In the aerospace, defense & security realm, robotics is steering innovation and operational excellence. From secure drone communication to autonomous forestry operations, patents reflect the industry’s drive to address challenges. Meanwhile, strategic deals and shifting hiring trends underscore the transformative role of robotics across the industry. GlobalData’s Robotics in Defense thematic intelligence report unveils the transformative impact of robotics and emerging technologies in the defense industry, offering insights into the current landscape, key players, and future opportunities. Buy the report here.

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This article presents a quarterly round-up of the latest trends in the aerospace, defense & security industry regarding robotics. It provides an overview of recent developments in robotics-related deals, talent acquisition, and patent filings within the aerospace, defense & security industry.

Diverse applications of robotics in aerospace, defense & security industry

Defense companies are leveraging new robotics technologies and applications to innovate and improve their businesses. One patent titled "Tamper-resistant datalink communications system" by Calective llC focuses on a system that ensures secure communication between a ground-based module and a drone. This technology can enhance the control and safety of drones used in defense operations. Another patent by AirForestry AB titled "Method and system for remote or autonomous ligno harvesting and/or transportation" introduces a system for remotely selecting and harvesting trees using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This technology can improve efficiency and reduce risks in forestry operations. Additionally, BAE Systems Plc has patented a "drone interception" system that uses electromagnetic radiation to detect and intercept rogue drones, enhancing security measures. These patents demonstrate how defense companies are leveraging robotics technologies to enhance their operations and address specific challenges in their industries.

The industry experienced an 18% decline in the number of robotics-related patent applications in Q2 2023 compared with the previous quarter. On an annual basis, the number of robotics-related patent applications in the aerospace, defense & security industry witnessed a rise of 26% compared with Q2 2022.

Strategic deal trends in robotics in aerospace, defense & security industry

Aerospace, defense & security companies are not only focusing on innovation to enhance their patent portfolios but are also making strategic investments in robotics. These investments aim to secure lucrative deals with partners and position themselves at the forefront of industry advancements. Some of the recent deals underscore the importance of robotics in the aerospace, defense & security industry.

In Q2 2023, the number of robotics-related deals in the aerospace, defense & security industry declined by 31% compared with Q2 2022. On a quarterly basis, there was 61% drop in the number of deals in Q2 2023 compared with the previous quarter.

Impact on hiring

In terms of new job posting, in Q2 2023, the aerospace, defense & security industry experienced a 7% growth compared with the previous quarter. On an annual basis, job postings also declined by 19%. Notably, architecture and engineering occupations, with a share of 23%, emerged as the top robotics-related job roles within the aerospace, defense & security industry in Q2 2023, with new job postings drop by 12% quarter-on-quarter. Computer and mathematical occupations came in second with a share of 21% in Q2 2023, with new job postings rising by 26% over the previous quarter. The other prominent robotics roles include management occupations with a 7% share in Q2 2023, and business and financial operations occupations with a 4% share of new job postings.

L3Harris Technologies, Sierra Nevada, RTX, Hensoldt, and Huntington Ingalls Industries are among the top companies leading in robotics hiring within the aerospace, defense & security industry.

Countries driving adoption of robotics in aerospace, defense & security industry

The US is the leading country in robotics adoption within the aerospace, defense & security industry, boasting the highest number of robotics-related patents, jobs, and deals. Meanwhile, India, China, France and Australia also maintain significant positions in robotics adoption within the aerospace, defense & security industry.

In conclusion, robotics is reshaping the aerospace, defense & security industry with innovative patents, strategic deals, and evolving job trends. Despite a dip in deals during Q2 2023, the industry remains a driving force in shaping the adoption of robotics across various domains.

To further understand GlobalData's analysis on robotics in the aerospace, defense & security industry, buy the report here.

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GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.

GlobalData patent analytics tracks patent filings and grants across companies and themes. Proprietary databases on deals and job analytics are used to respectively monitor global deal activity and uncover insights from daily job postings to identify trends, company activities, and industry dynamics across different sectors globally.