Construction Drone Market

Market Overview

The global construction drone market had a revenue holding of USD 4,951 million in 2021. It is expected to reach USD 15,756 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 15.57% during the forecast period (2022–2030). The construction sector is experiencing fast growth, and the importance of technology is expanding at every level. A construction drone is a tool that falls under the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) classification. As they offer various advantages, such as real-time data collecting, accurate image capture, and accessibility to hazardous locations, construction drones are rapidly being used in construction tasks such as surveying, geographical mapping, and infrastructure inspection. In addition, they can be operated remotely or on the construction site through remote control and batteries. To maintain workplace safety and security, construction drones are utilized to monitor materials, people, and machinery on construction sites. The operation of a construction drone can be performed manually or automatically.

It is anticipated that the usage of drones in the building will increase exponentially during the next decade. Drones would reduce project costs and boost productivity. The use of drones will generate new jobs and enhance the construction industry. Drones can readily collect data from hazardous and inaccessible regions. Drones deliver real-time data, which significantly improves the precision of surveying. Drones facilitate access to data across departments for professionals. A rise in residential and non-residential construction activities worldwide due to exponential population growth and rapid urbanization has increased the demand for land surveying and infrastructure inspection, substantially increasing the demand for construction drones.

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

Increasing Population and Urbanization, along with the Growing Residential & Commercial Construction Activities

Population growth in developing and developed nations, including India, China, Mexico, Brazil, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States, has resulted in fast urbanization, which is anticipated to stimulate the growth of the building and infrastructure industries. The United Nations produced a report titled "The 2018 Revision of World Urbanization Prospects" in May 2018. This estimate predicts that by 2050, around 68% of the world's population will reside in urban regions. This is anticipated to lead to an increase in residential construction activity around the globe, necessitating surveying, monitoring, and surveillance at construction sites. This is expected to stimulate the expansion of the construction drone market throughout the forecast period.

In addition, the market for construction drones is positively connected with investments in residential and commercial construction activities. Due to a growth in disposable income and a greater demand for pleasant accommodations, the construction of residential structures and commercial complexes is on the rise. For example, in 2020, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) of the United Kingdom published a report on disposable household income. In 2018, the gross disposable household income per capita in the United Kingdom increased by 4.6% compared to 2017. The construction drone industry is expected to grow in the following years.

Market Restraint

Lack of Manpower

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) utilize various technologies, including image technology using improved cameras, propulsion technology, and advanced analytics. Therefore, the demand for competent professionals to build these gadgets is growing. In addition, specialized personnel is required for drone operation and data analysis. Several years ago, the construction industry had a shortage of trained laborers. In April 2019, the U.S. Labor Bureau reported 434,000 empty construction positions. During the forecast period, these factors are anticipated to hinder the growth of the global market.

Market Opportunities

Technological Advancements

Significant competitors in the construction drone industry are constantly looking to develop new technologies and features to enhance their product offerings. Drones are using cutting-edge technologies, including global positioning systems (GPS), global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), geographic information systems (GIS), the Internet of Things (IoT), infrared imaging, and artificial intelligence (AI). For instance, the California-based Trimble Inc. developed a GNSS board made explicitly for Trimble UAS1 in October 2019, enabling satellite-based locations. During the projected period, such technological advancements are anticipated to offer lucrative prospects for the global construction drone market growth.

Regional Analysis

By region, the global construction drone market includes North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.

Asia-Pacific Dominates the Market

Asia-Pacific will command the global construction drone market, expanding at a CAGR of 18% during the forecast period. Throughout the forecast period, an increase in the government's spending on infrastructure and development projects is anticipated to support the expansion of the construction drone market in Asia-Pacific. For instance, the National Smart Cities Mission (NSCM), launched by the Indian government in 2015, aims to create 100 smart cities by 2023. Furthermore, according to a New York-based publication called Bloomberg, Japan funded USD 367 billion for infrastructure projects in Southeast Asian nations like Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines in 2019.

The expansion of the construction drone market in Asian nations is anticipated to be driven by an increase in residential and non-residential construction activity. For instance, according to a report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in October 2019, China's infrastructure spending climbed by 4.2% from January to August 2019 compared to the same period in 2018. Additionally, the National Bureau of Statistics reports that China's real estate investment increased by 9.9% in 2019 compared to 2018. During the forecast period, these circumstances are anticipated to accelerate the market for construction drones.

North America will likely account for USD 3,582 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 12.35%. The spike in infrastructure projects and rise in residential and non-residential construction activities are to blame for the increased demand for construction drones in North America. For instance, the US Census Bureau released a report on building spending in September 2020. This study indicates that, when compared to the same time in 2019, construction spending increased by about 4.0% between January and July of 2020. During the forecast period, this is anticipated to have a substantial positive impact on the market for construction drones.

The United States has recently seen increased construction activities for infrastructure, homes, and non-residential buildings. As an illustration, the US Federal Government invested USD 29 billion in transportation and infrastructure in 2019. Additionally, the Federal Reserve Bank's data shows that the US government's construction spending increased by 8.8% in February 2020 compared to February 2019 in total expenditures. These elements are anticipated to fuel the construction drone market's expansion in the area throughout the projected year.

Segmental Analysis

The global construction drone market share is segregated by type, application, end-user, and region.

On the Basis of Type

By type, the global market includes Fixed Wing Drone and Rotary Wing Drone.

The Rotary Wing Drone section is projected to advance at a CAGR of 16% and hold the largest market share over the forecast period. The core structure of a rotary-wing drone features several fixed rotors at its arms. A basic rotary blade drone will often have four, six, or eight rotors deployed. A rotary wing drone has four rotors, referred to as a quadcopter. Due to their excellent mobility, compact form, and simplicity of usage, rotary wing drones are being quickly incorporated into the infrastructure and construction industries. During the forecast period, the market will likely rise due to the increased use of rotary blade drones in the infrastructure and construction industries for tasks including aerial photography and video surveillance of work sites. Drone technology innovations and advances are anticipated to create growth prospects for this market shortly.

The Fixed Wing Drone section will hold the second-largest market share. The central body of a fixed wing drone has wings connected to it like traditional aircraft and has a propeller. The rigid frame produces the lift under the wings as it goes through the air. Due to their benefits, including long-range, excellent stability, fast flight speed, and increased endurance, fixed wing drones are increasingly used in the construction industry for tasks like aerial mapping, pipeline & power-line inspection, and site inspection. The construction drone market is primarily driven by the growth of the infrastructure and construction sectors, which increases the demand for aerial mapping and site inspection. Drone technology innovation and technological improvements are also anticipated to create lucrative prospects.

On the Basis of Application

By application, the global market includes Surveying Lands, Infrastructure Inspection, Security & Surveillance, and Others.

The Land Surveying section is projected to advance at a CAGR of 15.68% and hold the largest market share over the forecast period. To solve property disputes or renovation, land surveying entails using construction drones for aerial photography and aerial mapping of vast unoccupied lands for new construction or lands with old construction. Long flight ranges, increased stability, and improved maneuverability is factors that have increased the use of construction drones for land surveying. During the forecast period, the need for aerial land mapping to be used for record-keeping, 3D modeling, and avoiding land conflicts is anticipated to increase.

The Infrastructure Inspection section will hold the second-largest market share. Examining infrastructures, such as pipelines, road networks, dams, and bridges, requires the employment of construction drones. The rise in the use of construction drones for infrastructure inspection can be due to their efficiency, accuracy, range, and durability advantages. Due to drone technology advancements, numerous construction opportunities in the drone industry are anticipated.

On the Basis of End-User

By end-user, the global market includes Residential, Commercial, and Industrial.

The Residential section is projected to advance at a CAGR of 17.11% and hold the largest market share over the forecast period. This section covers the application of construction drones for aerial video and photographic surveillance of private residences, domestic structures, and apartments. High maneuverability, a compact design, and simplicity of operation are attributes to the rise in the usage of construction drones in the residential sector. For instance, one of the major drone manufacturers in the construction industry, DJI, which has its headquarters in China, offers a variety of drones for the residential market. Drones from the Mavic and Inspire series are included in the selection. During the forecast period, a rise in residential construction activities worldwide is anticipated to fuel demand for construction drones.

The Commercial section will hold the second-largest market share. This section covers using construction drones for extensive aerial mapping, 3D modeling, and aerial images of resorts, multiplexes, sizable unoccupied areas, and IT parks. Accuracy, long-range, and improved durability have led to a rise in the commercial deployment of construction drones. For instance, in 2017, the U.S.-based real estate management firm RE/MAX LLC and the U.S.-based drone services company DroneBase established a strategic partnership. This partnership enabled RE/MAX real estate agents to give their clients aerial images of the property.

Recent Developments

• 2022 - Hexagon announced the release of the brand-new, next-generation Leica BLK360, which significantly increases reality capture by meeting two of the most sought-after requirements: speed and efficiency.
• 2022 - DJI unveiled three new tools, the DJI RS 3, DJI RS3 Pro, and DJI Transmission, that will enable filmmakers and the content creation community to quickly, seamlessly, and intuitively bring visions to life.