Military robots are autonomous, mobile robots with remote controls for military operations, including transport, search and rescue, and attack. The majority of the time, the dangerous and challenging duties that military robots perform are tiresome. They aid in reducing human exhaustion from relatively easy activities and assist fighters in sense-make more effectively, moving more rapidly, and surviving longer. Military robots have been regularly employed and sent to Afghanistan and Iraq for essential operations, including the remote execution of terrorists.
Autonomous systems have a force multiplier effect when used in conjunction with soldiers on the battlefield. By substituting robots for human warriors in risky operations, casualties are also reduced. These advantages have increased the focus on incorporating AI and ML into robotic systems, which is expected to encourage innovation in the military robot market. Military agencies and business stakeholders focus on developing completely autonomous military robot systems.
The need to increase military personnel safety and security has created a demand for the creation of automated systems that can operate at levels comparable to those of a human. Many countries are focusing on developing very advanced robots that utilize these technologies. In October 2020, the UK's Ministry of Defense (MoD) disclosed that it had developed a drone prototype for inside missions outfitted with a twin-barrel stabilized shotgun. These factors are anticipated to drive market growth during the forecast period.
A significant movement has emerged in recent years to increase funding for research and development of the next generation of robots, which will have both military and non-combat applications. In an effort to benefit from what military robots can offer, many governments have spent a lot of money on autonomous military systems. Although unmanned aircraft vehicles had previously gotten most of the attention, recent years have seen an upsurge in the land- and sea-based robots investments. Military robot technology has seen significant investment from the US Department of Defense's Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The US pushed defense companies to innovate more by focusing on changes to easily upgradeable software rather than hardware, which can take years to reach the market.
North America is the most significant global military robot market shareholder and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.20% during the forecast period. The US military uses UAVs for target strikes, border security, and ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) missions. The MQ-8 Fire Scout from Northrop Grumman, the MQ-9 Reaper from Lockheed Martin, and the Desert Hawk from Lockheed Martin are some of the principal UAV systems employed by the US military. The Air Force is looking to integrate technologies including machine learning, artificial intelligence, digital engineering, open-missions systems, onboard edge processing, and autonomy towards creating the Next-Generation Multi-Role Unmanned Aerial System Family of Systems (under project MQ-Next).
Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.00%, generating USD 9,284.19 million during the forecast period. China has achieved considerable advancements in unmanned aerial systems during the past ten years, creating a variety of new varieties for its armed forces. China's UAVs include the Yunying, Caihong CH-4 and CH-5, and Yilong (Wing Loong) family of aircraft. It also has flying-wing vehicles with low visibility, including the CH-7, Tianying, and Yaoying III. Recently, the "Desert Wolf" range of autonomous ground vehicles was developed by the National University of Defense Technology (NUDT). These caterpillar-tracked vehicles, which can carry injured soldiers and supplies, have remote-controlled weapon stations.
Robotics technology is one of the significant areas where the United Kingdom will invest during its integrated five-year military review. The British army has recently invested in studying and creating drones, remotely powered land and underwater vehicles, autonomous systems, and AI. The UK government recently stated that by 2030, robots would make up about one-fourth of the entire army. The robots are expected to perform unarmed tasks like reconnaissance and surveillance, as well as the transportation of cargo trucks. To facilitate ground logistics for the troops, the British Army sponsors the development and procuring of autonomous ground vehicles.
The global military robot market’s major key players are Northrop Grumman Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, General Dynamics Corporation, AeroVironment Inc., FLIR Systems Inc., QinetiQ Group PLC, Cobham Ltd, Elbit Systems Ltd, IAI Group, Thales Group, BAE Systems PLC, and Saab AB.