Security Robots Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast Segmented by Type of Robot (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, Unmanned Ground Vehicle, and Autonomous Underwater Vehicle), End-user Industry (Defense and Military, Residential, and Commercial), Application (Spying, Explosive Detection, Patrolling, and Rescue Operations), By Region, Competition 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 19.38 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	14.72%
Fastest Growing Segment	Commercial
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 44.18 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Security Robots Market will grow from USD 19.38 Billion in 2025 to USD 44.18 Billion by 2031 at a 14.72% CAGR. Security robots are autonomous systems equipped with sensors, cameras, and communication technologies designed to perform surveillance, inspection, and threat detection tasks. These units patrol facilities and monitor restricted areas to report anomalies immediately, effectively augmenting human security operations. The primary drivers supporting market growth include rising labor costs and a shortage of qualified personnel which compel organizations to seek automated alternatives. Additionally, the ability of these machines to operate continuously without fatigue ensures consistent vigilance and enhances overall site safety and operational efficiency.

Despite distinct operational advantages, the market faces a significant challenge regarding the high initial capital investment required for deployment. Organizations may hesitate to adopt these systems due to the substantial costs associated with hardware acquisition, software integration, and infrastructure upgrades. According to the International Federation of Robotics, in 2024, sales of search, rescue and security robots reached 3,100 units. This figure highlights the increasing reliance on robotic solutions yet the financial barrier to entry remains a hurdle for widespread adoption across smaller enterprises.

Key Market Drivers

Escalating Global Defense Budgets and Military Modernization are the foremost catalysts propelling the security robots sector. Nations are increasingly channeling funds into unmanned systems to minimize human casualty risks and enhance border surveillance capabilities amidst rising geopolitical tensions. This surge in fiscal allocation directly translates into large-scale procurement of autonomous ground and aerial vehicles designed for combat support and reconnaissance. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), April 2025, global military expenditure increased by 9.4% in real terms to reach $2,718 billion in 2024, reflecting a historic prioritization of defense assets. This budgetary expansion enables armed forces to invest heavily in specialized robotic platforms. For example, according to Teledyne FLIR Defense, December 2025, the U.S. Marine Corps awarded the company a $42.5 million contract to deliver over 600 advanced loitering munition systems, underscoring the tangible shift toward automated lethality and surveillance.

The Integration of Advanced AI, Machine Learning, and Computer Vision is fundamentally reshaping market capabilities, transitioning units from passive observers to active, intelligent guardians. These technologies empower robots with the ability to autonomously navigate complex environments, identify anomalies, and execute threat assessments without constant human intervention. By processing vast amounts of sensor data in real-time, AI-driven systems significantly reduce response times and operational costs, making them indispensable for modern security strategies. This technological leap has driven substantial commercial success for key industry players. According to Anduril Industries, June 2025, the company’s revenue doubled to $1 billion in 2024, a milestone attributed largely to the rapid adoption of its AI-powered autonomous defense solutions. Such financial growth validates the critical role of software-defined intelligence in the next generation of security robotics.

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Key Market Challenges

The high initial capital investment required for deployment acts as a formidable barrier to market entry, restricting the adoption of security robots primarily to large enterprises with substantial liquidity. Prospective buyers must allocate significant funds not only for the robotic hardware but also for essential supporting infrastructure, software integration, and personnel training. This financial burden is particularly acute for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which often lack the capital reserves to absorb long return-on-investment periods. Consequently, budget approvals for these autonomous systems are frequently delayed or rejected in favor of traditional, lower-cost security measures, effectively slowing the conversion of interest into actual sales.

This fiscal hesitation directly compresses market expansion rates, preventing the industry from maintaining the rapid momentum seen in previous years. When economic conditions tighten, capital-intensive automation projects are often the first to be paused or scaled back to pilot phases. According to the International Federation of Robotics, in 2024, the global sales volume of professional service robots reached nearly 200,000 units, representing a moderated growth rate of 9%. This single-digit expansion reflects a market constrained by financial barriers, where the inability of smaller enterprises to justify the initial financial outlay creates a ceiling on adoption. The deceleration in uptake demonstrates that despite technological readiness, cost remains a decisive friction point, preventing the market from realizing its full potential across a broader range of commercial sectors.

Key Market Trends

The Adoption of Robots-as-a-Service (RaaS) Subscription Models is rapidly gaining traction as a primary mechanism to circumvent the high upfront capital costs associated with automated security deployment. By shifting expenses from capital expenditure to operational expenditure, this model allows organizations to deploy surveillance units with inclusive maintenance, software updates, and cloud support for a predictable monthly fee. This financial accessibility is significantly widening the customer base beyond large enterprises to include smaller commercial facilities that previously found automation cost-prohibitive. According to Knightscope, November 2025, in the 'Third Quarter 2025 Financial Results', the company reported a 24% year-over-year revenue increase, a growth trajectory driven largely by the accelerating delivery of its autonomous security technologies under this flexible consumption model.

The Development of Humanoid Form Factors for Improved Social Interaction is emerging as a transformative trend, pushing the market beyond traditional wheeled or tracked chassis capabilities. These bipedal systems are designed to navigate complex, unstructured environments such as stairs and uneven terrain while offering a more relatable presence for human-robot interaction in public spaces. This technological evolution is attracting substantial venture capital aimed at scaling general-purpose androids for real-world security and commercial applications. According to Figure AI, September 2025, in the 'Figure Exceeds $1B in Series C Funding' announcement, the company secured over $1 billion in committed capital to accelerate the manufacturing and deployment of its autonomous humanoid robots into commercial environments.

Segmental Insights

The commercial segment is positioned as the fastest-growing category within the global security robots market, driven by rising demand for continuous surveillance in large facilities such as shopping centers and corporate campuses. Commercial entities are increasingly deploying autonomous units to offset high operational costs associated with human personnel and to overcome labor shortages. Additionally, these robots enhance workplace safety by performing patrols in potentially hazardous environments, aligning with general occupational safety requirements. This shift allows facility managers to maintain consistent monitoring coverage while optimizing long-term security expenditures.

Regional Insights

North America maintains a dominant position in the Global Security Robots Market due to substantial capital allocation toward autonomous defense and surveillance technologies. The United States Department of Defense actively funds the deployment of unmanned systems for border security and facility protection, which accelerates market expansion. Furthermore, the region possesses a strong industrial base that supports the integration of artificial intelligence into security operations. Evolving guidelines from the Federal Aviation Administration regarding commercial drone usage also facilitate widespread adoption, solidifying North America’s status as the primary driver of this industry.

Recent Developments

• In November 2025, Knightscope unveiled the K7 Autonomous Security Robot, a next-generation solution engineered to provide autonomous perimeter protection for large outdoor environments. The robot is designed to patrol vast areas such as transportation hubs, logistics yards, and critical infrastructure, offering light-duty, off-road performance capabilities. This new model integrates the company’s established AI-powered detection and deterrence technologies to secure locations that are often too remote or extensive for traditional human guard patrols. The launch aligns with the company's long-term goal of establishing an autonomous security force for complex real-world operations.
• In July 2025, Knightscope entered into a two-year agreement with Palantir Technologies to join the FedStart program, a move designed to accelerate the company’s expansion into the U.S. federal market. This collaboration enables the autonomous security robot manufacturer to deploy its software within accredited government cloud environments, facilitating compliance with FedRAMP High and Department of Defense Impact Level 5 standards. The partnership aims to scale the company’s AI-driven public safety solutions for use in mission-critical national security and infrastructure protection applications across federal agencies.
• In June 2024, Cobalt Robotics was acquired by the founder of Eagle Eye Networks and subsequently rebranded as Cobalt AI to emphasize its focus on artificial intelligence. Following the acquisition, the company announced plans to expand its investment in research and development, specifically targeting AI-powered security offerings such as alarm filtering and remote monitoring. The company’s robots, which are used for indoor patrols and facility management, will continue to operate under the new leadership, with the former CEO remaining to lead the business. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
• In May 2024, Glocal Robotics launched the Thalamus 2024, the latest iteration of its autonomous security robot designed for large perimeter surveillance. The new model features a military-standard PTZ camera for improved long-range visibility and replaces previous 360-degree cameras with advanced low-light sensors to enhance night vision capabilities. Additionally, the robot is equipped with a dual-lighting system that alternates between infrared and visible light, allowing it to illuminate potential threats for verification by human guards. This launch aims to address recruitment challenges in the security industry by automating hazardous patrol tasks.

Key Market Players

• Lockheed Martin Corporation
• Northrop Grumman Corporation
• Thales SA
• BAE Systems PLC
• Elbit Systems Limited
• Leonardo SPA
• Aerovironment Inc.
• Knight Scope Inc.
• SZ DJI Technology Co. Ltd
• SMP Robotics

By Region

North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Security Robots Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Security Robots Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE