Autonomous Drones Market Report 2024

This Autonomous Drones market report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market’s historic and forecast market growth by geography.

The autonomous drones market size has grown exponentially in recent years. It will grow from $17.09 billion in 2023 to $20.74 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.4%. The growth observed during the historical period can be linked to technological innovations, heightened demand for aerial surveillance, reduced costs of drone parts, expansion within the defense industry, and the rise of commercial applications.

The autonomous drones market size is expected to see exponential growth in the next few years. It will grow to $45.26 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.5%. During the forecast period, growth can be credited to a growing interest in delivery services, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, favorable regulatory changes regarding drone usage, increased investments in drone technology, and the expansion of the infrastructure and construction sectors. Key trends expected during this period include improved automation and AI integration, a rise in consumer and enterprise applications, greater utilization of drones for agricultural and environmental monitoring, the establishment of new regulatory frameworks, and growth in international markets.

The growing adoption of drones in commercial applications is expected to drive the growth of the autonomous drone market in the future. The commercial deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) spans various industries, enabling tasks to be completed more efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively than traditional methods. This surge in adoption is attributed to technological advancements, decreased costs, clearer regulations, and the significant benefits that drones offer in terms of efficiency and affordability. Autonomous drones are increasingly utilized for tasks such as aerial surveying, delivery, and inspection with minimal human oversight, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs. For example, a May 2023 survey by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) found that the number of drone users in the UK rose to 5% in 2023, up from 3% in 2021. Furthermore, commercial drone deliveries are projected to grow by 30% over the next decade, compared to 13% over five years. Additionally, the percentage of users in filming and media is expected to increase from 42% in 2022 to 46% in 2023. Thus, the rising use of drones in commercial settings is driving the autonomous drone market forward.

Key players in the autonomous drone market are focusing on integrating artificial intelligence to enhance autonomy and decision-making capabilities, such as AI-powered subject tracking, which improves precision in capturing dynamic footage without manual control. This technology enables drones to automatically identify and follow specific objects or individuals within the camera’s frame, ensuring smooth and accurate tracking. For instance, in September 2024, SZ DJI Technology Co., Ltd., a Chinese technology company, launched the Neo, its lightest and most compact drone at just 135 grams. The Neo features AI-powered subject tracking, quickshots, and 4K ultra-stabilized video capabilities. It can be launched directly from the palm without a remote, captures 12 MP still images, and offers a flight time of up to 18 minutes. The drone includes six intelligent shooting modes and advanced video stabilization, and it can be paired with the DJI Fly app, remote controllers, or DJI goggles for enhanced control and immersive experiences.

In January 2023, Ondas Holdings Inc., a U.S.-based developer of enterprise autonomous systems, acquired Airobotics Ltd. for an undisclosed sum. This acquisition aims to expand Ondas Holdings' product portfolio and market reach by incorporating Airobotics' advanced autonomous drone technology. The move is designed to enhance Ondas' capabilities in delivering comprehensive drone solutions across various sectors, including smart cities, construction, public safety, and industrial applications. Airobotics Ltd. is an Israeli manufacturer and operator of autonomous drones.

Major companies operating in the autonomous drones market are Lockheed Martin Corporation, Hexagon AB, DJI Technology Co. Ltd., Yuneec International Co. Ltd., Aerovironment Inc., Holy Stone Technology Co. Ltd., Skydio Inc., Zipline International Inc., Autel Robotics, Parrot Drones S.A., Quantum Systems GmbH, Wingcopter GmbH, Propeller Aero Inc., DroneDeploy Inc., Dronamics Ltd., Ouster Inc., Brinc Drones, Flyability SA, Easy Aerial Inc., Delair AG, JOUAV Technology Co. Ltd., SkySafe Inc., Aerialtronics B.V., Cleo Robotics Inc., Corvus Robotics Inc., Robodub LLC, ModalAI Inc., Skyfront Inc.

North America was the largest region in the autonomous drone market in 2023. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the autonomous drones market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

The countries covered in the autonomous drones market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Autonomous drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are equipped with sophisticated sensors and artificial intelligence, enabling them to carry out tasks and navigate without needing human oversight. They can function independently, making real-time decisions based on their surroundings and the requirements of their missions.

The primary categories of autonomous drones encompass inspection, agricultural, meteorological, surveying and mapping, among others. Inspection or surveillance drones are specifically designed for evaluating or monitoring structures, infrastructure, and various locations for maintenance or security purposes. These drones are outfitted with high-resolution cameras and sensors that collect detailed images or data, enabling users to detect issues, conduct assessments, and verify compliance with safety regulations. Their flight range varies, including less than 10 km, 10 km-20 km, 20 km-30 km, and over 30 km, while payload capacities are classified as less than 300 lbs, 300-400 lbs, and 400-500 lbs. These drones are utilized in applications across commercial, civil, military, and other sectors. End-use industries include agriculture and forestry, delivery and logistics, media and entertainment, construction and mining, oil and gas, security and law enforcement, recreational activities, and more.

The autonomous drones market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides autonomous drones market statistics, including autonomous drones industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with an autonomous drones market share, detailed autonomous drones market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the autonomous drones industry. This autonomous drones market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The autonomous drones market consists of sales of products including drone hardware, sensors, cameras, software, and navigation systems. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.


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