Why this is important to Wisconsin businesses: The market value is estimated at $1.5 billion.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to drive technology trends in the years ahead. Applications including cars and drones use AI to learn how to interact with people and systems.
Services provided by various information gathering platforms, including drones and geolocation, will represent a $1.5 billion market in Brazil in 2019, with the generation of over 100,000 jobs, according to data from MundoGeo, which promotes technology trade shows in the country. Data from Frost & Sullivan shows a worldwide annual market growth of 33% by 2020, with Africa and Latin America expected to see even higher growth. According to consultancy PwC, the global drone market could reach $127 billion, divided among sectors including infrastructure (41%), agriculture (26%), logistics (10%), safety (8%), entertainment (7%), insurance (5%) and mining (3%). Brazil follows these same trends, although the country has a greater emphasis on the use of drones in the agricultural sector, and in 2019 its drone industry is expected to grow 25%.
In Brazil as in the rest of the world, drones are already widely used in various areas, especially agriculture. However, there is still room for growth in areas including the planning, implementation and maintenance of power transmission systems; health; commerce, and specifically product delivery; mapping; audiovisual; engineering, and specifically the inspection of construction work and façades; mining; energy; and security. In one example of exploration of new uses, the government of the state of Sao Paulo is investing in police drones, using facial recognition technology to help identify criminals. The technology to accompany the drones—which spans data collection, transmission and reporting; systems/software and integrated cameras—is just as important as (and at times more expensive than) the drones themselves.
In 2018, Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) regulated unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and their operations for recreational, corporate, commercial or experimental use. Drones must comply with these regulations, which conform with the regulations of other public agencies such as the Department of Airspace Control (DECEA) and the National Telecommunications Agency (ANATEL). Currently, at least 70,000 remotely piloted aircraft are registered with ANAC, of which 44,000 are for recreational use and 25,000 for professional use.
With its significant growth to date and additional potential for growth, Brazil’s drone market holds opportunities for Wisconsin companies. Companies that can meet customers’ specialized needs and provide after-sales assistance will be particularly successful. Along with Brazil’s overall economic growth, a corresponding boost to the engineering and infrastructure markets is expected, and with that will come demand for more drones, which are being sought for greater accuracy in data collection and replacing people in dangerous jobs. Wisconsin companies can act now to partner with Brazilian manufacturers, importers and representatives.