Global Foldable Drones Market 2024–2033

Reports Description

As per the current market research conducted by CMI Team, the global Foldable Drones Market is expected to record a CAGR of 11% from 2023 to 2032. In 2022, the market size is projected to reach a valuation of USD 2,990 million. By 2032, the valuation is anticipated to reach USD 7,556.3 million.

The Foldable Drones market refers to the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) industry segment that focuses on foldable or collapsible drone designs. Foldable drones are portable and compact, allowing users to easily transport and store them.

These drones typically feature foldable arms and propellers, enabling them to be quickly folded into a smaller form factor for increased portability. The market for foldable drones has gained significant traction in recent years due to the growing demand for drones that are easy to carry during travel or outdoor activities. Foldable drones offer a convenient solution for enthusiasts, photographers, videographers, and professionals who require a compact drone without compromising on functionality or performance.

Foldable drones often incorporate advanced features and technologies found in traditional drones, such as high-resolution cameras, stabilization systems, GPS navigation, obstacle avoidance, and intelligent flight modes. Some models even support autonomous flight and have extended flight times.

The market for foldable drones is driven by various factors, including the increasing popularity of aerial photography and videography, the rise of social media platforms and content creation, advancements in drone technology, and the growing affordability of consumer drones.

Additionally, the versatility and portability of foldable drones make them attractive to a wide range of users, including hobbyists, adventurers, and professionals in industries such as filmmaking, real estate, agriculture, and surveying. The foldable drone market is highly competitive, with several manufacturers offering a diverse range of products at various price points. Some well-known drone manufacturers in this space include DJI, Autel Robotics, Parrot, and Yuneec. These companies continue to innovate and release new models with improved features, flight performance, and image/video quality to cater to the evolving demands of consumers.

Foldable Drones Market – Significant Growth Factors

The Foldable Drones market has experienced significant growth due to several key factors. Here are some of the significant growth factors contributing to the expansion of the market:

• Portability and Convenience: Foldable drones offer unparalleled portability and convenience compared to traditional drones. The ability to fold or collapse the drone’s arms and propellers makes it easy to transport and store, allowing users to carry them in backpacks or small cases. This portability has attracted a wide range of users, including travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, and adventurers who want to capture aerial footage on the go.

• Aerial Photography and Videography: The increasing popularity of aerial photography and videography is a major driving force for foldable drone sales. With built-in high-resolution cameras and stable flight capabilities, foldable drones enable users to capture stunning aerial images and videos from unique perspectives. Social media platforms and content creation have further fueled the demand for visually appealing aerial content, driving the growth of the market.

• Technological Advancements: The advancements in drone technology have played a crucial role in the growth of the foldable drones market. Manufacturers have introduced features such as obstacle avoidance systems, GPS navigation, intelligent flight modes, and high-quality image stabilization. These technological improvements have made foldable drones more user-friendly and capable, attracting both professional and recreational users.

• Price Affordability: The decreasing costs associated with drone manufacturing and components have made foldable drones more affordable for a broader consumer base. As manufacturing processes become more efficient and competition increases, the prices of foldable drones have become more accessible, attracting a larger pool of potential buyers.

• Diverse Applications: Foldable drones have found applications across various industries, including filmmaking, real estate, agriculture, surveying, and inspection. The versatility of foldable drones and their ability to carry out aerial tasks efficiently have expanded their potential user base and driven market growth.

• Competitive Market and Innovation: The foldable drones market is highly competitive, with several manufacturers constantly innovating and introducing new models with improved features and performance. Companies like DJI, Autel Robotics, and Parrot have been at the forefront of innovation in this market, driving product development and enhancing the overall consumer experience.
• Regulatory Environment: The regulatory environment surrounding drone usage has become more favorable in many regions, allowing for easier and more widespread adoption. Governments have established clearer rules and regulations regarding drone usage, providing users with greater confidence and encouraging market growth.

Foldable Drones Market – Mergers and Acquisitions

The foldable drone market has witnessed several mergers and acquisitions that have impacted the industry landscape. These strategic moves are driven by the desire to gain a competitive edge, expand market presence, and leverage synergies. Here are a few notable mergers and acquisitions in the foldable drones market:

• DJI’s Acquisition of Hasselblad: In 2017, DJI, a leading drone manufacturer, acquired a majority stake in Hasselblad, a renowned camera manufacturer. This acquisition aimed to combine DJI’s expertise in drone technology with Hasselblad’s imaging capabilities, leading to the integration of high-quality cameras into DJI’s drone platforms.

• Autel Robotics’ Acquisition of Vantage Robotics: Autel Robotics, another prominent player in the foldable drones market, acquired Vantage Robotics in 2019. Vantage Robotics was known for its Snap drone, a foldable drone designed for aerial photography. This acquisition allowed Autel Robotics to expand its product portfolio and enhance its technological capabilities.

• Parrot’s Acquisition of SenseFly: Parrot, a major player in the consumer drone market, acquired SenseFly, a Swiss company specializing in professional mapping and surveying drones, in 2012. This acquisition allowed Parrot to strengthen its position in the professional drone market segment by integrating SenseFly’s expertise in mapping and surveying applications.

• Yuneec’s Partnership with Leica: Yuneec, a drone manufacturer known for its Typhoon series, partnered with Leica, a renowned optics and imaging company, in 2017. This collaboration aimed to integrate Leica’s camera technology into Yuneec’s drone platforms, enhancing the imaging capabilities and overall performance of Yuneec’s drones.

• PowerVision’s Acquisition of PowerRay: PowerVision, a company specializing in robotics and AI technology, acquired PowerRay, a manufacturer of underwater drones, in 2016. This acquisition allowed PowerVision to expand its product offerings to include underwater drones, diversifying its presence in the drone market.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE RELATED MARKET

Foldable Drones Market – Significant Threats

While the foldable drone market presents significant opportunities, there are also several threats that could impact its growth and stability. Here are some significant threats to the foldable drones market:

• Regulatory Restrictions: One of the major threats to the foldable drone market is the potential for stricter regulations imposed by governments and aviation authorities. Concerns over safety, privacy, and airspace management may lead to more stringent rules and restrictions on drone usage. Excessive regulations could limit the freedom and accessibility of drone operations, hindering market growth.

• Safety and Security Concerns: Instances of irresponsible drone usage, accidents, and privacy breaches have raised safety and security concerns. Incidents such as unauthorized flights near airports or sensitive areas, privacy invasion, and the potential for drones to cause harm or damage have led to public scrutiny and the demand for stricter regulations. Addressing these concerns and ensuring safe and responsible drone operations are critical to maintaining the market’s credibility and sustained growth.

• Technological Limitations: Foldable drones, although highly advanced, may still face certain technological limitations. Factors such as limited flight time, payload capacity, range, and stability in adverse weather conditions can impact their overall performance and usability. Advancements in battery technology, flight endurance, and durability will be crucial to overcoming these limitations and enhancing the market’s potential.

• Competition and Pricing Pressure: The foldable drones market is highly competitive, with several manufacturers vying for market share. Intense competition can lead to price wars and shrinking profit margins, which may impact the sustainability of companies operating in the market. Manufacturers need to differentiate their products, offer innovative features, and maintain competitive pricing to withstand the pressure and stay profitable.

• Intellectual Property Challenges: Intellectual property (IP) challenges, such as patent disputes and unauthorized copying of designs and technologies, can pose a threat to companies in the foldable drones market. Protecting IP rights and combating infringement is essential for fostering innovation, maintaining market share, and avoiding costly legal battles.

• Public Perception and Acceptance: The public perception and acceptance of drones, including foldable drones, can influence their market growth. Negative media coverage, concerns about privacy invasion, or a lack of understanding about the benefits and responsible usage of drones can create skepticism and resistance among potential users. Educating the public about the safe and beneficial applications of drones is crucial to overcoming these challenges.

Report Scope

Category-Wise Insights

By Type:

• Four-Wing Drone: Four-wing drones, also known as quadcopters, are the most common type of folding drones. They feature four arms with a propeller attached to each arm. Quadcopters are popular due to their stability, maneuverability, and ease of control. They are suitable for various applications, including aerial photography, videography, and recreational flying.

• Six-Wing Drone: Six-wing drones, also referred to as hexacopters, have six arms and six propellers. Hexacopters offer increased stability and lifting capacity compared to quadcopters. They are often used in professional applications that require heavier payloads or extended flight times, such as industrial inspections, cinematography, and search and rescue operations.

• Eight-Wing Drone: Eight-wing drones, also known as octocopters, feature eight arms and eight propellers. Octocopters provide enhanced stability, higher payload capacity, and redundancy in case of motor or propeller failure. These drones are commonly used in professional cinematography, aerial surveying, and industrial applications that require heavy payloads and precise maneuverability.

Foldable Drones Market – Regional Analysis

The foldable drones market can be analyzed based on regional perspectives, considering the demand, adoption, and market dynamics in different geographical regions. Here’s a regional analysis of the foldable drones market:

• North America: North America is a significant market for foldable drones, driven by the presence of key manufacturers, technological advancements, and high demand for drones in various industries. The United States, in particular, has a robust drone ecosystem and is witnessing the increasing adoption of foldable drones for applications such as aerial photography, videography, and commercial use in industries like agriculture, infrastructure, and film production.

• Europe: Europe is another prominent region in the foldable drones market. Countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and the Netherlands have a strong drone industry and a growing demand for foldable drones. The market is driven by the adoption of drones in sectors such as media and entertainment, construction, and surveying. Additionally, regulations and initiatives supporting safe and responsible drone operations have contributed to market growth.

• Asia Pacific: The Asia Pacific region presents significant growth opportunities for the foldable drones market. China has emerged as a major manufacturing hub for drones and accounts for a significant share of the global drone market. The region’s market growth is fueled by factors such as increasing consumer adoption, rising awareness of drone applications, and a thriving e-commerce sector. Countries like Japan, South Korea, and India also contribute to the market expansion in the region.

• Latin America: The Latin America region is witnessing the growing adoption of foldable drones, primarily driven by applications in agriculture, infrastructure development, and surveillance. Countries such as Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina have seen increased drone usage in agricultural practices, including crop monitoring and spraying. Regulatory frameworks and initiatives supporting drone operations are evolving in the region, creating favorable conditions for market growth.

• Middle East and Africa: The Middle East and Africa region are experiencing a gradual but steady uptake of foldable drones. The market growth is driven by applications in sectors such as oil and gas, infrastructure inspection, and security surveillance. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been at the forefront of adopting drone technology, with Dubai being a key hub for drone innovations and applications.

List of the prominent players in the Foldable Drones Market:

• DJI
• RIEGL LMS
• Intellisystem Technologies
• Parrot
• Heliceo
• EMBENTION
• Diodon
• ALPSdrone
• ONYXSTAR
• Others

The Foldable Drones Market is segmented as follows:

By Market Type

• Four-Wing Drone
• Six-Wing Drone
• Eight-Wing Drone

By Application

• Aerial Photography
• Agriculture
• Media
• Industrial Inspection
• Environmental Monitoring
• Public Safety
• Defense
• Surveying & Mapping

By Payload

• Cameras
• Sensors
• Communication Devices
• Navigation Systems

By End-User

• Government
• Commercial
• Amateur
• Educational Institutions

By Region

North America

• U.S.
• Canada
• Mexico
• Rest of North America

Europe

• Germany
• France
• U.K.
• Italy
• Spain
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• New Zealand
• Australia
• South Korea
• Rest of Asia Pacific

The Middle East & Africa

• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Egypt
• Kuwait
• South Africa
• Rest of the Middle East & Africa

Latin America

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Rest of Latin America