A new research report published by ResearchMoz™ and Wintergreen Research predicts that the market in “Smart Commercial Drones” will reach $8.5 billion by 2021. The 400-page report profiles industry leaders and reviews emerging drone use in over 15 industry areas, including photography, video, film, real estate, campus security, and oil production. The report points out that drone technology offers a far less expensive solution to many industry problems than traditional aircraft or human resource solutions.
The report cites the parallel research streams of military and commercial drones as one reason for the rapid development of drone technology. As military use of drones increases, more and more of the technologies developed in that sector are modified for use in industry, and more manufacturers join the drone space.
Researchers believe that in the case of photography or other imaging, drones actually offer a superior solution. Susan Eustis, leader of the team that prepared the study, says: “Quantities of fielded smart Photography drone systems of every size and description are set to increase. Every photo opportunity can be enhanced via use of a smart drone. …Smart commercial drones units feature a variety of camera attachments, sensors, and internal loads. Large 2,000 pound payloads are possible, [and] campus security is set to emerge as a significant sector. Electro-optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensors, and an all-weather synthetic aperture radar indicators are maximizing long loiter capabilities and increasing the usefulness of smart commercial drones.”
The report also predicts that advances in technology will eliminate safety concerns. “Soon all smart drones will have computer driven collision avoidance technology making the flying more reliable,” the report states. “Remote operation occurs in the context of a workflow and sensors.”
Citing the almost infinite uses provided by emerging technology combining onboard computers with drone flight capabilities, and the flood of new companies to the drone market, researchers conclude that the market will increase exponentially in a very short time frame, stating: “Procurement around the world is adapting to drone availability.”
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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