DroneAnalyst released its fifth annual sector report covering data analysis and trends in the drone industry. There are a lot of noteworthy insights, but one that stands out is:

Utilities are leading the way in drone adoption and maturity.

Big Spenders

Utilities are spending more on their drone programs than any other sector. The report found that 45% of utilities firms with a drone program spent $50K or more, and 23% of these high spenders spent more than $500K in the past 12 months to support and grow their drone operations.

Compare that to the more than half of survey respondents with drone programs that spent less than $10K on these operations in the past 12 months.

Automation, Roll Out

After the ag sector, utilities were the most keyed in on automation within their drone programs. Of the utilities surveyed, 46% noted that autonomy was key to purchase decisions and adoption, while 34% felt that autonomy is required to unlock full adoption.

Gone to the Dogs

Organizations with drone programs aren’t likely to stop at one type of drone, but instead are adding robotic systems as well—mostly canine-inspired or other ground-based systems. 39% of respondents with a drone program either have plans to purchase another robotic system (57%) or have already done so (43%).

If you’re so inclined, you can read the full report here. You can also nerd out on these and other trends at the Report and Key Insights for Energy Companies and Drone Service Providers session at the Energy Drone & Robotics Summit at the end of October. 

I don’t know about you, but we’re feeling energetic about drones.