Underwater Robotics Market size is anticipated to reach USD 7.7 Billion by the end of 2036, growing at a CAGR of 16% during the forecast period, i.e., 2024-2036. In the year 2023, the industry size of underwater robotics was over USD 1.3 Billion.
The demand for underwater robotics is increasing due to the growth of offshore oil and gas activities, which require underwater robots for exploration, drilling, and maintenance. The increasing demand for oceanography research and exploration is also driving the growth of the market. With the help of these underwater robots, it was found that more than 138,000 smaller structures known as knolls (rising 500–1,000 m) and hills (rising < 500 m) and over 33,400 seamounts (raising 1,000 m or more from the seafloor) are thought to exist worldwide (Pitcher, 2007). An estimated 17.2 million km^2, or 4.7% of the world's ocean floor, is made up of seamounts. The mechanics of seamount-related currents result in oceanographic upwelling, which transports nutrients to surface waters and fosters the growth of organisms like sponges, corals, anemones, and featherstars.
Exploration of mineral resources located on the sea floor is being reinvigorated due to increased demand for minerals and metals, which are used in sectors such as technology. This has caused Increased demand for underwater robots for mining, oil & gas exploration, and environmental monitoring, which are driven by growing resources. Deep sea mining is predicted to be the new frontier of exploration, with rich unexploited resources on the horizon. However, there is also a high level of concern over the environmental impact of this emerging practice. Since July 2019, China has allocated a total area of 161,211.2 hectares for deep-sea mining exploration corresponding to 263 separate licences.
Growth Drivers
Challenges
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Base Year |
2023 |
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Forecast Year |
2024-2036 |
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CAGR |
~ 16% |
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Base Year Market Size (2023) |
~ USD 1.3 Billion |
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Forecast Year Market Size (2036) |
~ USD 7.7 Billion |
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Regional Scope |
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Type (Remotely Operated Vehicles, Autonomously Operated vehicles)
The remotely operated vehicles segment is estimated to hold 52% share of the global underwater robotics market by 2036. The segment’s growth is primarily attributed to the deep sea oil drilling industry’s growing need for such vehicles According to our analysis, more than 30% of global oil consumption comes from overseas sources. In addition, it was estimated that in 2021, there would be 16 rigs offshore the United States Gulf of Mexico as opposed to 12 by 2020. It is utilized for tasks that were previously carried out by humans and were subject to human mistakes, such as surveying, inspection, and sampling. Additionally, remotely operated vehicles are also employed for seafloor experiments, which may call for difficult procedures like drilling and precise instrument position. The sales of underwater robots increased as a result.
End-User (Commercial exploration, Defense and security, Scientific Research, underwater construction)
Underwater robotics market from the commercial exploration segment is estimated to dominate the revenue share during the forecast period. Commercial applications include exploration of oil and gas, shipwreck rescue, inspection of factory infrastructure as well and surveying in the marine environment. As demand increases, the oil and gas sector continues to grow. The use of underwater robots can greatly contribute to deep-sea drilling in the oil and gas sector, they are better able to perform maintenance tasks as soon as possible and can penetrate hitherto inaccessible locations so that they may then be explored.
Our in-depth analysis of the global underwater robotics market includes the following segments:
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Type |
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End-User |
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North American Market Forecast
North America is anticipated to hold 46% share of the global underwater robotics market by 2036. In recent years, the region has made significant investments in military and navy hardware to support operations in the seas. Reports stated that the United States spent 71 billion dollars more on defense in 2022 than it did in 2021, totaling 811 billion dollars for the country's security. AUVs will play a bigger role in the future, particularly in the military since more countries are developing AUVs to protect their marine interests in the region. In addition, as the area becomes more industrialized and urbanized, there is a growing demand for gas and oil. The underwater robotics market demand is being driven by investments in cutting-edge machinery and infrastructure to boost offshore activities' efficiency.
APAC Market Statistics
Asia Pacific underwater robotics market size is predicted to record significant growth during the forecast period. The region’s extensive coastlines and access to deep-sea areas drive demand for underwater robots in marine research, resource exploration, and fisheries management. Further, rapid economic development in countries like China and South Korea has led to increased investments in underwater robotics for various applications, including offshore energy production and defense. Asia Pacific is the hub for robotics innovations, fostering the development of cutting-edge underwater robotics technologies.
Author Credits: Abhishek Verma, Hetal Singh
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