It has become an unfortunate reality that many industries are suffering severely as a result of the coronavirus-induced lockdowns that are now in place across the world. However, drone companies are seeing a surge as the technology is being adopted by governments.
Around the world, governments and healthcare providers have deployed the technology for a host of coronavirus-related applications, from delivery drones for medical supplies to police drones to disperse unlawful gatherings. Whilst this is proving beneficial in stopping the spread of the disease, it is also creating significant benefits for some of the world’s biggest drone companies.
In a recent report by GlobalData Thematic Research, entitled COVID-19 Impact on Consumer Electronics, drone companies, DJI and Parrot were highlighted as having made significant gains as result of the coronavirus. World-leading Chinese drone maker DJI, has climbed from 29th place in January to fourth in March, claiming the position from Apple. Meanwhile, French drone maker Parrot, has also gained a notable climb, moving from 28th in January to eighth in March.
Top 30 Companies in Tech, Before & After The Coronavirus
| January 2020 | March 2020 |
| 1. Alphabet | Alphabet |
| 2. Microsoft | Amazon |
| 3. Amazon | Alibaba |
| 4. Apple | DJI |
| 5. Alibaba | Microsoft |
| 6. Xiaomi | Stratasys |
| 7. Huawei | 3D Systems |
| 8. Facebook | Parrot |
| 9. Sony | Vuzix |
| 10. Vuzix | iRobot |
| 11. Baidu | |
| 12. iRobot | Sony |
| 13. Hikvision | Baidu |
| 14. HTC | Apple |
| 15. Dell | Dell |
| 16. Seiko Epson | HTC |
| 17. Alarm.com | Magic Leap |
| 18. Magic Leap | Samsung Electronics |
| 19. Logitech | Xiaomi |
| 20. Lenovo | Logitech |
| 21. GoPro | Panasonic |
| 22. Panasonic | Blackberry |
| 23. LG Electronics | Alarm.com |
| 24. Stratasys | GoPro |
| 25. 3D Systems | Control4 |
| 26. Control4 | Huawei |
| 27. Samsung Electronics | Hikvision |
| 28. Parrot | LG Electronics |
| 29. DJI | Garmin |
| 30. ZTE | Ingenico |
Why Drone Companies Have Benefited From The Coronavirus?
The use of drones to assist with efforts against the coronavirus first began in China, however other countries have now followed suit.
David Bicknell, principal analyst of Thematic Research at GlobalData explains:
“They have been used in China to disinfect streets and ones with loudspeakers have been used to chide citizens out on the streets to get back inside and self-isolate. Spain and the US – and presumably many others soon – have followed China’s lead. Drones have also been used to deliver medical samples.
The automatic, unmanned air delivery system significantly reduces contact between samples and personnel, as well as improving delivery speed. Drone suppliers such as DJI and Parrot are likely to see increased demand for products as other countries take steps to keep people off the streets and prioritise medical deliveries”.