Aerial automation is transforming industries via drones-as-a-service

The advent of drone technology has sparked a revolution across various sectors, ushering in a new era of innovation and efficiency. At the forefront of this transformation is the concept of Drones-as-a-Service (DaaS), which empowers businesses to leverage the power of aerial automation without the need for substantial investments in drone hardware and infrastructure. 

Let’s explore how aerial automation, facilitated by DaaS, is revolutionizing industries and unlocking new possibilities for growth and development. 

Pertinently, the Indian drone market is expected to reach USD $13 billion in size by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 21% between 2022 and 20301. This growth will see a multiple use of drone technology across sectors, driven by a number of tech startups, which have already received huge Government support in the form the Cabinet’s approval of the INR 120 crore PLI scheme, a ban on the import of drones (aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing), and the drone certification scheme to ensure safety and quality requirements. 

The drone industry's impact on enhancing quality of life is driving its growth into a multibillion-dollar market. Projections indicate a surge from USD $8.15 billion in 2022 to USD $47.38 billion by 2029 in the global commercial drone market2. Drones are increasingly utilized across industries for surveys, asset mapping, and business operations monitoring. Their adoption, particularly in healthcare during the pandemic, has surged. Models and cloud computing technology present lucrative growth prospects for the commercial drone market. 

Rise of aerial automation and drones-as-a-service
The proliferation of drone technology has led to the emergence of DaaS, a model that enables businesses to access drone-based services without the burden of ownership and maintenance. This innovative approach to aerial automation has transformed industries by providing on-demand access to drone capabilities, thereby revolutionizing operations and driving efficiency.

The impact of aerial automation on industries is profound, with drones revolutionizing operations across various sectors. In agriculture, drones gather data on crop health and soil conditions, enabling farmers to optimize resource allocation and improve crop yields. Similarly, in infrastructure and construction, drones capture high-resolution images and generate accurate 3D models of construction sites, facilitating better project management and decision-making.

Enhancing safety and efficiency
One of the key advantages of DaaS is its ability to enhance safety and mitigate risks in hazardous environments. By deploying drones for inspections and monitoring, businesses can minimize the need for human workers to perform dangerous tasks, thereby reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. Additionally, drones facilitate timely repairs and preventive maintenance, thereby minimizing downtime and enhancing operational efficiency.

Aerial automation generates vast amounts of data that can be leveraged for informed decision-making. Drones equipped with sensors and imaging technologies capture valuable information that is analyzed using artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms. This enables businesses to make data-driven decisions, improve operational efficiency, and drive business growth.

Industry-specific apps and innovation
DaaS acts as a catalyst for rapid innovation and the development of industry-specific applications. From e-commerce and logistics to infrastructure and agriculture, drones are revolutionizing operations and unlocking new possibilities for growth and development. By automating inspections and streamlining processes, drones facilitate faster and more efficient operations, thereby driving economic growth and innovation.

Future of aerial automation
As technology continues to advance, the potential applications of aerial automation are limitless. With the adoption of DaaS expected to increase in the coming years, the commercial drone market is poised for exponential growth. 

According to a report, the India commercial drones market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.46% from 2024 to 2029, underscoring the immense potential of aerial automation in driving economic growth and innovation.

In conclusion, aerial automation, facilitated by Drones-as-a-Service, is transforming industries and unlocking new possibilities for growth and development. By harnessing the power of drones and advanced technologies, businesses can achieve improved efficiency, cost savings, enhanced safety, and greater sustainability, paving the way for a brighter and more innovative future.

-- Dr. Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, Founder and CEO, IG Drones.