Core tip: The market for sensors used in drones and robots has grown strongly, reaching US$351 million in 2015, and is expected to reach US$709 million in 2021, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.4% from 2015 to 2021. The coming robot technology revolution will cover a wide range of markets. Due to the promotion of various application fields, the compound annual growth rate of the drone and robot market from 2015 to 2021 is 9.4%, and it is expected to reach US$46 billion in 2021. Currently, we have witnessed the emerging vitality of the drone and robot market, as well as the impact on key sensor technologies (such as MEMS and graphics).
The market for sensors used in drones and robots has grown strongly. It reached 351 million U.S. dollars in 2015 and is expected to reach 709 million U.S. dollars in 2021. The compound annual growth rate from 2015 to 2021 is 12.4%.
The coming robot technology revolution will cover a wide range of markets
Due to the promotion of various application fields, the compound annual growth rate of the drone and robot market from 2015 to 2021 is 9.4%, and it is expected to reach US$46 billion in 2021.
Currently, we have witnessed the emerging vitality of the drone and robotics market, as well as the demand for key sensor technologies (such as MEMS and image sensors). Currently developed and mature markets (such as mobile phones and automobiles) are being brought into the emerging field of drones and robots by innovators. Due to the emergence of new applications, the demand for sensor technology has been strengthened, forming a virtuous circle.
Revenue of drones and robots in different markets from 2015 to 2021
The two big markets for drones and robots are defense and industry, both of which are attributed to the government policies of the United States and China. In recent years, the East Pacific has been investing in large-scale robots, and the West Pacific is also investing in robot manufacturing on a similar scale. On a global scale, the United States has enhanced its industrial production capacity through robots, while China has also improved its military capabilities through new robotics technology.
After in-depth research, we have identified at least ten new applications for drones and robots, which will generate more than $1 billion in revenue each year. As many new applications cover a wide range of markets, including consumer drones, self-driving cars, service robots, exoskeleton, remote monitoring, etc., the drone and robot market will gradually move out of the military and industrial fields. These new applications will contribute more than 40% to the compound annual growth rate in the next five years.
For each market, a variety of robots and their applications are receiving attention and discussion from many emerging manufacturers. The coexistence of multiple competing technologies-this is the inherent complexity of the early market. This report introduces this complex ecosystem, some of which application markets will cause the "Cambrian Explosion" of robots.
Market segments for drones and robots
Sensors are a key element of the emerging robotics revolution
The robot is a closed-loop device composed of actuators, driving devices, sensing devices and control systems, and complex machinery. The current industrial revolution (industry 4.0) is facing a prominent demand-sensing devices (sensors). The industry hopes to introduce various sensors into industrial production and use its unique data collection advantages to create a highly intelligent production mode. This brings unlimited development opportunities to the sensor industry. Mobile phones and automobiles already have mature application experience in acoustic, optical and position sensors, and new sensors (such as tactile, microwave and environmental sensors) will gradually be applied to drones and robots.
Sensors play a very important role in the control of robots. Because of sensors, robots have the perceptual functions and response capabilities similar to humans. In order to detect the work object and the environment or the relationship between the robot and them, visual sensors, force sensors, proximity sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and auditory sensors are installed on the robot, which greatly improves the working conditions of the robot and enables it to complete more fully Complicated work. With the further improvement of sensor technology, robots are becoming more and more powerful and will make greater contributions to mankind in many fields.
Optical sensors, especially visible light cameras, lidars and 3D cameras, are the main beneficiaries of the outbreak of the UAV and robot market. Acoustic and position sensors will also enjoy the dividends brought by the drone and robot market-double-digit annual growth rates. Currently, the market for sensors used in drones and robots is 351 million U.S. dollars and is expected to reach 709 million U.S. dollars by 2021, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.4%.
2010~2021 revenue forecast of sensor market for drones and robots
In our research, the eye-opening discovery is that the market revenue of sensors comes from a very diverse application fields, including consumption, commerce, transportation, medical, security, industry and defense. From a marketing perspective, this is particularly beneficial for small companies focusing on a few special niches. The drone and robotics market is the target of emerging sensing technologies.
Key technologies are under development, such as 3D cameras, lidars and ultra-precision gyroscopes
Emerging vendors, such as Parrot, iRobot, and DJI Innovations (DJI), have been able to extract significant value from their technologies and markets. The aforementioned companies are role models for drones and robotics innovation companies because they have the ability to create new products and tap value from new sensor subsystems, such as iRobot’s Vision SLAM, Parrot’s electronic stabilization camera, and DJI’s innovative gyroscope stabilization. To the bracket. Mastering sensor technology is essential for drone and robotics companies.
Roadmap of sensor development for drones and robots
On the other hand, the sensors currently under research and development are going through a difficult period, and the company is striving to find key market applications to maintain research and development. Sensor companies usually rely on other markets or hope that the other party develops, such as the Internet of Things. Therefore, there is a certain mismatch between the behavior of the system manufacturer and the sensor company. In the worst case, the sensor company may miss the opportunity of the entire ecosystem. This report aims to provide emerging sensor market demand in the field of drones and robots, as well as potential business opportunities.
On the one hand, there are many very suitable technologies on the market. Ultrasonic sensors, proximity sensors, inertial measurement units, magnetic and optical encoders, of course, small camera modules can also be integrated in drones and robots. On the other hand, new sensors are preparing to change our world. 3D sensing (3D cameras, sonar, radar, and lidar) and other sensing technologies, such as multispectral, infrared imaging, and gas sensing, will be essential elements of the robotic revolution. After that, software algorithms cannot be ignored. Sensor fusion algorithms (from inertial sensors, image sensors to 3D imaging and rangefinders) are intangible factors that ensure the normal operation of robots.
