UAVs and the Future of Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing
Overview Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as well as guided missiles and space vehicles significantly shape the future of manufacturing, providing new possibilities for diverse industries. Innovations in robotics and new safety solutions play an additional pivotal role in these advancements. The potential of UAVs is projected to be realized in the coming years and is supported by robust statistical evidence. Key factors include the projected growth of the UAV market size, an increased emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, as well as the many benefits these technologies bring to guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing.
UAV Market Growth The global UAV market size is predicted to reach $48.88 billion by 2023, growing at a CAGR of 18.34% between 2017 and 2023, according to Markets and Markets research. The rising demand for UAVs in commercial and military applications is a significant contributor to this market growth. UAVs are rapidly becoming a key part of defence strategies worldwide, offering capabilities that were once only possible with manned aircraft. Significant investments in research and development of UAV technology indicate a rising trend towards automation and AI, further fuelling the growth of this burgeoning sector.
Artificial Intelligence and Automation Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation are redefining the manufacturing space. According to McKinsey, nearly 50% of companies that have implemented AI have done so in their supply chain and manufacturing operations. These technologies are critical in the mass production of guided missiles and space vehicles, particularly UAVs. They facilitate improved precision, consistency, and efficiency. With AI, missile and spacecraft manufacturers can predict and proactively mitigate potential risks, offering opportunities for improved safety and reliability.
Benefits to Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing can significantly benefit from developments in UAV technology. The US Navy, for instance, has stated that the quick manufacturing turnaround of UAVs – about 18 to 24 months – is an asset compared to a usual 7 to 15 years' timeline for manned aircraft. In the near future, missile systems and space vehicles could even be partially or fully manufactured using drones. Beyond cost and time efficiencies, UAVs and drones offer increased safety by eliminating human risk in dangerous manufacturing processes.
Key Takeaways
- The global UAV market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 18.34% 2017-2023, and reach $48.88 billion by 2023.
- Nearly 50% of companies that have embraced AI have implemented it in manufacturing and supply chain operations.
- Turning around a UAV for the US Navy takes 18 to 24 months, far less than the 7 to 15 years typically required for manned aircraft.
3Laws Robotics: Enhancing Safety and Efficiency in Robotics 3Laws Robotics' innovative software helps make these exciting advancements safe and reliable. The software, 3Laws Supervisor, built on Control Barrier Functions (CBFs), a robust technology developed at Caltech, offers mathematically proven safety, addressing the pain point of certification for robotics companies.
3Laws is versatile, with use cases stretching across various industries and applications. For example, in warehouse automation, 3Laws enabled an autonomous forklift customer to achieve a 40% efficiency gain, leading to a 6-month payback period. In dynamic environments, its reactive collision avoidance capabilities empower robots to effectively navigate unpredicted surroundings.
3Laws' software enhances operational efficiency and is adaptable for use with a wide range of platforms, including mobile robots, cars, drones, and manipulators. This next-generation safety solution offers a proactive approach to safety that transcends traditional e-stop methods, unlocking the full potential of robotics by offering dynamic, predictive safety that can be safety certified for ISO 3691-4 and ISO 26262.