A recent shift in opinion has occurred with many people now seeing commercial drones as a viable future, a recent report from digital prototypes manufacturer Protolabs has found. Conducted in March and April and involving 325 aerospace innovators and leaders from across Europe, the report indicates an increased appetite for ‘low space’ innovation and investment into fast-track testing of robots and drones.
Drone delivery
The report further shows that more than half of the companies questioned believe the use of commercial drones will be commonplace by 2023.
Further challenges accentuated by the Covid-19 outbreak have increased public awareness and willingness to embrace drone technology, the study reveals. 75% of companies questioned are convinced this presents a significant opportunity for industry growth.
The figure from the UK outperformed its peers in Italy, France and Germany.
Protolabs, whose UK branch is based in Telford, hires over 450 people in its branch.
Björn Klaas, vice president and managing director of Protolabs Europe, said: “Covid-19 has brought huge disruption to the global economy, with the aerospace sector being among the hardest hit.
“However, a crisis can act as a catalyst for further innovation, forcing organisations to seek alternative ways to survive in rapidly changing times. Our report shows that right now within aerospace, the ‘low space’ sector is demonstrating agility in its approach to innovation and there is a real appetite to see it work in the UK.
“The UKSA, the government agency responsible for the UK’s civil space programme, just announced a new drive to fund space-enabled technology to strengthen the NHS response to coronavirus. Drone technology can help meet challenges, such as delivering test kits, masks, gowns and goggles, in the management of infectious disease outbreaks.
He continued: "Commercial drone deliveries are the most likely disruptor and this was reinforced across the duration of our study, which was carried out as the Covid-19 pandemic started to take grip. In just a few weeks, the appetite for this technology increased by 11% to 53%.
“Depending on legislation and advances in technology, it’s feasible that last-mile delivery of products, through drones, could reach up to 30% of citizens across Europe. Furthermore, nearly a third of people feel that urban mobility will be a viable mode of transport in the next three years.”
Despite the positive outlook, there are a several obstacles in the way of companies operating in low space.
The biggest challenge is the cost of the initial investment over the return on investment (ROI), according to a third of respondents. This is closely followed by technology integrations and issues with supply chains due to the effects of coronavirus.
The primary barrier to innovation is the lack of detailed testing programs and product development cycles, while risk management and inability to learn from failures could also stifle progress.
More than a third of companies want investment in STEM education, improved international regulation and collaboration and increased government support.
Significant advances in technology will also pave the way for value migration, new business models and superior products, including fast-charging lithium-ion-batteries, Artificial Intelligence and larger battery storage.
There has been much speculation as to the roles of drones and robots during the coronavirus outbreak, with many people providing valuable input. Some drone experts are calling on drones to be used to disinfect people during the outbreak with the ultimate goal of using this technology to contain the virus.
The global situation has provided a real way for companies to innovate. One robotics company uses its robots to increase productivity in the workplace during times of social distancing. Another company is reducing the risk of people spreading the virus by delivering small parcels of food to those in need.
Klaas concluded: “We are operating at a time when the unimaginable is fast becoming reality and the aerospace sector and supply chain has to keep pace with this change in attitude.
“There are real opportunities for suppliers to look at ways they can deliver parts that can be used in this transition, whilst exploring material applications that deliver the lightweight savings and optimum performance required.”
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