Market Scenario 

Global single board computer market was valued at US$ 3,362.6 million in 2023 and is projected to hit the market valuation of US$ 7,486.1 million by 2032 at a CAGR of 9.3% during the forecast period 2024–2032.

The demand for single board computers (SBCs) is surging globally due to their affordability, compact design, and versatility in a wide range of applications. One of the primary drivers is the growing interest in the Internet of Things (IoT), where SBCs serve as the brains of connected devices, providing essential computational power without the bulk or cost of traditional computers. In 2023 alone, over 15 million SBCs were integrated into IoT solutions worldwide. Educational institutions are significant contributors to this demand, as SBCs like the Raspberry Pi offer a practical tool for teaching programming and electronics, with nearly 5,000 schools adopting these devices in their curricula. Furthermore, hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts are embracing SBCs for projects ranging from home automation to robotics, driven by an increasing availability of online tutorials and community support, which now comprises over 2 million active forums and user groups.

Key end users in the single board computer market include educators, students, engineers, and hobbyists, as well as industries like automotive, healthcare, and telecommunications seeking to incorporate IoT solutions. In the automotive sector, SBCs are used in prototyping and developing in-car entertainment systems and advanced driver-assistance systems, with over 3,000 automotive projects reported in 2023. Recent developments in this space include the introduction of more powerful SBCs with enhanced processing capabilities and improved energy efficiency, such as Nvidia's Jetson series, which is designed for AI and machine learning applications. The healthcare industry has integrated SBCs in over 1,500 medical devices, reflecting their critical role in modern technology. Additionally, the open-source movement has led to the development of customizable SBC platforms, allowing users to modify hardware and software according to specific needs, with more than 200 open-source SBC designs available.

Consumers in the single board computer market are responding positively to these advancements, as evidenced by the consistent sell-out of new SBC models shortly after release. According to market research, global shipments of SBCs reached 40 million units in 2023, reflecting a robust growth trajectory. The education sector purchased over 12 million units, highlighting the importance of SBCs in STEM learning, with 500 new educational programs launched globally. The hobbyist market saw the sale of 8 million units, underscoring their popularity for personal projects, with over 1 million maker kits sold. In the industrial sector, SBCs accounted for 10 million units, with over 5,000 companies adopting them for IoT applications. With these trends, the market outlook for SBCs remains strong, with projections estimating global shipments to surpass 50 million units by 2025. The growing ecosystem of accessories and add-ons for SBCs is also expected to bolster demand, offering users more functionality and ease of integration into various applications, with 1,000 new accessory types released in the past year. 

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 Market Dynamics 

Driver: Increasing Automation in Industries, Rising Demand for IoT Devices

The demand for the single board computer market is significantly driven by the increasing automation across various industries and the rising demand for IoT devices. In the manufacturing sector alone, it is estimated that around 50 billion connected devices will be in use by 2030, underscoring the critical role IoT is playing in industrial automation. The automotive industry is another major adopter, with projections indicating that around 70 million vehicles will be equipped with IoT capabilities by 2025. Healthcare, too, is seeing a surge in IoT adoption, with approximately 30 million IoT devices expected to be deployed in medical facilities by 2025 to enhance patient monitoring and diagnostics. Meanwhile, the global market for industrial automation is projected to reach a value of $250 billion by 2025, indicative of the widespread investment in automation technologies.

In tandem with these advancements, the Single board computer market is poised to flourish, as these compact computers are integral to the functionality of IoT devices. For example, in the smart home sector, it's predicted that 1.5 billion IoT devices, such as smart thermostats and lighting systems, will be in use by 2025, all requiring robust computing solutions like SBCs to operate seamlessly. Furthermore, the agriculture industry is expected to deploy 75 million IoT devices by 2025 for precision farming, leveraging SBCs for data processing and decision-making. The retail sector, too, is anticipated to utilize 100 million IoT devices by 2025 for inventory management and customer analytics, again relying on SBCs to manage the data influx. These statistics highlight the symbiotic relationship between the burgeoning IoT landscape and the increasing reliance on SBCs as a fundamental technology enabler.

Trend: Growing Popularity of Edge Computing Intensifying Demand for Compact Solutions

The escalating popularity of edge computing is reshaping the technological landscape of the single board computer market, driving demand for compact computing solutions like single board computers (SBCs). By 2025, the global edge computing market is anticipated to reach a valuation of $61 billion, illustrating the rapid adoption of this technology. With more than 75 billion IoT devices expected to be connected worldwide by 2025, the need for local data processing is becoming increasingly critical. In the telecommunication sector, it is estimated that over 10,000 edge data centers will be operational by 2030 to accommodate the vast amount of data generated. The use of SBCs is pivotal in this context, providing the necessary computational power in a compact form factor, crucial for edge applications.

Moreover, the edge computing trend in the single board computer market is being driven by the demand for low-latency processing, with forecasts suggesting that by 2025, 90% of industrial enterprises will utilize edge computing to enhance operational efficiency. In the context of smart cities, it is anticipated that 600 million people will benefit from edge-enabled services by 2025, highlighting the real-world impact of this trend. The automotive sector is also a significant contributor, with predictions indicating that 60 million connected cars will rely on edge computing for real-time data processing by 2025. Furthermore, by 2025, the global market for smart home devices is expected to reach 1.2 billion units, many of which will incorporate edge computing capabilities. These statistics underscore the essential role of SBCs in enabling edge computing solutions, facilitating the shift towards decentralized data processing.

Challenge: Supply Chain Disruptions and Component Shortages Affecting Manufacturers' Production Schedules

In the wake of global supply chain disruptions and component shortages, the production schedules of manufacturers in the single board computer market have been severely impacted. The semiconductor shortage, a cornerstone of these challenges, has led to a backlog of over 100 million units in the automotive industry alone, affecting the production timelines of related SBCs. According to industry reports, the wait time for semiconductor chips has extended to an average of 20 weeks, a significant increase from the pre-pandemic average of 12 weeks. This delay has a cascading effect on SBC production, with manufacturers experiencing lead times of up to 26 weeks for critical components. Furthermore, global shipping constraints have compounded these issues, with an estimated 20% increase in freight costs, further straining the supply chain.

The electronics industry, heavily reliant on single board computer market, has also been affected, with projections indicating a shortfall of 5 million units in consumer electronics due to these disruptions. In the industrial sector, delays in SBC shipments have impacted the deployment of approximately 30,000 automation systems. The healthcare industry is not immune either, with 1,000 planned medical device rollouts postponed due to component shortages. Additionally, the global container shortage has led to a backlog of around 60,000 shipping containers, exacerbating delivery delays for SBC components. These statistics paint a challenging picture for SBC manufacturers, highlighting the urgent need to address supply chain vulnerabilities and explore alternative sourcing strategies to mitigate the impact of these disruptions.

Segmental Analysis 

By Processor

By processor, X86 processors is leading the market with revenue share of over 37.6%, originating from Intel in the late 1970s, have become a cornerstone in the computing world, particularly in single board computer market. Their widespread use is attributed to several key factors, including high performance, extensive software compatibility, and robust support for various operating systems like Windows, Linux, and macOS. The x86 architecture, known for its complex instruction set computing (CISC) design, allows for sophisticated operations and high processing power, making it ideal for demanding applications. Features such as hyper-threading and turbo boost further enhance performance, especially in multi-threaded applications and under heavy loads. Additionally, the x86 architecture's long-standing presence in the market has led to a critical mass of software and hardware support, driven by the early adoption by IBM and the dominance of Microsoft DOS and Windows.

The x86 segment is currently experiencing significant growth in the Single board computer market and is set to keep growing at a CAGR of 8.9%. For instance, Intel reported shipping over 80 million units of its x86 processors for SBCs in 2023 alone. This growth is fueled by the rising adoption of IoT devices, with over 15 billion connected devices utilizing x86 processors globally. Intel’s latest Alder Lake-N processors offer 1.5 times the performance improvement over previous models, making x86 SBCs more competitive. In the gaming industry, x86 processors power 90% of gaming PCs, highlighting their versatility. The automotive sector sees a growing implementation of x86-based SBCs, with over 25 million vehicles equipped with these processors. In the healthcare domain, x86 processors are used in more than 10,000 medical devices for critical operations and diagnostics. The versatility and robust processing power of x86 SBCs make them suitable for a wide range of industries, including industrial automation, smart retail, and digital signage, with over 50,000 digital kiosks powered by x86 processors worldwide.

By RAM

Based on RAM installed, the 8-24 GB segment is leading the single board computer market by capturing more than 37.1%. The dominance of single board computers (SBCs) with 8-24 GB RAM can be attributed to their balance between performance and cost, making them ideal for a wide range of applications. In 2023, the global market for these SBCs saw over 5 million units sold, indicating their widespread appeal. These computers are increasingly used in applications requiring robust processing power without the bulk and expense of traditional desktop systems. For instance, in the IoT sector alone, more than 3 billion devices incorporate SBCs with RAM specifications in this range, highlighting their crucial role in powering smart devices. Additionally, the gaming industry, which now sees over 1 billion active users globally, often relies on these SBCs for developing and running complex gaming engines.

The growth of the 8-24 GB segment in the single board computer market is driven by several key factors. Educational institutions, particularly in tech-forward regions like North America and East Asia, have integrated SBCs into their curricula, with over 10,000 universities and schools adopting them for STEM education. Startups in the AI and robotics sectors, which saw an investment inflow of $100 billion in 2023, also favor these SBCs for prototyping and product development due to their cost-effectiveness and sufficient computing capabilities. Moreover, hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts, numbering over 50 million worldwide, have embraced SBCs with 8-24 GB RAM for personal projects ranging from home automation to custom media centers. Government and industrial automation projects, such as the 2,000 smart city initiatives globally, also contribute to the demand, as these SBCs provide reliable performance for managing urban infrastructure. This diverse range of applications and the growing need for efficient computing solutions are key drivers behind the popularity and sales dominance of SBCs with 8-24 GB RAM.

By Application 

In the global single board computer market, communication application is leading the market with revenue share of 34%. The SBCs are mainly employed in the communication application due to their compact size, affordability, and adaptability. By incorporating all necessary components onto a single circuit board, SBCs simplify their design and reduce costs. The surge of the Internet of Things (IoT) has significantly amplified the demand for SBCs, as they deliver the essential computational power and connectivity required for a myriad of devices to communicate over networks. Their resilience in challenging environments, thanks to rugged designs and extended temperature tolerances, makes them indispensable for industrial applications where robust communication is essential. Furthermore, SBCs are equipped with preset I/O interfaces designed for networking and wireless communications, rendering them particularly effective for communication tasks.

The burgeoning demand for SBCs in communication applications stems from their crucial role in facilitating seamless data traffic and connectivity in industrial IoT contexts. They are vital for acquiring, processing, and analyzing data, thereby enhancing production quality and operational efficiency. As of 2023, the global market for SBCs is buoyed by their deployment in edge computing, where they manage complex calculations and real-time processing tasks critical for modern communication systems. Key statistics underscore this dominance: sales of Raspberry Pi units have topped 50 million, reflecting widespread adoption in various applications; Intel's NUC units continue to see robust demand, with over 10 million units sold; and the BeagleBone series has surpassed 2 million units in sales. Additionally, the global market for industrial IoT devices, heavily reliant on SBCs, is valued at $263 billion. The use of SBCs in automotive telematics has grown, with over 80 million connected cars on the road. Moreover, the smart home market, featuring SBCs at its core, is valued at $98 billion, while the wearable device market, also leveraging SBC technology, is worth $30 billion.

By End Users

Industrial automation is mainly dominating the single board computer market by generating over 38.7% market share, largely due to their versatility, affordability, and compact design. Industrial sectors like automotive and manufacturing have amplified their use, with SBCs being integral to automating complex processes such as machine control and real-time data analytics. The automotive industry alone has integrated over a million SBCs into its production lines to enhance efficiency and precision. In manufacturing, companies have reported a reduction in operational downtime by hundreds of hours annually, thanks to the real-time data processing capabilities of SBCs. Furthermore, the rise of Industrial IoT solutions has accelerated the adoption of SBCs, with over 500,000 units deployed annually for edge computing applications. This technology facilitates the remote monitoring and control of industrial processes, a feature that has become indispensable in sectors such as mining and metals, where real-time data insights can lead to significant improvements in asset productivity.

The demand for SBCs in industrial automation continues to grow, driven by the need for improved connectivity and data management capabilities. As industries increasingly integrate AI and machine learning technologies, single board computer market provide the necessary computational power to support these advancements. For instance, major players like Siemens have incorporated tens of thousands of SBCs into their Industrial IoT solutions, enabling predictive maintenance and enhancing operational efficiency. In the past year, the global market has seen sales of SBCs surpassing three million units, highlighting their critical role in modern industrial systems. Additionally, with the ongoing shift towards automation, there is a marked increase in the demand for technical skills to design and maintain these systems, further underscoring the importance of SBCs. As industries continue to evolve and embrace new technologies, the role of SBCs in facilitating seamless integration will remain crucial, ensuring their sustained dominance in the industrial automation landscape.

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Regional Analysis 

North America's dominance in the single board computer market is driven by several key factors. First, the region is home to major tech hubs like Silicon Valley, fostering innovation and access to cutting-edge technology. The presence of leading tech companies, such as Raspberry Pi Foundation and Arduino, further bolsters production capabilities. North America's robust educational institutions also contribute to a high demand for SBCs, as these computers are widely used in STEM education. The region's strong maker culture, supported by numerous maker fairs and hacker spaces, encourages experimentation and DIY projects, increasing SBC consumption. Additionally, North America's advanced infrastructure and logistics systems facilitate efficient production and distribution. The availability of venture capital funding allows startups to thrive, contributing to market growth. Government initiatives promoting tech education and digital literacy also play a pivotal role. Furthermore, a high concentration of software developers and engineers ensures a steady flow of innovations and applications for SBCs. In terms of statistics, North America produces approximately 15 million SBC units annually, hosts over 1,500 tech meetups and conferences related to SBCs, and has more than 10,000 active maker spaces. The region's Single board computer market is valued at around $1.2 billion, with educational use accounting for over 4 million units.

Europe and Asia Pacific are notable contenders in the global Single board computer market, ranking second and third, respectively. Europe benefits from a strong emphasis on research and development, with countries like Germany and the UK leading in technological advancements. The presence of tech giants such as Siemens and Bosch enhances production capabilities. Europe also sees a growing demand for SBCs in industrial automation, contributing to its market strength. The region is home to over 800 tech startups focused on SBC applications, and it produces approximately 10 million SBC units annually. Europe's Single board computer market is valued at $900 million, with educational institutions purchasing around 3 million units annually. In Asia Pacific, rapid industrialization and the proliferation of IoT devices drive the demand for SBCs. Countries like China, Japan, and South Korea are key players, with companies such as Seeed Studio and Orange Pi playing significant roles. The region hosts over 2,000 tech conferences annually, facilitating knowledge exchange and innovation. Asia Pacific produces about 8 million SBC units each year, with a market value of around $750 million. The growing consumer electronics industry further fuels demand, with approximately 2 million units utilized in smart home applications. Both regions benefit from supportive government policies promoting tech innovation and education.

Top Players in Single Board Computer Market 

• AAEON Electronics, Inc.
• ABACO SYSTEMS
• ADES Corporation
• ADLINK Technology Inc.
• American Portwell Technology, Inc.
• ARBOR Technology
• Arm Limited
• ArmorLink International
• Axiomtek Co., Ltd.
• Curtiss-Wright Corporation
• Digi-Key Electronics
• Emerson Electric Co.
• Eurotech
• EVOC Intelligent Technology Company Limited
• GE Intelligent Platform
• IEI Integration Corp.
• Intel Corporation
• Kontron
• LeMaker
• Mercury Systems, Inc.
• Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
• Raspberry Pi
• Trenton Systems, Inc.
• Other Prominent Players

Market Segmentation Overview:

By Solution

• Solution
  • VME
  • cPCI
  • VPX
  • xTCA
  • Others
• Service
  • System Integration
  • Customization
  • After-Sales

By Processors

• ARM
• AMD
• Celeron
• RabbitCore
• X86
• Atom
• PowerPC
• Others

By Installed RAM

• < 2GB
• 2-8 GB
• 8-24 GB
• 24-128 GB
• 128-512 GB
• > 512 GB

By Packaging

• Box/Bulk
• Tray

By Application

• Test & Measurement
• Communication
• Data Processing
• Research
• Others

By End User

• Industrial Automation
• Aerospace & Defense
• Transportation
• Medical
• Entertainment
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Western Europe
    • U.K.
    • Germany
    • France
    • Spain
    • Italy
    • Rest of Western Europe
  • Eastern Europe
    • Poland
    • Russia
    • Rest of Eastern Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia & New Zealand
  • ASEAN
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Middle East & Africa (MEA)
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • Rest of MEA
• South America
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Rest of South America