Market Trends of North America Drones Industry
The Agriculture Segment is Expected to Register the Fastest CAGR During the Forecast Period
The agricultural segment is increasingly turning to high-tech devices to boost production and sustainability. The adoption of modern, precise farm technologies is revolutionizing farming. With global population growth and shifting climate patterns, the demand for efficient agriculture is set to rise. Given the vast sizes of many farms, manual monitoring and inspection are labor intensive. Sophisticated agricultural drones offer a comprehensive view of crop growth. These drones empower agriculture professionals to pinpoint issues and enhance field scouting. Notably, in August 2023, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) greenlighted Pyka's Pelican Spray drone for crop protection in the United States.
Drones are pivotal in gathering data on crop yields, livestock health, soil quality, and weather patterns. This data highlights existing issues and aids in crafting solutions, leveraging its high reliability. In April 2023, the USDA researchers highlighted the potential of drones in remote sensing, offering insights into landscapes, plants, animals, and their stressors. Universities like Clemson, Georgia, and Purdue actively utilize drones for diverse applications, from pest scouting to 3D renderings for market valuation.
The agricultural segment strives for enhanced productivity, and the adoption of innovative tools like agricultural drones is set to dominate the drone market during the forecast period.
The United States Currently has the Highest Share in the Market
Drones are gaining traction across various industries in the United States, from mapping and surveying to delivery and public safety. As of January 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported 863,728 registered drones in the United States. Among these, 352,222 are designated for commercial use, while 506,635 are for recreational purposes. The FAA projects that the commercial drone fleet could increase to 858,000 by 2026.
Major players like Amazon, Google, and Walmart are spearheading the adoption of drones for logistics, underscoring the rising demand for commercial drones. This surge is further fueled by recent regulatory shifts, notably lifting the ban on commercial drone flights. The updated regulations permit low-altitude flights within the pilot's visual range. In March 2022, the FAA introduced comprehensive rules covering operations beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), drone identification, traffic management, and certification. With a clear trend toward BVLOS operations, companies can explore new applications, including long-distance deliveries and infrastructure inspections.
