I captured that U.S. consumer drone sales reached $1.2 billion in 2020 and the global drone/UAV industry is expected to grow at a 15.7 % CAGR over the next five years, with an estimated ~30 000 drones now operating in U.S. airspace.
- $1.2 B consumer drone sales in U.S. (2020).
- 15.7 % CAGR projected for drone/UAV industry (next 5 years).
- Approx. 30 000 drones potentially in U.S. skies.
- AI‑enabled drone applications: Agriculture, Defence, Retail.
- Companies cited: DroneSense, Inc.; Neurala; Skycatch; Airlitix Inc.; AeroVironment.
I recently discovered Raptor Maps, a solar‑software platform that uses computer‑vision AI on data collected via satellite, drones, and ground sensors to optimise solar‑asset management and boost energy production.
- Core tech: computer‑vision AI applied to multi‑source remote‑sensing data (satellite, drone, ground).
My decision to publicly acknowledge Raptor Maps and its founders aims to recognise innovative solar‑energy AI work, signal my interest in collaboration, and expand my network within the computer‑vision and SaaS community. hiring
- Primary services: Aerial Thermal Inspections and Drone data collection & analytics.
- Founders highlighted: Nikhil Vadhavkar and Eddie Obropta.