Global Drone Autopilots Market Size, Share Report By Type (Computer-Assisted Flight Autopilot, Full-Automatic Autopilot, Manual Flight Autopilot), By Application (Multirotor UAVs, Fixed Wing UAVs, Parafoil UAVs, Others), Region and Companies – Industry Segment Outlook, Market Assessment, Competition Scenario, Trends and Forecast 2024-2033

Report Overview

The global drone autopilots market size is expected to be worth around USD 17.5 billion by 2033, from USD 9.3 billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2033.

A drone autopilot is a type of technology used to control a drone without the need for a human pilot. It includes systems and software that allow the drone to fly a predefined route or adjust its path during flight based on sensors and GPS. This technology makes it possible for drones to perform tasks like surveying, capturing images, and monitoring areas automatically, making operations more efficient and less dependent on human control.

The drone autopilot market is growing as more industries adopt drone technology for various applications, from agricultural mapping and disaster management to entertainment and delivery services. The demand for advanced autopilot systems is increasing because they provide higher precision and reliability in drone operations. Market growth is driven by technological advancements in drone automation, the expanding use of drones in commercial and military sectors, and regulatory support in many countries that allows for broader drone applications.

The integration of cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and machine learning into autopilot systems enhances navigation, obstacle avoidance, and autonomous decision-making, making drones more reliable and efficient. Different key players in the market focus on developing advanced autopilot systems with enhanced capabilities like swarming and collaborative flying. The regulatory framework is also evolving to support commercial drone operations, further fuelling the market expansion.

The demand for drone autopilots is significantly increasing, primarily driven by the expansion of drone applications across various industries. As drones become integral to operations in agriculture for crop monitoring, in real estate for aerial photography, and in utilities for inspection of infrastructure, the need for reliable autopilot systems grows. These systems are crucial for ensuring drones can operate autonomously with minimal human intervention, enhancing both efficiency and safety.

For instance, In November 2023, Embention entered a strategic alliance with EANAN, a Dubai-based Urban Air Mobility company, to manufacture unmanned aircraft in the UAE. This partnership was formalized during the Dubai Airshow 2023, where both companies committed to producing a minimum of 3,000 Veronte Autopilots annually. These autopilots will serve as the core flight control system for EANAN’s aircraft, which includes the S-700, capable of carrying payloads up to 200 kg.

The evolving drone market presents numerous opportunities, particularly in the development and enhancement of autopilot technologies. There is a substantial opportunity for innovation in areas like AI integration, which can improve decision-making capabilities and operational autonomy of drones. The increasing investment in defense and security sectors also opens up significant prospects for advanced autopilot systems capable of complex military operations.

According to Market.us, The Drone Market is poised for substantial growth over the next decade. Market size is projected to escalate from USD 34.4 Billion in 2023 to approximately USD 87.5 Billion by 2033, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.1%. This growth can be attributed to the increasing adoption of drones across various sectors, including commercial, agricultural, and governmental applications.

In the specialized segment of AI in Drone Technology, an even more rapid expansion is anticipated. The market size is expected to surge from USD 12.5 Billion in 2023 to around USD 206.9 Billion by 2033, with a remarkable CAGR of 32.4%. This significant growth is driven by the integration of artificial intelligence, enhancing capabilities such as autonomous navigation and data collection.

Additionally, the Drone Analytics Market is expected to witness a sharp increase from USD 5.2 Billion in 2023 to USD 53.9 Billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 26.4%. This growth is fueled by the need for sophisticated data processing and analytics in drone technology.

Moreover, the Drone Insurance Market is set to grow from USD 1.5 Billion in 2023 to USD 3.5 Billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 8.8%. This increase highlights the rising demand for risk management solutions amidst the growing commercial use of drones. China’s dominance as the top exporter of commercial drones complements the market’s expansion.

The demand for drones is also forecasted to increase by 50% for infrastructure inspections over the next five years, further signifying the industry’s potential. The average annual salary for a drone pilot in the U.S. stands at $77,101, indicating the professional value and economic impact of this burgeoning field.

Analyst’s Review

As a research analyst reviewing the drone autopilot sector, it’s clear that this market is experiencing significant growth and transformation. The drone autopilot sector is a key area of interest for those looking into the broader drone market, particularly due to its pivotal role in enabling advanced functionalities like autonomous flight and precise navigational control.

The integration of autopilot systems in drones enhances their capability to perform complex operations without constant human intervention, making them extremely useful for applications ranging from aerial photography to logistic deliveries. Significant advancements in sensor technology, GPS and artificial intelligence have propelled the growth of the drone autopilot market.

These technological improvements have made autopilot systems more reliable and efficient, increasing the safety and operational capabilities of drones. This has not only broadened the potential use cases for drones but also attracted substantial investment from both private and public sectors. This growth is also supported by the increasing adoption of drones in various industries such as agriculture, real estate, and emergency response, where the benefits of autopilot technology, like enhanced operational efficiency and reduced need for skilled pilots, are particularly valuable.

Key Takeaways

• The global drone autopilots market size is expected to be worth around USD 17.5 billion by 2033, from USD 9.3 billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 5% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2033.
• In 2023, the computer-assisted autopilot segment held a dominant market position, capturing more than a 43.5% share of the drone autopilot market.
• In 2023, the multirotor UAV segment held a dominant market position, capturing more than a 37.5% share of the drone autopilots market.
• In 2023, the North America region held a dominant market position in the drone autopilot market, capturing more than a 36.8% share.

Type Segment Analysis

In 2023, the computer-assisted autopilot segment held a dominant market position, capturing more than a 43.5% share of the drone autopilot market. The dominance of the computer-assisted autopilot segment in the drone autopilot market is due to its ability to significantly enhance operational efficiency, safety, and precision.

These systems integrate advanced algorithms and AI technology to assist the pilot in complex tasks, reduce human errors, and enable precise control in challenging environments. Computer-assisted autopilots are crucial for tasks requiring a high level of accuracy, such as aerial mapping, surveying, and inspections. They offer real-time data processing, adaptive flight path adjustments, and improved obstacle detection, making them indispensable for both commercial and military applications.

Furthermore, as drones are increasingly used in critical sectors like logistics, agriculture, and defense, the demand for reliable, autonomous systems grows. The integration of AI and machine learning into these autopilots allows for continuous learning and adaptation, ensuring optimal performance. This combination of reliability, precision, and adaptability ensures the dominance of computer-assisted flight systems in the drone autopilot market.

Application Segment Analysis

In 2023, the multirotor UAV segment held a dominant market position, capturing more than a 37.5% share of the drone autopilots market. The dominance of the multirotor UAV segment in the drone autopilot market is primarily due to its versatility, ease of use, and adaptability to hover and perform agile tasks.

Multirotor drones, which include popular quadcopters, are preferred for applications that require precision and stability such as aerial photography, surveillance, and inspection. Their ability to take off and land vertically combined with the capacity to hover in place, makes them ideal for use in urban environments and confined spaces where fived-wing UAVs would struggle.

Additionally, multirotor UAVs are more cost-effective and easier to manufacture and operate compared to other types such as fixed-wing or hybrid drones. The growing demand in commercial sectors like real estate, agriculture, and media further propelled the adoption of multirotor drones. The continuous advancements in autopilot technology, enhancing their flight stability and autonomous capabilities also contribute to their market dominance.

Key Market Segments

By Type

• Computer-Assisted Flight Autopilot
• Full-Automatic Autopilot
• Manual Flight Autopilot

By Application

• Multirotor UAVs
• Fixed Wing UAVs
• Parafoil UAVs
• Others

Drivers

Advancements in technology

Advancements in technology are a significant driver for the drone autopilot market, enabling the development of more sophisticated, reliable, and efficient systems. Innovations in AI and machine learning have greatly enhanced autonomous navigation, allowing drones to make real-time decisions, such as adjusting flight paths or avoiding obstacles without human intervention.

Improved sensor technologies including GPS, LIDAR, and computer vision, contribute to more accurate positioning and environmental awareness, which are crucial for complex missions in various industries.

Additionally, the integration of communication technologies like 5G facilitates faster data transmission and better coordination between drones and control centers, essential for applications like swarm operations and beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights.

These technological advancements not only improve the performance and safety of drones but also expand their operational capabilities, making them more attractive for commercial, military, and industrial applications, thereby driving growth in the autopilot market.

Restraint

Risk of cybersecurity

Cybersecurity risks pose a significant restraint to the growth of the drone autopilot market due to the increasing reliance on autonomous systems and connectivity. As drones become more advanced, their autopilot systems often require internet or network connectivity to function efficiently, particularly for real-time data transmission, remote operations, and cloud-based analytics. This connectivity makes drones vulnerable to hacking, signal interference, and other cybersecurity threats.

For example, unauthorized access to a drone’s control system could result in the theft of sensitive data, loss of control, or even the hijacking of the drone, potentially leading to accidents or malicious activities. These risks are particularly concerning in critical applications such as military, infrastructure inspection, and logistics, where security breaches could have severe consequences.

Opportunities

Regulatory support

Regulatory support is a significant opportunity for the drone autopilot market as governments and aviation authorities worldwide are increasingly recognizing the potential of drones and are adapting regulations to facilitate their integration into commercial and civil airspaces.

This support includes frameworks for BVLOS operations, night flights, and autonomous missions, which are critical for expanding the use of drones in industries like logistics, agriculture, and infrastructure inspections.

By establishing clear and supportive regulations, authorities reduce barriers to entry for businesses looking to adopt drone technologies, thus accelerating market growth. Moreover, the regulatory backing provides a structured environment for innovation, encouraging companies to invest in advanced autopilot systems that meet safety and compliance standards. This creates a positive feedback loop, where improved technology leads to more comprehensive regulations, further expanding the market.

Challenges

Higher cost

The higher cost of advanced drone autopilot systems presents a significant challenge to market growth, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises and industries with tight budgets. These costs stem from the integration of cutting-edge technologies such as AI, machine learning, and sophisticated sensors, which are essential for enhancing drone autonomy, safety, and efficiency.

Additionally, the research and development involved in creating these advanced systems are expensive, driving up the overall cost of the drones. For many potential users, the high costs of investment in purchasing drones equipped with state-of-the-art autopilot systems can be a deterrent, especially when considering the additional costs associated with maintenance, training, and regulatory compliance.

This financial barrier can limit the adoption of advanced drone technologies, particularly in price-sensitive markets or regions with limited access to capital. As a result, the market’s growth may be slowed as only larger organizations with substantial budgets can afford these systems.

Latest Trends

The drone industry is undergoing significant advancements, with key trends shaping its future. One of the most notable trends is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in drone technology. AI is enhancing drone capabilities, allowing for autonomous operations such as flight path planning and obstacle avoidance. This advancement is particularly useful in applications like agricultural monitoring and search and rescue operations, where drones can operate autonomously and make real-time decisions​.

Additionally, there’s a growing emphasis on developing energy-efficient autopilots to extend the flight times of drones, which is particularly important for applications requiring long-duration missions like environmental monitoring or border surveillance. Another significant trend is the push towards fully autonomous swarms of drones, which can work collaboratively on tasks such as search and rescue operations or agricultural harvesting, greatly multiplying the efficiency and scope of drone uses.

Regional Analysis

In 2023, North America held a dominant market position in the drone autopilot sector, capturing more than a 36.8% share with revenues reaching approximately USD 3.4 billion. This leadership is primarily due to the advanced technological infrastructure and the high adoption rate of new technologies in the region.

The United States, in particular, is a significant contributor to this dominance, with substantial investments in drone technologies across both commercial and military applications. The presence of major drone manufacturers and technology companies in North America, which are continuously innovating in the autopilot space, also propels the market forward.

Factors such as increasing regulatory support for drone operations and the widespread application of drones in sectors such as agriculture, delivery services, and infrastructure monitoring contribute to the region’s leading position. Furthermore, the integration of advanced technologies like AI and machine learning into drone autopilots to enhance their operational capabilities and autonomy is more pronounced in North America than in other regions.

Key Regions and Countries

North America

• US
• Canada

Europe

• Germany
• France
• The UK
• Spain
• Italy
• Russia
• Netherlands
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• South Korea
• India
• Australia
• Singapore
• Thailand
• Vietnam
• Rest of APAC

Latin America

• Brazil
• Mexico
• Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa

• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Rest of MEA

Key Players Analysis

Different key players in the market are shaping the market through technological innovations, expanding product lines, and addressing various industries and consumer needs. One of the leading players in the market is DJI which is a prominent drone manufacturer known for its advanced autopilot systems.

The firm has strong research and development capabilities, an extensive product portfolio, and widespread market presence. Further, Autel Robotics is also a U.S. based drone manufacturer known for its high-performance drones. The firm has high-quality imaging technology and customizable autopilot solutions.

Top Key Players in the Market

• Challenger Aerospace Systems
• Collins Aerospace
• Airelectronics
• Emotion
• UAVOS Inc
• UAV Navigation
• MicroPilot
• BlueBear Systems Research
• Thread Systems
• Robota
• Adsys Controls Inc.
• Lockheed Martin Corporation
• Other Key Players

Recent Developments

• In August 2024, Embention launched the Veronte Autopilot 4x, which features a fail-operational system designed to withstand failures while ensuring uninterrupted operation. This new product is geared toward autonomous UAV and eVTOL operation.
• In 2023, UAVOS enhanced its product lineup by developing new systems for both commercial and defense UAV applications. This includes an increased focus on long-range autonomous operations, driven by the company’s innovation in unmanned aerial systems​.
• In October 2023, Challenger Aerospace Systems was involved in a merger with Resilient Energy, marking a key strategic move. The merger aims to expand capabilities in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) technology for commercial and defense markets.

Report Scope