Inspection and Monitoring Unmanned Systems Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis By Type (Fixed wing, Multi-Rotor, and Hybrid), By Operation (Remotely Controlled, Autonomous, and Semi-Autonomous), By Solution (Software, Service Provider, and Hardware), By Application (Construction and Infrastructure, Agriculture and Commercial Spaces Mapping, Oil, Gas, Energy and Utilities, Mining, and Defense and Homeland Security), and Regional Forecast till 2032

The global inspection and monitoring unmanned systems market is growing with the escalating adoption of unmanned systems across various industries, such as oil and gas, construction and infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and others. Unmanned systems help with different tasks such as monitoring, inspection, and data gathering, which helps companies detect faults and malfunctions. The systems provide safety and lower human risk, simultaneously boosting the operation's accuracy and effectiveness.

Advanced AI integration and automation, combined with the expanding use of unmanned systems across industries, are accelerating market expansion. 

For instance, as of August 2024, around 100+ companies are using unmanned inspection and monitoring systems. These systems are reducing maintenance costs and inspections for companies.

Inspection and Monitoring Unmanned Systems Market Driver

Increasing Adoption of Unmanned Systems across Various Industries Drive Market Growth

Unmanned systems are being used in various domains, including construction, military, and agriculture. These are a few of the examples in which unmanned systems are being used. With the advanced AI and software interaction options, new industries are also adopting this technology for their various jobs.

For instance, in July 2024, NTT e-drone is conducting a trial to assess the unmanned systems for river patrols at the Seta River Weir.

Inspection and Monitoring Unmanned Systems Market Restraint

Regulatory Framework is one of the Main Obstacles

Drone use is frequently restricted in many industries and areas by too-stringent government laws, restrictions on airspace, and protracted permission procedures particularly in commercial applications such as surveillance and infrastructure inspection. Cybersecurity risks, for unauthorized access or manipulation of unmanned systems, risk public safety and privacy. These regulations and risks have the potential to impede the growth of the unmanned systems market.

These challenges are being addressed through technological advancement, regulatory development bodies, and industrial collaboration.

Key Insights

• The report covers the following key insights:


• Key Industry Developments (Mergers, Acquisitions, Partnerships)


• Latest Technological Advancements


• Porter’s Five Forces Analysis


• Supply Chain Analysis


• Impact of Russia-Ukraine War on Global Inspection and Monitoring Unmanned Systems Market

Segmentation

Analysis by Type 

By platform, the inspection and monitoring unmanned system market is divided into fixed wing, multi-rotor, and hybrid.

In the construction and infrastructural markets, multi-rotor inspection and monitoring systems are used due to the infrastructure and their vertical take-off capabilities. For land mapping, defense, and homeland security, mostly fixed-wing systems are used.  

Hybrid drones combine the characteristics of both multi-rotor and fixed-wing models. Due to this feature, the hybrid market segment is currently growing faster. The hybrid unmanned systems extend flight time along with vertical takeoff, making them versatile for missions requiring both long-range coverage and precise mapping. 

For instance, in March 2017, the U.S. Air Force on Edwards Air Force Base used a 412^th test wings quad-copter to conduct a maintenance inspection of the C-17 Globemaster III.

Analysis by Operation

By operation, the inspection and monitoring unmanned system market is divided into remotely controlled, autonomous, and semi-autonomous.

Unmanned systems operating in remotely controlled, autonomous, and semi-autonomous models are driving market growth owing to deployment of tailored solutions across various industries. The demand for autonomous systems is rising as industries seek to reduce labor costs and improve efficiency in repetitive tasks. In contrast, automation systems provide a balance of automation and human control. Remotely controlled systems continue to be vital in sectors requiring real-time monitoring. 

For instance, in September 2024, Deep Inspection patented AI-driven automated UAVs for aircraft inspection systems, which will enhance safety and efficiency.

Analysis by Solution

By solution, the market is segmented into software, service providers, and hardware. The inspection and monitoring unmanned systems market is driven by technological advancements and operational efficiency.

Software solutions in the inspection and monitoring unmanned systems market are crucial for processing, analyzing, and interpreting the large amounts of data collected by unmanned systems. The demand for software solutions continues to rise, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs.   

This follows the service providers and the hardware segment, which provides companies and government agencies with temporary services as per requirement and advanced hardware depending upon the mission and operations.

• In May 2024, FlytBase announced the launch of Flinks, which enables the FlytBase platform to be connected to a wide range of applications and devices.


• In September 2022, Percepto completed a proof-of-concept of an unmanned systems platform for monitoring a 250-acre floating solar farm in Thailand.

Analysis by Application

By application, the market is fragmented into construction and infrastructure, energy sector, agriculture, land mapping, oil and gas mining, defense, and security.

Construction and infrastructure projects are leveraging the drone market to expedite the inspection of bridges, buildings, and pipelines, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring structural integrity. Unmanned systems' ability to capture high-resolution images and data in real-time has revolutionized the way infrastructure is monitored and maintained, leading to improved decision-making and cost savings.

• In November 2023, Japan’s MODEC and Terra Drone Corporation signed an MOU to enhance inspection drones for oil and gas, floating production, storage, and FPSO inspection.


• In March 2021, using unmanned systems for Wind farms instead of rope-access inspectors reduces costs by up to 70% and downtime revenue loss by up to 90%.

Regional Analysis

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On the basis of region, the market has been studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the rest of the world.

North America leads the market due to advanced technological infrastructure and widespread adoption of unmanned systems in industries such as defense, agriculture, and energy. Europe follows closely with the increasing use of drones in construction, logistics, and land mapping.

The Asia Pacific region is experiencing rapid growth, driven by the expanding industrial sector, rising investment in smart cities, and growing demand in countries such as China and India.

For instance, in July 2024, India shared plans to become a global hub for unmanned systems by 2030 and government support will drive the inspection and monitoring unmanned systems market.

Key Players

• DJI (China)


• Northrop Grumman Corporation (U.S.)


• Parrot SA (France)


• Viper Drones (U.K.)


• IdeaForge (India)


• MISTRAS Group (U.S.)


• Terra Drone Corporation (Japan)


• Cyberhawk Innovations Ltd (U.S.)


• Sky-Futures Ltd (U.K.)


• DroneDeploy, Inc. (China)


• FlytBase (India)


• BAE System (U.S.)

Key Industry Developments

• In May 2024, a USD 100,000 Flybotix drone was purchased by Macomb County Public Works to assess sanitary pipes in the county.


• In January 2024, Skyports Drone Services and Makutu successfully conducted a maiden test flight to inspect and monitor the quality of river and coastal water.


• In November 2023, Skyport Drone Services partnered with Norway’s Field, offering specialized, cutting-edge infrastructure inspection and monitoring activities.