The construction drone market is entering a high growth phase as infrastructure projects, smart cities and digital twin ecosystems demand faster, safer and more cost-efficient site management, according to new research
DataM Intelligence said the construction drone market, valued at just over $7bn(£5.1bn) in 2023, rose to $7.78bn(£5.7bn) in 2024 and is forecast to reach $21.7bn(£15.9bn) by 2033.
Construction firms are increasingly adopting drones with advanced sensors, AI analytics and cloud platforms for surveying, progress tracking and risk management. These technologies help reduce costs, minimise delays and improve worker safety across projects.
Hardware dominates as software expands
Hardware remains the backbone of the market, valued at $4.8bn(£352m) in 2024, as demand for high-resolution cameras, LiDAR sensors, and long-endurance batteries accelerates.
Software, valued at $2.1bn(£1.5bn), is expanding at a rapid pace due to increasing reliance on AI-powered analytics, 3D modelling and BIM integration.
Services contributed $0.9bn(£0.6bn), with third-party drone service providers seeing significant growth as contractors outsource aerial monitoring.
LiDAR leading the way in construction drone technology
LiDAR Drones led the technology segment in 2024, accounting for nearly $2.9bn(£2.1bn), thanks to their ability to deliver precise topographical maps for infrastructure planning.
Thermal imaging drones, valued at $1.5bn(£1.1bn), are increasingly applied in safety monitoring and energy efficiency inspections.
Autonomous drones crossed $1.2bn(£0.8bn), with wide adoption in large construction zones requiring repeated flight paths.
AI-powered drones, a fast-emerging category, stood at $1.1bn(£0.8bn), with the highest CAGR projected due to predictive analytics and integration with project management platforms.
Surveying, monitoring and maintenance are some of the applications drone technology in construction
Surveying and mapping dominated the applications, generating more than $3.4bn(£2.9bn) in 2024, as drones replace traditional surveying methods. Inspection and monitoring followed, valued at $2.1bn(£1.5bn), reflecting strong demand in infrastructure projects.
Material and equipment tracking, worth nearly $0.8bn(£586m), is gaining relevance for inventory accuracy and logistics efficiency.
Safety and security applications contributed $0.7bn(£513m), supported by regulations mandating stricter site monitoring.
Maintenance planning, at $0.5bn(£366m), is seeing growth as drones help predict wear and tear across construction assets.
‘Mission critical’ to the construction industry
The construction drone market is no longer experimental; it is “mission critical,” the report said.
With revenues expected to reach $21.7bn by 2033, the market is positioned as a key enabler of digital transformation in infrastructure.
The report advises stakeholders to monitor three critical areas:
- Integration with AI and BIM: Ensuring drones move beyond data capture to delivering predictive project insights.
- Regulatory evolution: Particularly in the US and Japan, where government policies are unlocking new commercial drone corridors.
- Ecosystem partnerships: Cross-industry alliances among drone OEMs, software developers and construction majors will define leadership.
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