Market Forecast
The search and rescue robots market is projected to register a CAGR of 18.2% between 2020 and 2027. In disastrous natural and man-made environments, the deployment of search and rescue robots can mitigate the dangers faced by first responders, aiding the rescue of those whose lives may be at risk. Search activity of robots can be performed in the interior of a structure, in the wilderness, or in caves or tunnels, and intends to find a victim or potential hazards.
The technological advancements and rising terrorist attacks are primarily driving the growth of the market. Additionally, increasing defense expenditure is driving the growth of the market. The terrorist attacks across the globe have been increasing over the last few years. This has also increased the demand for advanced systems and solutions to counter these attacks. Likewise, this has increased the demand for search and rescue robots. Search and rescue robots help military personnel to rescue persons in need with low causalities.
Likewise, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), global military spending rose by 3.6% to approximatelyUSD 1.91 trillionfrom 2018 to 2019. During the same period, the US, China, and India increased their military spending by 5.3%, 5.1%, and 6.8%, respectively. Furthermore, in 2019, India overtook Saudi Arabia and Russia to become the third-largest defense spender in the world. Although there was a slight decline in the US defense spending from 2010–2019, the US observed growth in military spending in 2019. It is estimated that the US will spend significantly more on its military for the next two years, focusing on the modernization of conventional technologies. Meanwhile, other developing countries have plans to invest in advanced technologies and are focused on expanding, modernizing, and enhancing the capabilities of their armed forces. This is also expected to drive the growth of the search and rescue robots market during the forecast period.
Market USP
Increasing Need for robots for Critical Missions
Segmental Analysis
By Operation
The Autonomous Segment is Expected to Grow at a Higher Rate: The autonomous segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period,2020 to 2027. The growth can be attributed to the high utilization of autonomous robots in hazardous situations. Autonomous robots have the potential to improve operations and offer new opportunities to increase productivity, decrease cost, reduce risk, and improve data collection.
The Remotely Operated Segment Accounted for the larger Market Share in 2020: This is due to the increasing use of remotely operated robots for search and rescue operations in the oil & gas industry, in environmental hazards, and during military missions. Remotely operated robots are equipped with cameras, high-frequency image sonar, and lights, which allow the operator to drive the equipment. Additionally, a manipulator, cutting arm, water sampler, and other instruments that measure water temperature and clarity may also be used.
By Platform
The Land Segment is Expected to Witness the Highest Growth in the Market: The land segment is expected to grow at a steady growth rate during the study period and is expected to register the highest CAGR during the review period. Search and rescue robots might have some limited uses on land. This is because, for search and rescue on the ground, humans are likely to be used as the first search and rescue efforts. However, for land search and rescue operations, small robots are being used for the last few years.
Small robots can be built to fit into small places. Moreover, robots can travel through small tunnels underground, pass through small gaps, or can fit into small gaps beneath fallen buildings. Currently, small,remotely operated robots are used for these operations.
The Maritime Segment Accounted for the Largest Share in 2020: The maritime segment accounted for the second-largest market share in 2020. This is due to the increasing use of remotely operated robots for marine search and rescue operations. Humans can not do search and rescue operations in water. However, robots can do numerous operations underwater than humans.
Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) are vehicles that are operated without human intervention. AUVs are available in various types, such as shallow, medium, and large. Furthermore, AUVs are equipped with technologies such as communication, collision avoidance, navigation, imaging, and propulsion. AUVs can carry multiple or combinations of payloads, including sensors, cameras, and synthetic aperture sonars, among others. Apart from their large-scale application in the oil & gas industry, AUVs are also used in industries such as military & defense, oceanography, environmental protection & monitoring, archaeological & exploration, and search &rescue operations.
The Airborne Segment Accounted for the Largest Share in 2020: The airborne segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. As a result, it is also accounted for the largest market share in 2020. This is due to the increasing use of airborne solutions for many defense applications such as intelligence, tracking, surveillance, search & rescue, and missiles & fire control.
The advancement in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) offered enormous benefits for search and rescue operations globally. UAVs are the first military technology that has been readily adapted for search and rescue. The same sensors and algorithms are used to detect combatants on the battlefield and also used to find individuals trapped in a building or flood. In addition, technologies such as thermal imaging, object recognition, and lidar mapping are used to help find and save individuals.
Key Players Operating in the Global Search and Rescue Robots Market:
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- Boston Dynamics (US)
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- Hydronalix (US)
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- Kongsberg Maritime (Norway)
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- Lockheed Martin Corporation (US)
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- FLIR Systems, Inc. (US)
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- Howe & Howe Technologies, Inc. (US)
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- Northrop Grumman Corporation (US)
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- Pliant Energy Systems LLC (US)
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- Saab AB (Sweden)
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- Thales Group (France)