Unmanned Underwater Robot Market Forecasts to 2030 - Global Analysis By Type (Remotely Operated Vehicles, Autonomous Underwater Vehicles and Other Types), Application and by Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Unmanned Underwater Robot Market is accounted for $2362.10 million in 2023 and is expected to reach $7659.33 million by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 18.3% during the forecast period. In the field of marine exploration and research, unmanned underwater robots, also referred to as autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) or underwater drones, represent state-of-the-art technology. These advanced devices are made to function autonomously and precisely in the ocean's depths without direct human supervision. Additionally, unmanned underwater robots, outfitted with sophisticated sensors, cameras, and sonar systems, are indispensable in a multitude of applications, such as underwater mapping, oceanography, environmental monitoring, and underwater archaeology.

According to the International Association of Robotics (IAR), the advancements in unmanned underwater robot technology have significantly contributed to the field of marine exploration, enabling researchers to gather precise data and conduct extensive studies in challenging underwater environments.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Requirement for economical and effective solutions

One of the main factors propelling the growth of the unmanned underwater robot market is the increasing need for effective and affordable solutions in underwater exploration and research. The autonomous nature of these robots proves advantageous as industries like environmental monitoring, offshore energy, and marine science look for ways to streamline operations. Moreover, unmanned underwater robots are a cost-effective substitute for humans in a variety of applications, such as underwater surveys, data collection, and maintenance duties. They can function in harsh marine environments.

Restraint:

High starting prices

One major obstacle facing potential users of unmanned underwater robots is the high upfront costs involved in their acquisition and deployment. High initial costs are a result of the complex technology, sophisticated sensors, and materials needed to build dependable underwater systems. Furthermore, this could prevent wider adoption by acting as a barrier for smaller businesses, academic institutions, or budget-constrained industries.

Opportunity:

Extension of submerged resource investigation

The growing opportunities in the exploration of underwater resources present opportunities for the unmanned underwater robot market. With the increasing demand for natural gas, oil, and minerals around the world, these robots can be extremely helpful in carrying out economical and successful surveys, inspections, and extractions in underwater environments. Additionally, their capacity to descend to levels that pose a challenge to human divers makes them perfect for investigating novel regions abundant in resources.

Threat:

Absence of global regulations

Unmanned underwater robots are not yet subject to comprehensive international regulatory standards, which could hinder their widespread adoption. Different laws in different nations and areas can make it difficult to share data, maintain compliance with safety and ethical standards, and enable interoperability. However, creating uniform laws and policies is necessary to promote the coordinated and ethical use of unmanned underwater robots throughout the world.

Covid-19 Impact:

The unmanned underwater robot market has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Although there were brief setbacks at first due to supply chain, manufacturing, and logistics disruptions, the pandemic has sped up the use of these autonomous systems across a number of industries. The pandemic has highlighted the need for remote and autonomous technologies, particularly in sectors like defense, offshore energy, and environmental monitoring. Moreover, the market for unmanned underwater robots has seen a surge in innovation and investment due to the growing need for autonomous solutions for jobs like maintenance, data collection, and inspections.

The Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

It is projected that the remotely operated vehicles, or ROVs, segment will command the largest market share. Robotic off-shore oil and gas, scientific research, and marine infrastructure inspection are just a few of the industries that make extensive use of ROVs. ROVs are indispensable for tasks requiring human intervention because of their precise manipulation capabilities and real-time control when tethered to a control ship or platform. Additionally, their popularity in sectors where complex operations and close supervision are essential is a result of their adaptability and capacity to work at various depths.

The Defense and Security segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

The segment with the highest CAGR is defense and security. The need for sophisticated unmanned systems, especially remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), has increased due to a greater emphasis on maritime security, naval defense, and the preservation of underwater assets on a worldwide scale. Furthermore, these technologies are essential to applications like underwater surveillance, mine countermeasures, and reconnaissance, which fuels the industry's strong expansion.

Region with largest share:

It is projected that the Asia-Pacific region will command the largest market share. Asia-Pacific nations like China, Japan, and South Korea have shown significant progress in underwater technology in recent years, along with an increasing use of unmanned underwater systems. Strong maritime presence, growing defense and security spending, as well as growing interest in offshore exploration and environmental monitoring, all benefit the Asia-Pacific region. Moreover, driving the adoption of underwater robotics is China, with its growing navy and marine research initiatives, and Japan, known for its technological innovation.

Region with highest CAGR:

In the market, Europe is projected to have the highest CAGR. European nations that have made significant investments in marine technology and research include Germany, Norway, and the United Kingdom. Underwater robotics adoption is growing in part because of the region's strong emphasis on offshore industries, environmental conservation, and marine exploration. Furthermore, Europe is well-positioned for long-term growth due to its dedication to improving maritime security and continuous advancements in underwater technology.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players in Unmanned Underwater Robot market include Bluefin Robotics, Kongsberg Maritime, SeaHorizon Solutions Group, Atlas Elektronik, Hydroid (Huntington Ingalls Industries), L3 OceanServer, SAAB Group, Teledyne Marine, Boston Engineering and Forum Energy Technologies.

Key Developments:

In December 2023, Babcock International and Atlas Elektronik UK (AEUK) have signed a charter to foster a deeper and more collaborative relationship. The agreement sets out the principles for collaborative exploration on services and solutions for customers, utilising systems integration, maintenance and in-service support expertise from Babcock and AEUK's experience in product and software design, installation and in-service support and training.

In September 2023, Saab and Babcock International Group (Babcock) signed a strategic cooperation agreement at DSEI. The purpose of the Agreement is seeking to enable the delivery of enhanced capabilities to customers by leveraging the companies' collective unique strengths through offering a broader range of products, services and integrated solutions. Under the Agreement, the companies will explore the development of the design of a new advanced corvette of around 100 metres.

In March 2023, Kongsberg Maritime (KM) and Samsung Heavy Industries Co. (SHI) signed a Joint Development Project Agreement (JDA), an agreement that serves as the basis to develop a design for next-generation autonomous 174K LNG Carrier, leveraging autonomous, remote and low emission technology. In the partnership, SHI will be system integrator with overall design responsibility, while KM will be responsible for the integrated solution designs and have the role as a strategic partner.

Types Covered:

• Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs)
• Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs)
• Other Types

Applications Covered:

• Defense and Security
• Oil and Gas Exploration
• Environmental Monitoring
• Scientific Research
• Other Applications

Regions Covered:

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • Italy
  • France
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:

• Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
• Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
• Covers Market data for the years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2026, and 2030
• Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
• Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
• Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
• Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
• Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

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  • Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
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  • Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
• Competitive Benchmarking
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