Global Stadium Robots and Drones Market Size (2023 – 2030)

The Global Stadium Robots and Drones Market  was valued at USD 6.28 billion and is projected to reach a market size of USD 17.75 billion by the end of 2030. Over the forecast period of 2024-2030, the market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 16%. 

Industry Overview:

The number of drone-assisted applications is increasing with technological advancements of these flying eyes. Drones have started making an impact on the world of sports. Robots are increasingly used to assist with field events. Field Support Robots equipped with automatic driving functionality are used in field events in athletics. Robots’ useful functionality in stadium management extends beyond real-time applications. Drones can fly to places and offer amazing camera angles that people cant capture. The 2014 Winter Olympics provided a high-profile venue for drone camera operators to demonstrate their skills. The combination of surveillance from the sky, data collection, movement, lifting power, cameras, and artificial intelligence make drones suitable for all kinds of different applications in stadiums and events. Drones can play an important role in catering to the need of fans in stadiums or at different events. With drones capable to lift heavy objects, air delivery is likely to become an efficient way of transporting compared to ground delivery. Drones have a significant role in some of the newly emerging trends in sports. They have also become cheaper as a result of economies of scale. In a recent study by the University of Southern Mississippi and the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security, it was demonstrated that stadiums can solve security issues better with the assistance of robotics. As the cost of drones continues to slide, they are likely to appear in an ever-widening range of applications.

COVID-19 impact on Stadium Robots and Drones Market

The audience or fans were not allowed to attend sports events in stadiums in almost every region owing to the restricted mobility during the COVID-19 pandemic. Only a restricted number of people were allowed to attend a sporting event. Many sports teams and stadiums took the advantage of technology to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. For instance, in October 2020, the Atlanta falcons planned to use drones for 71000-seat stadium cleaning and sanitization using electrostatic spraying nozzles to distribute medical-grade disinfecting chemicals that help fight the coronavirus. After barring fans from the stadium from their two home games in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Falcons allowed fans into their stadium in a limited capacity. According to Lucid Drone Technologies, their drones reduced the time spent on cleaning by 95%, as one disinfecting drone is equivalent to 14 workers with backpack sprayers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many robots in Japan switched functions to help fight the spread of the virus. These robots also became cheerleaders in baseball games to fill the empty stadium. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many new users for robotics and drones. COVID-19 outbreak brings to light how drones, robots, and unmanned vehicles can be of assistance in this era. The pandemic has acted as a catalyst for an inevitable future filled with drones and robots. Manufacturers are looking to produce prototypes to respond quickly to new demands and requirements. MicroStrain sensors enable robots and drones in delivering accurate position, altitude measurements, and velocity. Technology innovators and sports organizations can create an environment as safe as possible for fans and participants alike in a situation of crisis.

MARKET DRIVERS:

Robots can provide convenience, general maintenance and solve safety and security challenges in stadiums which are anticipated to boost the market growth

Today’s machines can carry out several functions, many of which could be put to good use at games, concerts, and other big-venue events held in stadiums. Robots are capable of machine learning and are sometimes assisted by live human operators thus, they can be used in welcoming fans and directing them to their seats. The robots’ sensors can be used to detect visitors’ credentials and permit or deny their access to exclusive areas. They can also be used to assist spectators in easy access to directions. A robot can pick up on an unusual sound instantly as it is equipped with audio anomaly detection capabilities and thus, alert emergency personnel for a rapid response. Robots can be used in preventing liability issues that might arise with slip and fall accidents by alerting maintenance. Robots can deter shoplifting within the stadium’s often jam-packed licensed-apparel shops as they are programmed with RFID sensors. They can be used for patrolling and parking facilities as they are equipped with motion detectors. Robots can effectively and quickly summon help for a person in distress as it is equipped with blue light technology. All such beneficial aspects are likely to boost the market growth in the coming years.

Reliability, ease of use, and low cost associated with drones are collectively anticipated to drive the growth of the market

Drones are being already used at the Olympics. The dazzling Drone Light Show by worldwide Olympic partner Intel was one of the highlights of the opening ceremony in Tokyo 2020. Lower-echelon sporting events held in stadiums, especially in competitive high school baseball or football league can leverage drone technology for a fraction of the cost of pole-mounted assemblies or CableCam systems. Drones are extremely lightweight unlike Steadcams and pole-mounted assemblies, they can be disassembled and transported with ease. Modern drones are easy to set up. Other aerial coverage options like manned helicopters may take hours to get off the ground. Current drone technology is robust enough to record reliable training -quality video and capturing aerial shots. The use of drones for team-building purposes is likely to get common among US-based pro sports teams in the coming years.

MARKET RESTRAINTS:

Challenges associated with insatiable power appétite in modern drones can restrain the market growth

The current drone models' batteries can only hold for a short time of effective charging. Drones that need to climb and perform acrobatic maneuvers may run for less time. Manufacturers and operators are experimenting with more effective charging mediums and battery-exchange strategies to address this issue. Also, there is potential for error as drones are piloted by a human operator. Drone crashes and malfunctions can pose minimal safety risks for spectators and athletes. They can also be expensive and inconvenient for operators and spectators alike.

Robots and drones malfunction and technical challenges can restrain the Stadium Robots and Drones market growth

GPS signals can face hardware failure in areas with high magnetic interference, which can impact the drone's built-in GPS and reduce its ability to return to base if the batteries are low or if the operator loses sight of it. Magnetic interference can be caused by various sources including underground cables and high voltage power lines. GPS signals can also be disturbed by geographical factors such as rocks or walls which are also GPS-deprived environments. Several factors, such as electromagnetic interference, the failure of a propeller or motor, or simply a software glitch that causes the drone to malfunction can cause a loss of communication with a drone. Such technical issues can limit stadium robots and drone market growth.

STADIUM ROBOTS AND DRONES MARKET REPORT COVERAGE:

This research report on the global Stadium Robots and Drones Market has been segmented and sub-segmented based on component, application, and region.

Stadium Robots and Drones Market – By Component

• Hardware

• Software

• Accessories

Based on the Component, the Stadium Robots and Drones Market is segmented into Hardware, Software, and Accessories. Sensors integrated robots monitor the surrounding environment and take intelligent decisions and make the process much simpler and less time-consuming. The Drone components consist of the propulsion system, controllers, payloads, airframe, camera, sensors, GPS, and others. The Software of a drone analyzes and processes the information in less time. Modern drone software is capable of enabling backup power for the safe return of drones to the base stations. Software tools are utilized in aerial mapping and real-time maps to create an accurate 3D image for various applications. The demand for modern UAVs is increasing owing to a broad range of applications. 

Stadium Robots and Drones Market – By Application

• Event and Stadium Logistics

• Security and Sanitation

• Drone Delivery

• Game/ Training Analytics

• Pre-game and Halftime Entertainment

• Broadcasting

• Refereeing

• Aerial Mapping

• Others

Based on the Application, the Stadium Robots and Drones Market is segmented into Event and Stadium Logistics, Security and Sanitation, Game/ Training Analytics, Pre-game & Halftime Entertainment, Broadcasting, Refereeing, Aerial Mapping, and Others. Drones can assist authorities and organizers to monitor a large area efficiently and can be used for crowd control purposes. Drones are used in sanitation and spraying cleaning solutions to protect surfaces from germs which becomes essential in the COVID pandemic situation. Drones can be used for game/training analytics as it is easier to analyze patterns, strategy, and game tactics by sitting high up in the stadium. Drones are equipped with cameras and sensors that can help to record training sessions or games. The recordings can be analyzed in detail and adjustments can be made to the individual or team behavior and tactics. AI can enhance results by sending immediate feedback. Drones are also a perfect way to entertain fans before the start of a game or during halftime. For instance, a present or football dropped by a drone in the stadium can create loud noise among fans. All such applications might take some time because of safety regulations but it is likely to enhance the overall stadium experience. There are plenty of sports where terrain mapping could add value. Drone helps in mapping and surveying the terrain.

Stadium Robots and Drones Market - By Region

• North America

• Europe

• Asia-Pacific

• Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa

Geographically, the North American Stadium Robots and Drones Market is anticipated to expand significantly during the forecast period owing to factors such as several sports events hosted by the region and the presence of many stadium and arena management solution providers. Advancements in drone technologies have enabled manufacturers to produce a wide range of models in different sizes, shapes, and weights, which can carry varied sensor payloads, making them favorable across a broad application base.

The European Stadium Robots and Drones Market holds a major share in the global market and is anticipated to grow significantly during the forecast period. This is attributed to the massive number of sports events organized in the region, growing demand among fans, and rapid development of drone and robot technologies provide plenty of opportunities for market growth in this region.

The Stadium Robots and Drones Market in the Asia Pacific is anticipated to register a high growth rate during the forecast period. This growth is attributed to the rise in the sports league culture in the region, the rise in the focus on modernization of infrastructure, and rapid technological advancements.

Major Key Players in the Market

Startups like

1. Qualcomm

2. Neurala

3. Flytrex

4. Starship

5. Braincorp

6. Mythic

7. Unifly

8. Verge Aero

9. Matternet 

The key players in the Stadium Robots and Drones Market focus on the integration of advanced technologies to provide an enticing experience to the athletes and spectators. They are using robotic and drone-based solutions to offer more convenience and manage the facilities and activities in the stadium.

Notable happenings in the Global Stadium Robots and Drones Market in the recent past:

• Partnership- In February 2022, SoFi Stadium, a sports and entertainment complex in California, United States partnered with AUTEC, the leading commercial sushi robot provider. AUTEC’s sushi robots are specifically designed to deliver high-quality consistency for the upcoming big game and events.

• Product Launch- In August 2021, Qualcomm Technologies introduced the world’s first AI- and 5G-enabled drone, the Qualcomm Flight RB5 5G Platform whose far-reaching capabilities transform the way we view sports.

• Partnership- In October 2020,  the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United, partnered with Lucid Drone Technologies Inc., a Charlotte-based company that builds bespoke drones to clean Mercedes-Benz Stadium amid the pandemic. Lucid is providing its machines with electrostatic spraying nozzles to spray the cleaning solution in the stadium.

• Partnership- In March 2019, Brain Corp, a San Diego-based AI and robotics technology company announced a partnership with Nilfisk, a Copenhagen-based cleaning solutions provider. Through the partnership, Nilfisk will further accelerate the development of an industry-leading portfolio of connected autonomous cleaning solutions.