The drone industry is expected to see significant growth in the coming years, reaching a value of US$123 billion by 2030. This growth is driven by the increased use of drones in civil and commercial applications, which are projected to expand from 8% to 32% of the total market share.
According to George Chowdhury, a Robotics Industry Analyst at ABI Research, the key drivers of this growth are easing regulations and advancements in autonomy. The ability to safely operate drones in built-up areas and over long distances will unlock new opportunities in industries such as last-mile delivery and agriculture.
Companies like Gather AI, Flyability, and Percepto are already making strides in warehouse automation and inspection efficiency using drone technology. In agriculture and real estate, drones are being used by service providers such as Sentera and Skywash to create new value for their customers.
One of the most significant areas of growth for drones is last-mile delivery, with revenue expected to increase from US$800 million to US$12.4 billion by 2030. Leading companies like Zipline, Google’s Wing, and Amazon’s Prime Air are set to capture a significant market share in this space.
As the drone market expands, the attachment rates for critical hardware components like radar, LiDAR, and high-definition cameras are expected to increase. Additionally, the use of cellular antennas will grow to support remote deployments and provide private network capabilities for telecommunication companies like Ericsson and Nokia.
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) chipsets in drones is also expected to grow significantly, with AI chipsets projected to be present in 79% of all drones by 2030. These chipsets offer performance-enhancing features like Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) and semi-autonomous flight capabilities.
Overall, drones have the potential to transform various industries and business models, offering new use cases and applications. It is essential for businesses, governments, and militaries to stay informed about the latest developments in the drone industry to leverage the benefits of this technology.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is continuously issuing waivers for using drones Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS), signaling the imminent disruption and innovation that drones are bringing to the market.
ABI Research’s report on the Small Unmanned Aerial System Ecosystem provides valuable insights into the drone market, offering detailed data, market share analysis, and forecasts for the future. As the drone industry continues to evolve, staying informed about these trends will be crucial for businesses looking to capitalize on the opportunities presented by drones.