Overview of Indoor Drones and Its Future Market

With the start of a new year, the drone market is already experiencing rapid growth. The industry expects to reach over $54.6 billion by 2030, with indoor drones as its rising contributor.
This kind of drone is becoming more mainstream as it strengthens operations like surveillance and security. But more than that, what does this drone have to offer?
In this article, discover the uniqueness of this type, how it reshapes various industrial operations, and what to expect in the coming years.
What Is An Indoor Drone?
Drone technology has evolved since World War I. An indoor drone is a commendable upgrade. Unlike a standard drone, it is designed for narrow spaces and indoor operations.
Typically, it weighs around less than 100 grams, making its name a "featherweight drone."
Indoor drones are now a technology that has revolutionized various industries, from warehouses to entertainment houses. What makes them even more impressive is that they can be affordable—some cost around $25 to $250.
Moreover, an indoor mini drone is also known as the beginner's choice. It is affordable and accessible to anyone.
Still, it is a flourishing tool in some industries. But how does this happen? Here are some of its applications.
Uses of Indoor Mini Drone
- Real-time Surveillance: Flying drones indoors can make 24/7 tracking and patrolling accessible.
- Cost-Efficient Operations: Reducing human resources while strengthening the existing security system.
- Handy Aerial Footage: The best drone for indoor activities produces high-quality aerial shots affordably and safely.
- Immediate Response: Locates and reaches any location within the premise, providing a quick view.
- Supports Scalability: As it is easy to operate, adding more of its kind to cover vast places is much more manageable.
The Edge of An Indoor Mini Drone
While indoor and outdoor drones usually have the same uses, such as surveillance, one may have an advantage over the other.
Here are some of the advantages of an indoor mini drone:
Size and Agility
Indoor UAVs are nano, mini, and medium in size. Nano drones are usually less than 6 inches in diameter. A mini drone typically measures 6 to 12 inches in diameter, and the medium is around 12 to 24 inches.
The smaller it is, the more agile it can be. Hence, it is ideal for navigating tight spaces.
Portable and Flexible Operations
The indoor drone's size makes it easier to bring anywhere. Making it much more accessible for anyone.
In addition, flying drones indoors is flexible since they are not subject to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. Rules only apply to those conducted outdoors in the National Airspace System (NAS). Hence, indoor operations have much more freedom.
Less GPS Dependency
Since the flights happen in a controlled environment, they are also less GPS-dependent. Indoor drone FPV usually uses alternative navigation systems, such as infrared sensors, optical flow, or vision-based positioning.
Safety Considerations
Flights in controlled spaces are less risky than those that are outside. Operators do not need to worry about inevitable factors like weather conditions.
Moreover, the best drones for indoor operations come with propeller guards and can also be first-person view (FPV) drones.
Indoor Flights with FPV Drones
With indoor drones FPV, operators can reduce any risk to furniture or other things inside the premises. It gives an eye perspective, making it easier to move around.
Besides safe operations, it is also a conventional way of visualizing a place. For instance, in warehouses and hotels, operators can take a virtual tour with it.
More importantly, a drone FPV can ensure indoor surveillance without disrupting people within the vicinity.
Notable Impacts of Indoor Drone Usage
Over the years, drone technology has continuously aided industries' work operations. Indoor mini drones have notable uses for some sectors. Here are the following:
1. Warehouse and Inventory Management
Flying drones indoors has allowed companies like IKEA to take stock-counting to a new level. Last year, they deployed over 250 drones in their 73 distribution centers in nine countries. Together with the workforce, it helps them improve their accurate inventory.
2. Security and Surveillance
The best drone for indoor operations can guarantee well-detailed imaging. Enhancing security and surveillance is what it can bring. For instance, according to a report, a logistics center in Nevada has reduced inventory discrepancies by over 30%—all thanks to indoor mini drones.
3. Industrial Inspections
Having the best drone for indoor operations has allowed industries like mining and warehouses to deliver safe work. Mining operations can be risky, but accompanying indoor drones mitigates risk.
For example, its sensors detect toxic gases or temperature changes, allowing workers to assess their operations and make sound decisions.
4 Media and Entertainment Houses
Compared to large drones, flying mini drones indoors is suitable for production. In-house shooting benefits from this, as it allows filmmakers to capture a different angle that can help tell a better story.
Besides, indoor FPV drones can give filmmakers more freedom in how they want their shots.
The Future of Indoor Mini Drone
The global market of indoor drone technology will continue to grow. According to a report, this technology projects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.6% from 2024 to 2030.
This rise is due to several industries that benefit from its uses. As mentioned earlier, flying drones indoors, like in warehouses, can help them enhance their work operations.
Some of the operations pushing the market are indoor security and surveillance operations. The technology is also aiding industrial inspections and maintenance.
Meanwhile, sectors like entertainment and even educational institutions are also adopting them.
However, indoor drone FPVs also have a fair share of challenges that must be addressed. For instance, these drones are known for battery issues since they only last a few minutes.
Nevertheless, drone companies are upgrading their battery life. Hence, expect the rise of the best drone for indoor operations with its growing market.
Conclusion
The evolution of drone technology has allowed industries to benefit from its capabilities. The indoor drone is commendable proof of how it helps everyone have access to aerial operations.
Investing in this technology, which continuously upgrades, is worthwhile. Experience this innovative equipment now and make the most of it.