitive landscape is dominated by multinational corporations offering end-to-end automation solutions:
Siemens AG
Rockwell Automation
ABB Ltd.
Schneider Electric SE
Honeywell International Inc.
Emerson Electric Co.
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
Yokogawa Electric Corporation
Conclusion
The global industrial controls market is entering a transformative phase, driven by technological evolution, digitization, and the relentless pursuit of efficiency and sustainability. As industries continue to adopt smart manufacturing principles, the demand for reliable, intelligent, and secure control systems will grow exponentially. Companies that embrace innovation and prioritize adaptability will be best positioned to capitalize on the lucrative opportunities this market presents through 2032 and beyond.
Get Full Detailed PDF Report- https://www.kingsresearch.com/industrial-controls-market-1808
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