Development trend of agriculture UAV technology based on patent analysis

In recent years, global patent applications of agricultural UAV technology have continued to grow at a high speed every year. In the global ranking of applicants, the top 10 are all Chinese applicants, with Chinese companies and universities far ahead. The patents applied are mainly for operation management, which is closely connected with the application scenarios of agricultural UAVs. In order to study the development trend of agricultural UAV technology, patent applications after 2009 in the field of agricultural UAV technology were analyzed. Characteristics of patent activities of agricultural UAV technology were revealed from perspectives of overall trend, geographical distribution, main competitors, and technical composition, and the development trend of agricultural UAV technology was revealed from a patent perspective. The results showed that agricultural UAV technology was in a stage of technological development, and prospects were promising. In the next few years, the number of patent applications related to agricultural UAV technology and the number of applicants will still maintain a high growth trend. Overseas deployment and raising awareness of patent protection have become the focus. The study results could provide references for the development of the agricultural UAV industry.