Human-Machine Technology

Military Robot Markets to Exceed $8 Billion in 2016

Between 50 and 80 countries either already utilize defense robotic systems, or are in the process of building or acquiring the technology to incorporate them into their military programs. These robots may take the form of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), and even unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), but they all have in common the purpose of taking the place of, or supplementing, humans in battlefield situations.

According to a new study by ABI Research the global market for military robotics will grow from $5.8 billion in 2010 to more than $8 billion in 2016. The key drivers for the defense robotics market include operational casualty reduction; new reconnaissance, combat and task machinery demands; and cost reduction. Working against the growth of defense robotics: continuing weak economic conditions; a dearth of active military conflicts for most of the world; and ethical concerns about the use of robots for war-fighting operations. ABI Research projects that the market for military robots will remain healthy throughout the forecast period and beyond.

What is the outlook for robot use by the military?

Which countries/regions are currently using defense robotics?

Which countries/regions will spend the most on defense robotics?

To learn more about the military robotics market and how it may affect your business model now and in the future, please visit Defense Robots: UAVs, UGVs, UUVs and Task Robots for Military Applications, which focuses on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones; unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs); unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), and their major components.

This study is published as part of ABI Research’s Human Machine Technology Research Service.