PUBLISHER: Fairfield Market Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1420318
PUBLISHER: Fairfield Market Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1420318
The consumer drones market is on the verge of unprecedented growth, driven by a multitude of factors that are reshaping the industry landscape. The increasing use of drones for both commercial and recreational purposes, coupled with advancements in technology, has created a surge in demand for consumer drones worldwide.
One of the key drivers of this market's growth is the surging popularity of aerial photography. Photography enthusiasts are turning to drones to capture breathtaking videos and photographs from unique perspectives, eliminating the need for expensive equipment like high-end video cranes. According to the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the number of small hobbyist drones is expected to reach 3.5 million by 2021.
Innovation is at the forefront of this industry, with the emergence of hybrid drones powered by non-conventional energy sources, including solar power. These drones find applications in surveillance and mapping, and countries like China and the United States are heavily investing in hypersonic drone research and development due to their remarkable flight speed.
The adoption of consumer drones is also giving rise to new government regulations aimed at striking a balance between safety and innovation. The FAA in the United States is gearing up to release new regulations that are expected to drive Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) adoption in the region.
However, challenges loom on the horizon. Consumer drones are hindered by limited battery life, which can impact their performance. Stringent government regulations pose additional barriers to market growth, as do the complexities associated with drone maintenance and repair.
Moreover, in underdeveloped and developing regions, the lack of appropriate infrastructure to address privacy and safety concerns presents significant challenges for market participants.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has cast a shadow over the consumer drone market, leading to a slowdown in commercial drone usage for outdoor activities and workforce unavailability. The disruption in logistics and manufacturing, as stated by the World Health Organization (WHO), has affected various sectors, including the supply of non-essential items, which has impacted the consumer drone sector and other electronic supplies.
North America is poised to maintain its position as the largest market for consumer drones, driven by increased government spending on advanced drones and forthcoming initiatives by the FAA, which are expected to fuel industry growth.
Europe is expected to account for a significant market share globally, thanks to the European Union's decision-making capabilities and expertise in testing and experimenting with potential drone uses.
The Asian consumer drone market is predicted to experience remarkable growth due to substantial investments by US investors in the region.
Prominent players in the consumer drones market, including Cheerson, 3D Robotics, Parrot S.A, DJI, Yuneec, EHang, GoPro, Airdog, and Guangdong Cheerson Hobby Technology, are gearing up for intense competition. In the coming years, participants are expected to focus on research and development, innovation, and collaborations to stay ahead.
For instance, Skydio has introduced the R1 drone, which uses machine learning to navigate in mid-air and follow individuals wherever they go. Red Cat Holdings Inc. has acquired Rotor Riot, a manufacturer of FPV freestyle drone content and products, with plans to expand the customer base for FPV drones and develop new technologies for the commercial sector, lifestyle, and hobby.
DJI has launched Spark, a portable mini drone equipped with smart features such as face tracking technology, making it easier than ever to capture remarkable videos.