BOULDER, Colo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–A recent report from Navigant Research examines the market for drone and robotics technologies for transmission and distribution (DRTD), providing an analysis of market issues and global forecasts for revenue, segmented by region and technology, through 2024.

“While the DRTD market is still at an early stage, there’s a strong motivation in allowing utilities and transmissions operators to preform inspections and maintenance without endangering crew members.”

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While unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs, or drones) continue to make headlines as they grow in popularity and increasingly show up in public airspace, the drive to establish commercial uses for the technology is proceeding at a rapid pace. Transmission and distribution (T&D) operators and utilities are beginning to examine how UAVs can reduce costs, improve safety, and increase response times across their systems. Click to tweet: According to a recent report from Navigant Research, global investment in drones and robotics technologies for T&D systems is expected to total nearly $16.2 billion from 2015 to 2024.

“Working on high- and medium-voltage T&D systems is difficult, expensive, and highly dangerous; in fact, a lineworker is considered one of the 10 most dangerous occupations in the United States,” says James McCray, senior research analyst with Navigant Research. “While the DRTD market is still at an early stage, there’s a strong motivation in allowing utilities and transmissions operators to preform inspections and maintenance without endangering crew members.”

The stability and reliability of T&D systems is an integral part of economic development and growth. As these systems become more interconnected across service territories, operational issues can easily cascade across borders, causing larger problems. Maintaining T&D systems is typically a utility’s number one priority, and DRTD technologies can assist in assessing areas to determine where crews should be deployed.

The report, Drones and Robotics for Utility Transmission and Distribution, analyzes the global market for DRTD solutions, with a focus on five categories: multi-rotor UAVs, fixed wing UAVs, ground and line robotics, integration and analytics solutions, and inspection services. The study also provides an analysis of the market issues, including drivers and barriers and regulatory factors, associated with DRTD solutions. Global market forecasts for revenue, segmented by technology and region, extend through 2024. The report also examines the key technologies related to UAVs and robotics, as well as the competitive landscape. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the Navigant Research website.

About Navigant Research
Navigant Research, the dedicated research arm of Navigant, provides market research and benchmarking services for rapidly changing and often highly regulated industries. In the energy sector, Navigant Research focuses on in-depth analysis and reporting about global clean technology markets. The team’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Energy Technologies, Utility Transformations, Transportation Efficiencies, and Buildings Innovations sectors. Additional information about Navigant Research can be found at www.navigantresearch.com.

About Navigant
Navigant Consulting, Inc. is a specialized, global professional services firm that helps clients take control of their future. Navigant’s professionals apply deep industry knowledge, substantive technical expertise, and an enterprising approach to help clients build, manage and/or protect their business interests. With a focus on markets and clients facing transformational change and significant regulatory or legal pressures, the Firm primarily serves clients in the healthcare, energy and financial services industries. Across a range of advisory, consulting, outsourcing, and technology/analytics services, Navigant’s practitioners bring sharp insight that pinpoints opportunities and delivers powerful results. More information about Navigant can be found at navigant.com.

* The information contained in this press release concerning the report, Drones and Robotics for Utility Transmission and Distribution, is a summary and reflects Navigant Research’s current expectations based on market data and trend analysis. Market predictions and expectations are inherently uncertain and actual results may differ materially from those contained in this press release or the report. Please refer to the full report for a complete understanding of the assumptions underlying the report’s conclusions and the methodologies used to create the report. Neither Navigant Research nor Navigant undertakes any obligation to update any of the information contained in this press release or the report.