The AUVSI Knowledge Team is constantly gathering and analyzing information to track the robotics industry to support our members and community.  Here is our 2013 defense robotics forecast.  We compiled information from a variety of sources, including:



• 2013 United States President’s Defense Budget (downloadable spreadsheet of all programs here);

• AUVSI Platform Database (A collection of nearly 4,000 unmanned platforms, available here); and

• IISS Military Balance (defense spending data, available here).



Global defense spending on robotics is expected to exceed $13.4 billion in 2013. The United States Department of Defense is expected to spend almost $6.5 billion. North America is expected to account for more than half of global robotics funding, followed by Europe and Asia.








Spending by Domain



Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) remains the dominant expenditure in defense robotics accounting for almost 90 percent% of total spending, eclipsing both ground and maritime systems. Globally, more than $11 billion will be spent on UAS for defense in 2013, with ground and maritime systems splitting the remaining funding.








Forecasting Past 2013



Though we continue collecting data and new information, concrete budget figures past 2013 are limited. As such, we are not comfortable estimating defense robotics spending past 2013. However, there are some trends that we see that may be of interest.  As defense budgets are likely to stagnate or decline over the next several years, defense spending in robotics will not grow as it has in the last 10 years.  Additionally, a much larger portion of defense budgets will be going to established programs. In our other blog, we list UAS that the United States (US) is looking to purchase through 2017.  Though actual numbers may go up or down, the likelihood of a new program with large funding is minimal.  Budget battles in the US may affect these numbers, most likely stretching purchases out over a longer time period, though not decreasing the total vehicles purchased.



As commercial mobile robot use continues to grow, defense spending will increase as commercial systems drive capability, reliability, and price points.  Specifically for UAS, as legislation barriers gain definition over the next several years, commercial spending will exceed defense spending.  Current commercial UAS use varies greatly between countries, limited mainly by legislation.  Countries that delay airspace integration will lag in technology development, manufacturing, job development and economic stimulus, and will have to rely on imports to gain UAS benefits.



Contact us if you have a suggestion or idea for further research.