Smart Pills Market – By Component, By Target Area, By Application, By End-use, Global Forecast 2025 – 2034

Report ID: GMI13214
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Published Date: February 2025
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Report Format: PDF

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Smart Pills Market Size

The global smart pills market size was valued at USD 1.2 billion in 2024. The market size is estimated to grow from USD 1.3 billion in 2025 to USD 3.4 billion in 2034, growing at a CAGR of 11.6% over the analysis period. The market is growing rapidly because of the rising cases of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and high demand for non-invasive diagnostic modalities.
 

 

Smart Pills Market

For instance, as per the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA), the total number of new cases of Crohn's disease diagnosed each year was 10.7 per 100,000 people, approximately 33,000 new cases per year. Similarly, the incidence rate of ulcerative colitis is 12.2 per 100,000 people, translating to approximately 38,000 new cases diagnosed per year. Disorders like GERD, Crohn’s, and colorectal cancer need sophisticated early diagnosis and treatment, which makes the use of handy diagnostic equipment necessary.
 

Smart pills technology is also benefiting from advancements in data analytics and artificial intelligence. AI improves data analytics competencies, facilitating better and quicker diagnosis, accurate treatment, and preventive care approaches, making it easier for healthcare professionals. Further, the use of Internet of Thing (IoT) facilitates remote monitoring and enables doctors to monitor health variables of patients without the need for periodic visits to the hospital. Moreover, increased investments and expenditure in healthcare innovation alongside gaining regulatory approvals are also contributing to market growth. The government and private entities are actively sponsoring R&D efforts aimed at developing smart pills technology, especially for drug adherence monitoring and drug delivery systems.
 

Furthermore, with continuous advancement in technology, a significant growth in the smart pills market is expected in the forecasted period.
 

Smart pills are defined as an ingestible capsule containing electronic or mechanical elements that traverse the gastrointestinal (GI) tract for purposes ranging from diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. These pills can be easily swallowed by patients, thereby resulting in minimal discomfort.
 

Smart Pills Market Trends

  • In recent years, it has been observed that patients and healthcare professionals are seeking less invasive and more comfortable options for traditional endoscopy. Therefore, smart pills that contain tiny cameras and sensors allow for imaging without the discomfort of traditional endoscopy methods.
     
  • These capsules move through the digestive tract, collecting data and images throughout the process. This is highly beneficial for diagnosing difficult cases of small intestine disorders. Thus, with growing awareness, smart pill devices are anticipated to witness high adoption in everyday diagnostic procedures.
     
  • GI diseases and digestive disorders such as Crohn’s, colorectal cancer, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are increasingly common because of lifestyle factors and older populations. For instance, as per the Johns Hopkins Hospital, inflammatory bowel disease affects as many as 1.6 million Americans, most diagnosed before age 35 annually.
     
  • Similarly, GI cancers account for nearly 26% of the cancer burden globally. The Cancer Statistics 2025 report projects an estimated 107,320 cases of colon cancer and 46,950 cases of rectal cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S., and a total of 52,900 people will die from these cancers. Such rising prevalence of GI disorders increases the demand for effective diagnostic and monitoring devices, thereby fueling the market growth.
     
  • Growing investments from government agencies and private companies into cutting-edge innovations will drive the market growth. Market players such as CapsoVision and Medtronic are developing new products to enhance diagnostic effectiveness. The support from research institutions is also contributing to progress in the fields of wireless data transmission and ingestible sensors. Thus, with more financial support and funding, smart pills are anticipated to become more advanced, affordable, and accessible.
     
  • Moreover, AI and machine learning technology is improving the effectiveness of smart pills system. Smart pills equipped with artificial intelligence can scan and report data with incredible accuracy. AI technology also incorporates predictive analysis, enabling healthcare professionals to resolve health problems before they escalate. As AI technology continues to spread, smart pills will become further important in aiding diagnosis and crafting treatment approaches, thereby fueling market growth.
     

Smart Pills Market Analysis

Global Smart Pills Market, By Component, 2021 – 2034 (USD Billion)

Based on the component, the market is segmented into product and patient monitoring software. The product segment is further divided into capsule and other products. The product segment dominated the market in 2024 and accounted for USD 725.9 million. The market was valued at USD 539.6 million, 595.1 million, and 657 million in 2021, 2022, and 2023, respectively.
 

  • Smart capsules contain sensors, microchips, and wireless communication systems that report real-time information regarding the gastrointestinal (GI) system, medication compliance, and disease progression.
     
  • These devices are easy to swallow, non-invasive, and accurately deliver drug dosages, hence they are preferred over traditional diagnostic and treatment procedures.
     
  • Furthermore, the expanding the use of smart capsules in the healthcare sector is due to increased cases of biocompatible materials, sophisticated technologies for remote patient monitoring, and wearable sensor patch for monitoring vital signs.
     
  • Also, new technological developments and AI coupled with IoT automation increase the diagnostic and therapeutic functions of smart pills. Thus, with advancements in technology and increasing acceptance of digital health solutions, the product segment is expected to continue dominating the market.
     
Global Smart Pills Market, By Target Area (2024)

Based on the target area, the smart pills market is segmented into stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and esophagus. The stomach segment dominated the market with 44.1% of market share in 2024.
 

  • This segment has a notable share of the market due to its use in the diagnosis and surveillance of stomach diseases. Smart pills are designed for stomach applications like capsule endoscope and drug delivery systems.
     
  • These allow real time, non-invasive assessment of conditions such as gastritis, gastric ulcers, and gastric cancer. The rising frequency of these disorders and the need for precise and timely diagnosis has increased the use of smart pills for stomach ailments.
     
  • Further, the effectiveness of the smart pills stomach devices has greatly increased due to the improved sensor technology, imaging technology, and wireless communication, which has made them more popular among patients and physicians.
     
  • These pills enhance patient comfort and minimize the need for sedation, but also provide detailed visualization of the stomach lining, which makes them an attractive alternative to conventional methods.
     

Based on the application, the smart pills market is categorized into capsule endoscopy, targeted drug delivery, and vital sign monitoring. The capsule endoscopy segment dominated the market and is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 11.4% over the forecast period.
 

  • Capsule endoscopy dominates the market because of its non-invasive nature and superior diagnostic capabilities. The rising demand from patients and healthcare professionals for non-invasive diagnostic procedures has increased the demand of smart pills for capsule endoscopy.
     
  • Capsule endoscopy offers a comprehensive visualization of the entire digestive system, especially of the small bowel, which is difficult to reach through traditional endoscopic approaches.
     
  • Moreover, the increase in the prevalence of Crohn’s disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, and small bowel tumors further boosts the market growth of capsule endoscopy.
     
  • Also, the accuracy and efficiency of the devices have been heightened by improvements in imaging technologies, AI based image processing, and longer lasting batteries.
     
  • Favorable reimbursement policies, growing awareness regarding early detection of diseases, along with rapidly developing infrastructure in developed and developing countries, are further accelerating the market.
     

Based on the end use, the smart pills market is segmented into hospitals, diagnostic centers, and other end users. The hospitals segment held highest market share in 2024 and is anticipated to reach USD 2.1 billion in 2034.
 

  • Hospitals play a vital role in diagnosing and treating complicated health issues. As they are the primary providers of specialized diagnostic services, long-term disease management, as well as post-operative care, hospital settings adopt smart pills technology more readily than other types of facilities.
     
  • Moreover, with increasing prevalence of chronic diseases such as GI cancers, colorectal cancers, and Crohn's disease, hospitals have been increasingly adopting smart pills for more efficient monitoring and intervention.
     
  • Hospitals also act as primary sites for clinical and research trials, which further facilitates the adoption of new technologies into routine healthcare.
     
  • Further, owing to high infrastructure standards and presence of fine-quality treatment options coupled with the expertise of healthcare practitioners and favorable reimbursement policies, hospitals are anticipated to remain the principal end users in the market.
     
U.S. Smart Pills Market, 2021 – 2034 (USD Million)

North America smart pills market was valued at USD 455.5 million in 2024 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 11.3% over the forecast years. The U.S. dominated North America market with a revenue of USD 312.2 million in 2021. The market was valued at USD 343.8 million in 2022 and reached USD 379.1 million in 2023.
 

  • Factors such as advanced healthcare facilities and high adoption of modern medical technologies aid in high market growth. Also, the increasing prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders and chronic diseases and the rising elderly population significantly boosts the growth of smart pills.
     
  • The presence of leading pharmaceutical and medical device companies, such as Medtronic, has led to innovation in the area of ingestible sensor and smart pills technology, further accelerating the market growth.
     
  • Public funding for R&D coupled with several initiatives by market players and health institutions also optimizes the growth opportunities of the market.
     
  • In addition, favorable reimbursement scenarios and rapid technological advancements in drug delivery systems are further driving the market's expansion of smart pills in the North America region.
     

Europe smart pills market is anticipated to witness rapid growth at a CAGR of 11.8% over the forecast period.
 

  • The region holds significant market share in market due to its well-developed healthcare system, growth in the number of gastrointestinal disorders, and high adoption of modern medical technologies. For example, over 332 million people are estimated to be living with a digestive disorder in the European region, according to a report from United European Gastroenterology (UEG).
     
  • Moreover, the expanding older population in Europe with a greater burden of chronic illnesses requiring regular supervision further enhances the need for smart pills.
     
  • The presence of top pharmaceutical and medical technology companies investing in smart pills R&D is propelling Europe's market share.
     
  • Market growth is also fueled by rising patient and healthcare professional awareness regarding the advantages of ingestible sensors for health monitoring.
     

China smart pills sector dominated the Asia Pacific smart pills market.
 

  • Increasing spending on healthcare, growing elderly population, and inclination towards digital health is fuelling the expansion of smart pills industry in the Asia Pacific region.
     
  • Also, the high burden of chronic diseases such as GI cancer, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and stomach ulcer, further boost the market growth. For example, studies suggest that approximately 50% of all new gastric cancer cases worldwide occur in Asian-Pacific countries including China.
     
  • Therefore, the increasing demand for non-invasive diagnostic methods, along with the trend of personalized medicine, is supporting the rapid growth of this market.
     

Brazil smart pills market is anticipated to witness high growth in the Latin America market.
 

  • Brazil dominated the Latin America market and accounted for the largest revenue share in 2024 attributed to growing incidences of chronic disorders and the demand for smart pills designed to administer medication at specific locations within the digestive system and to monitor vital signs, detect diseases, and provide real-time feedback
    .
  • The country's growing emphasis on digital healthcare, along with the incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) in the healthcare sector, is enhancing the advancement and acceptance of smart pill technologies.
     

Smart Pills Market Share

The major players operating in the smart pills industry include Medtronic, Intromedic, CapsoVision, etectRx, and Olympus Corporation, among others. Top 3 players including Medtronic, Intromedic, and CapsoVision account for approximately over 45% of the global market. These market players focus on strategies such as mergers, acquisitions, innovative product development and launches, expansion, and collaboration to generate more revenue and withstand market competition.
 

Moreover, businesses are allocating significant resources to research to accelerate innovation in this field. Also, there are several other emerging players operating in the market that strive for market share. These players are focussing their attention on emerging economies of Asia Pacific and Latin America.
 

Smart Pills Market Companies

Prominent players operating in the smart pills industry include:

  • ANX Robotica
  • Bodycap
  • CapsoVision
  • Check-Cap
  • etectRx
  • Intromedic
  • Medtronic
  • Otsuka Holdings
  • Olympus Corporation
  • RF Co
     

Medtronic leverages its expertise in medical technology to develop innovative ingestible devices. The company offers an innovative PillCam technology. This ingestible capsule enables non-invasive imaging of the gastrointestinal tract, particularly the colon, aiding in the diagnosis of disorders such as colorectal cancer.
 

With its strong capabilities in medical imaging and endoscopy, Olympus stands as one of key players in the smart pills industry. The company concentrates on creating next-generation capsule endoscopy systems to assist physicians in diagnosing and tracking gastrointestinal diseases with much less invasive techniques. The company's ENDOCAPSULE 10 SYSTEM produces extremely high-quality images for fast, efficient and precise examinations of small intestine.
 

Smart Pills Industry News:

  • In February 2023, AnX Robotica Corporation launched the NaviCam Small Bowel System in the U.S. This system allows complete, real-time visualization of the stomach using a pill-sized capsule containing a camera and is remote-controlled by the physician using proprietary magnetic technologies. This helped the company expand its reach to a broader patient population, increasing the potential market for the product.
     
  • In February 2022, Check-Cap Ltd. announced that the company received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its amended Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) application, enabling initiation of the U.S. pivotal study.
     
  • In January 2021, etectRx entered into an agreement with Pear Therapeutics, Inc. to develop up to two product candidates in the Central Nervous System (CNS) space combining Prescription Digital Therapeutics (PDTs) and adherence sensors. The companies aim to build products together combining medication adherence data with digital therapeutics.
     
  • In March 2017, BodyCap, a French MedTech company, obtained CE Mark approval for e-Celsius, an ingestible connected pill that monitors the body’s core temperature. This helped the company market its product in the European countries and increase its sales.
     

The smart pills market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2021 - 2034 for the following segments:

Market, By Component

  • Product
    • Capsule
    • Other products
  • Patient monitoring software

Market, By Target Area

  • Stomach
  • Small intestine
  • Large intestine
  • Esophagus

Market, By Application

  • Capsule endoscopy
  • Targeted drug delivery
  • Vital sign monitoring

Market, By End Use

  • Hospitals
  • Diagnostic centers
  • Other end use

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • UK
    • France
    • Spain
    • Italy
    • Netherlands
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • Japan
    • India
    • Australia
    • South Korea
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Mexico
  • Middle East and Africa
    • South Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • UAE
Authors: Mariam Faizullabhoy, Gauri Wani
Frequently Asked Question(FAQ) :
Who are some of the prominent players in the smart pills industry?
Key players in the market include ANX Robotica, Bodycap, CapsoVision, Check-Cap, etectRx, Intromedic, Medtronic, Otsuka Holdings, and Olympus Corporation.
How big is the smart pills market?
How much is the North America smart pills market worth?
What is driving the growth of the capsule endoscopy segment?
Smart Pills Market Scope
  • Smart Pills Market Size
  • Smart Pills Market Trends
  • Smart Pills Market Analysis
  • Smart Pills Market Share
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    Base Year: 2024

    Companies covered: 10

    Tables & Figures: 147

    Countries covered: 18

    Pages: 225

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