Wearables & IoT in Safety: The ‘Panic Button’ Market and Its Investment Potential

In an age where connected devices are ubiquitous and real-time data drives decision-making, the convergence of wearables, IoT (Internet of Things) and emergency safety systems has created a powerful investment theme. The global market for IoT-enabled panic buttons is anticipated to grow significantly, and so is the broader market for smart personal safety and security devices. 

For investors seeking growth in security tech, this represents a fertile area — especially when you consider platforms like Coram’s emergency management system, which brings together wearables, cloud, analytics, and smart alerts in one ecosystem.

Market Overview & Growth Drivers

Strong market numbers

● The IoT panic button market was valued at approximately USD 2.63 billion in 2024 and is forecast to reach about USD 2.85 billion by 2025, with projections up to USD 5.84 billion by 2033 at a CAGR of ~8.5%.

● The wearable panic button (and related wearable safety device) market is even more aggressive: Estimated at USD 1.2 billion in 2024 and expected to reach about USD 3.5 billion by 2033, with a CAGR around ~12.5%.

● The broader “Smart Personal Safety & Security Device” market (which includes panic buttons, wearables, GPS trackers) is projected to grow from about USD 49.998 billion in 2025 to roughly USD 148.226 billion by 2035 at a CAGR of ~11.5%

Key drivers behind the growth

• Rising safety concerns: From lone workers, healthcare environments, educational institutions, to public venues – the need for instant alerts and remote monitoring is growing.
• Regulatory & compliance pressure: Organisations face obligations to provide emergency response capabilities, especially in high-risk sectors (education, healthcare, manufacturing).
• Technology maturation: IoT connectivity (Bluetooth, WiFi, cellular), GPS/location services, cloud analytics and AI-enabled alerts make panic device systems more capable and cheaper to deploy.
• Wearables proliferation: Devices like smart badges, clip-ons, wristbands make it easier for users to carry panic-capable hardware without disrupting workflow.
• Integration and ecosystems: Panic button systems are not standalone now. They integrate with access control, video surveillance, emergency workflows, and cloud platforms — increasing value for customers and thus supporting higher margins for providers.

The Rise of Panic Button Systems

Emergencies in schools, hospitals, factories, and offices can unfold in seconds. In such moments, quick action can make the difference between safety and tragedy. Panic button systems empower users to send instant alerts, share their location, and activate emergency protocols at the touch of a button.

Unlike traditional alarms, modern panic button solutions connect to a network of IoT-enabled devices — from cameras to access control systems — allowing teams to coordinate responses in real time. This seamless integration transforms isolated incidents into coordinated safety operations, improving outcomes and reducing response times dramatically.

New Era of Smart Panic Buttons

A strong example of innovation in this space is the Coram panic button, part of the company’s advanced Emergency Management System (EMS). Coram combines wearable technology, cloud connectivity, and AI-driven monitoring to create a unified safety network for modern workplaces and campuses.

With a single press, Coram’s panic button triggers automated alerts, location tracking, and lockdown procedures, ensuring a rapid and organized response. The wearable design allows teachers, healthcare staff, or office employees to discreetly call for help from anywhere within range. Because it’s cloud-based, the system scales easily across multiple buildings and integrates with existing security infrastructure such as access control and video surveillance.

For organizations, Coram’s platform offers not just protection but also valuable data insights and reporting, helping leaders strengthen safety protocols and compliance. For investors, it represents the shift from reactive hardware to proactive, connected ecosystems — a growing segment of the IoT market that blends technology, analytics, and human safety.

Key Investment Considerations

When evaluating the panic button/wearable safety market, here are important factors to assess:

1. Market segment and verticals

• Which end-markets (education, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics) are driving growth? Some show stronger adoption due to regulatory requirements.
• For example, wearable panic button adoption in logistics was pegged at ~USD 1.48 billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR ~12.7% toward 2033.

2. Connectivity & IoT architecture

• Systems that use wireless, cloud, and firmware updates have competitive advantages. IoT platforms mean devices can be managed remotely, data collected,and  analytics applied.
• The IoT application market itself is projected to be enormous (e.g., IoT tech market reaching USD 1,148.62 billion by 2030) which underpins this niche.

3. Revenue model

• Hardware sales alone = cyclical, one-time. But subscription/monitoring + cloud analytics + software upgrades = recurring revenue, higher lifetime value.
• Platforms that can bundle hardware + services + analytics (like Coram) may command premium margins and stickiness.

4. Differentiation & integration

• Panic button solutions are becoming commoditised hardware-wise. Differentiation is through integration with access control, video, emergency workflows, and AI analytics.
• Investors should look for vendors that have partnerships, ecosystem strength, and the ability to cross-sell.

5. Global/regional tailwinds & risks

• Emerging markets: High growth potential (APAC, Latin America) but may face infrastructure/connectivity challenges.
• Regulatory/compliance risk: Some adoption driven by laws; if regulation slows, growth might moderate.
• Hardware supply chain & margin pressure: As wearables proliferate, margin compression is possible if competition intensifies.

What to Expect in Next 3-5 Years

• Growth will continue: Given the projections (CAGR ~8-12% for panic / wearable safety devices) the sector offers above-average growth in the security-tech domain.
• Consolidation likely: Larger security/hardware firms may acquire niche wearable panic button providers or IoT safety platform companies to expand offerings.
• From hardware to platform: The value shift will move from devices to data. Systems like Coram that capture real-time alerts, analytics, location & integrate across devices will be winners.
• Expansion beyond traditional sectors: While education, healthcare, and manufacturing lead, expect growth into commercial offices, remote/hybrid work, smart buildings, and even consumer safety.
• Increased global adoption: Especially in regions that improve connectivity, IoT infrastructure, and workplace safety regulations.

Key Takeaways

• The panic button/wearable safety device market is growing strongly, with significant investment potential driven by IoT, wearables, cloud platforms, and integration.
• Platforms that bundle hardware + cloud + analytics are especially interesting from a business and investment standpoint.
• Important investment criteria include revenue model, differentiation, ecosystem/integration, and geographic/regulatory tailwinds.
• While growth is promising, investors must monitor competition, margin pressure, and regulatory developments.

For security-tech investors looking beyond physical hardware, the wearable IoT safety space offers a compelling theme for 2025 and beyond.