Core Viewpoint - The global aging population and rising labor costs have led to increased emphasis on operational continuity and risk management, making automation solutions, particularly inspection drones, a priority for industry transformation. The demand for inspection drones in China is projected to reach 80,100 units by 2024, with a market size of 12.99 billion yuan, and an average product price of approximately 65,000 yuan per unit. As technology advances and applications scale, the overall cost of inspection drones is expected to decrease significantly, transitioning from "high-end specialized" to "inclusive applications" [1][10]. Overview - Inspection drones are unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with various sensors (such as cameras, infrared thermal imagers, and gas detectors) that perform inspections, monitoring, data collection, and analysis in target areas, thereby enhancing efficiency, reducing risks, and improving data accuracy [2][3]. Development History - The development of inspection drones in China began in 1980 with the D-4 drone for mapping and geological surveys. Key milestones include the establishment of DJI in 2006, the introduction of the Phantom drone in 2012, and the implementation of drone inspection models by major energy companies from 2015 onwards. The industry has evolved into a complete supply chain from core components to integrated systems and applications [4][5]. Market Policies - The Chinese government has issued several policies to support the development of the drone industry, including the "General Aviation Equipment Innovation Application Implementation Plan" and various guidelines aimed at promoting smart mining, cultural tourism, and agricultural development. These policies create a favorable environment for the growth of the inspection drone sector [6]. Industry Chain - The inspection drone industry consists of an upstream segment that includes suppliers of metals and composite materials, core components like flight control systems and sensors, a midstream segment focused on R&D and production, and a downstream segment that encompasses applications in energy, transportation, municipal services, environmental protection, emergency response, and communications [6][7]. Current Market Demand - The energy sector represents over 50% of the demand for inspection drones in China. With ongoing investments in the power grid, projected to reach 1.777 trillion yuan in 2024 (up 14.63% year-on-year), the inspection drone industry is poised for significant growth [8][9]. Competitive Landscape - The inspection drone market in China is highly competitive, with numerous companies vying for market share. Key players include DJI, Kobot, and Yijiahe, among others. DJI holds a significant advantage due to its strong R&D capabilities and extensive market channels, providing solutions to major energy firms [10][11]. Future Trends - The inspection drone industry is expected to shift from pure product sales to integrated solutions that combine products with services, including data processing, analysis reports, and operational support, to meet comprehensive customer needs during inspections [12][13].