Robotics is revolutionizing the aerospace, defense & security industry, driving advancements in operational efficiency, precision, and autonomy. Companies are developing innovative technologies such as advanced positioning devices and tether-controlled drones, enhancing navigation, situational awareness, and mission-critical operations. The US leads in robotics adoption, with significant contributions from China, Germany, Canada, and India. The impact of robotics extends beyond the aerospace, defense & security sector, influencing various industries. GlobalData’s Robotics in Defense – Thematic Intelligence market report provides a detailed understanding of how robotics impacts the value chain in the aerospace, defence & security sector, and who are the leading robotics adopters and vendors in the market. Buy the report here.

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This article presents a quarterly round-up of the latest trends in the aerospace, defense & security industry regarding robotics. It provides an overview of recent developments in robotics-related deals, talent acquisition, and patent filings within the aerospace, defense & security industry.

Diverse applications of robotics in aerospace, defense & security industry

Defence companies are advancing their robotics capabilities through innovative patent developments aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and precision. Recent patents focus on technologies such as advanced positioning devices for moving objects, which improve navigation and tracking in complex environments. UAVs are being equipped with methods to determine their location using semantic image labeling, enhancing their autonomy and reliability. Additionally, light-guided vehicles utilize optical sensors to maintain precise paths, crucial for mission-critical operations. The introduction of tether-controlled drones allows for refined control through force measurement, expanding their application in various scenarios. These innovations collectively enhance situational awareness, operational effectiveness, and safety in defence operations, positioning these companies at the forefront of robotics technology.

The industry experienced a 38% decline in the number of robotics-related patent applications in Q2 2024 compared with the previous quarter. On an annual basis, the number of robotics-related patent applications in the aerospace, defense & security industry witnessed a drop of 15% compared with Q2 2023.

Strategic deal trends in robotics in aerospace, defense & security industry

Aerospace, Defense & Security companies are not only focusing on innovation to enhance their patent portfolios but are also making strategic investments in robotics. These investments aim to secure lucrative deals with partners and position themselves at the forefront of industry advancements. Some of the recent deals underscore the importance of robotics in the aerospace, defense & security industry.

In Q2 2024, the number of robotics-related deals in the aerospace, defense & security industry grew by 71% compared with Q2 2023. On a quarterly basis, there was 57% increase in the number of deals in Q2 2024 compared with the previous quarter.

Impact on hiring

In terms of new job posting, in Q2 2024, the aerospace, defense & security industry experienced a 0.80% drop compared with the previous quarter. On an annual basis, job postings also grew by 17%. Notably, architecture and engineering occupations, with a share of 22%, emerged as the top robotics-related job roles within the aerospace, defense & security industry in Q2 2024, with new job postings rising by 22% quarter-on-quarter. Computer and mathematical occupations came in second with a share of 12% in Q2 2024, with new job postings rising by 7% over the previous quarter. The other prominent robotics roles include management occupations with an 8% share in Q2 2024, and production occupations with a 6% share of new job postings.

Societe Anonyme Belge de Constructions Aeronautiques, Sierra Nevada, EDGE Group, MDA Space, and AeroVironment are among the top companies leading in robotics hiring within the aerospace, defense & security industry.

Countries driving adoption of robotics in aerospace, defense & security industry

The US is the leading country in robotics adoption within the aerospace, defense & security industry, boasting the highest number of robotics-related patents, jobs, and deals. Meanwhile, China, Germany, Canada and India also maintain significant positions in robotics adoption within the aerospace, defense & security industry.

These robotics innovations are positioning defense companies at the forefront of technological advancement, enhancing operational effectiveness and safety. With strong hiring trends and ongoing patent developments, the industry is poised for significant growth in robotics applications, led by key nations like the US.

To further understand GlobalData's analysis on robotics in the aerospace, defense & security industry, buy the report here.

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GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.

GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.