The Search And Rescue Robots Market size is estimated at USD 30.74 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 61.27 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 14.79% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
Autonomous search and rescue robots have the potential to improve the efficiency, safety, and speed of search and rescue operations. Robots for search and rescue are made to work in dangerous settings where it may not be safe or practical for people to go. Certain robots' ability to act autonomously, which frees them from direct human control in certain circumstances, can be valuable.
Robots used for search and rescue are outfitted with various sensors, including cameras, LiDAR, and ultrasonic sensors, which allow the robots to comprehend their surroundings and enable autonomous operation. They also have processing systems aboard that analyze sensor data and render judgments based on pre-programmed algorithms or machine learning models.
In January 2023, China initiated the development of a search and rescue robot system specifically tailored for the underground building environment. It has become a prevailing approach to employ rescue robots as a substitution for humans to address potential hazards such as fires and collapses within the underground building space. The integration of LiDAR, inertial measurement units, and multiview cameras is employed to generate a comprehensive 3D representation of the vast environment to tackle the challenge of rescuing individuals in unfamiliar situations. Such developments will drive the demand for autonomous search and rescue robots during the forecast period.
In terms of geography, Asia-Pacific is projected to grow at the fastest pace as the major countries in the region are increasing their investments in robotics and trying to become the hub of robotics in the world. As this sector is developing at a high rate in all economies in the region, there is vast potential for growth in the market studied.
China’s robotics industry has achieved significant progress, with revenue exceeding CNY 170 billion (USD 23.3 billion) in 2022. The country is working on the development of intelligent robots as part of the Made in China 2025 plan. The country has set some ambitious goals for transforming itself into a global powerhouse for robot manufacturing, including developing three to five globally competitive robot manufacturers, forming eight to ten industrial clusters, and achieving 45% of the domestic market share for China's high-end robots.
Similarly, in Japan, the Japanese government provided a robotics-related budget of more than USD 930.5 million in 2022, along with Japan's New Robot Strategy. It is designed to highlight Japan as the robot innovation hub in the world. The South Korean government also allocated USD 172.2 million in funding for the “2022 Implementation Plan for the Intelligent Robot.” Moreover, the country's Intelligent Robot Development and Supply Promotion Act promotes local production of key robotics components and robotic software.
The search and rescue robot market is semi-consolidated, with several major players accounting for significant shares and new startups entering the market. Some prominent companies in the search and rescue robot market are Thales, Kongsberg Gruppen ASA, Elbit System Ltd, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and Northrup Grumman Corporation.
Companies are investing heavily in R&D for the innovation of new and advanced products and technologies that may be used in different applications related to robots. Government-funded programs, such as those by the US Department of Defense and NASA, invest significantly in advancing robotic technology for various applications, including search and rescue. These initiatives drive R&D in the region, leading to the creation of state-of-the-art SAR robots.
Learn how to effectively navigate the market research process to help guide your organization on the journey to success.
Download eBook