Future Trends┃Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV): What’s Next for Military, Commercial, and Energy Sectors?
With unmanned aerial vehicles playing an increasing role in defense, commercial, and energy operations, as multiple industries search for the best technology to achieve their goals, the demand for advanced technologies that provide real-time oversight and mission-critical insights continues to grow.
With this in mind, let’s explore Videosoft’s role in the unmanned market and recap on exciting partnerships formed in 2024. We’ll also outline our future plans and share predictions for UAVs and new technology in drone manufacturing.
Solving Real-Time Connectivity Challenges in Unmanned Systems
Today, unmanned technology users face mounting pressure to enhance efficiency, connectivity, and autonomy. From tactical AI drone applications to commercial delivery drones to aerial surveillance of remote offshore oil and gas platforms, reliable, low-latency wireless connectivity is crucial, especially where fast and precise visual information is needed.
Our innovative platform ensures uninterrupted video delivery across mesh RF, satellite, and cellular networks – giving us the edge over some of the more traditional outdated solutions. We challenge the misconception of “it cannot be done” by bridging connectivity gaps, providing operators with actionable, high-quality visuals, no matter the circumstances.
However, many video management systems (VMS) still struggle in low-bandwidth environments. Videosoft’s technology ensures real-time video streaming, even at just 1 kbps, scaling up to full HD with ease.
Transformational Use Cases in Unmanned Operations
Over the past few years, our technology has become a trusted choice for unmanned operations, delivering reliable real-time video streaming across defense, commercial, and energy sectors. With this in mind, here are three key examples showcasing how our innovation is redefining unmanned capabilities in complex operational environments.
1. Complex Defense Operations
Relied upon for delivering actionable intelligence in real-time by the likes of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Defense (DOD), leading VMS provider, Airship AI, effectively incorporated Videosoft’s ultra-low latency video streaming solution into their AI-driven surveillance system. Using Videosoft’s F-100 encoders with the Videosoft software pre-installed onto them, their clients are actively reducing the need for continuous human monitoring, cutting costs, and detecting aerial threats much faster than the human eye can.
2. Commercial Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
AIR6 SYSTEMS, a leading European drone manufacturer, integrated the Videosoft platform into its fleet of UAVs for critical tactical operations and infrastructure inspections – allowing operators to maximize drone airtime while maintaining visual precision. Despite challenging environments, Videosoft optimized LTE network usage to enable actionable real-time streaming for mission-critical UAV operations.
3. Remote Energy Technology
Partnering with global energy providers and USV specialists, Videosoft’s platform enabled a highly detailed pipeline inspection in West Africa. Operators maintained high-quality visuals along the pipeline route, reducing environmental risks and improving economic output for local communities.
Redefining the future of unmanned energy technology, this is just one of the many ways Videosoft helps the energy sector mitigate operational risks while maintaining scalable economic benefits.
Driving Unmanned Innovation Through Key Partnerships
Videosoft doesn’t just deliver pioneering technology—we collaborate with industry leaders to accelerate the adoption of innovative solutions for unmanned systems. Redefining mission-critical operations in the air, on land, and at sea, below are just three examples of milestone collaborations.
1. Gotonomi & Viasat
Working in partnership with Gotonomi and Viasat to launch a first-of-its-kind drone surveillance bundle tailored for BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) UAV operators. Integrated with Gotonomi’s Velaris Multi-Link satcom module, this bundle pushes the boundaries of real-time drone video transmission over satellite, offering unprecedented reliability and flexibility for extended operations.
Read on: Gotonomi & Videosoft Partner to Simplify UAV Live Video Streaming
2. Sightline Applications Embeds Videosoft Directly Into Its Camera System
Through an exciting partnership with Sightline Applications, our ultra-low bandwidth solution was embedded directly into Sightline’s 4100-OEM hardware. This allows drone cameras to process high-quality visuals over constrained networks while reducing power consumption and data transmission costs.
Read on: SightLine Applications Announces Compatibility with Videosoft Global
3. 1st FAA Waiver for BVLOS Commercial Use
Videosoft also played a pivotal role in enabling Blue Sky Network and American Aerospace to secure the first FAA approval for BVLOS commercial drone operations. Embedded within Skylink® 7100 satcom terminals, Videosoft technology set industry benchmarks for low-latency, real-time video streams—critical for navigating regulatory landscapes.
Read on: Monitored BVLOS – A New Model for UAS Integration in the National Airspace System
Exploring Videosoft Global’s Future in Unmanned Technology
Videosoft’s mission this year and beyond is to lead with innovation and prioritize user satisfaction. Committed to advancing the possibilities of unmanned technology, to keep pace with an increasingly competitive technological landscape, we will continue to enhance the Videosoft platform with exciting features designed to address the specific needs of our users.
Our Predictions for the Future of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Unmanned Technologies in 2025
Military Technology for Surveillance Drones
In 2025, we anticipate the global military drone market and advances in military technology will experience significant growth, particularly in North America.
With significant investment into advanced US military drones technology, defense surveillance capabilities are set to expand further. Modern surveillance drones are engineered to monitor and track enemy movements across extensive distances with exceptional precision and reliability, ensuring enhanced situational awareness and tactical advantage. These innovative systems exemplify innovation and will remain at the forefront of military technology.
On the subject of US military drones, we also foresee a growing reliance on BVLOS drone operations across critical deployments. With integration between AI and unmanned systems on the rise, accurate target identification and situational adaptability will define modern combat operations.
Commercial Delivery Drones
Regulatory obstacles will remain the biggest challenge for the drone industry. Consequently, we predict that customer acquisition will emerge as a significant issue to tackle in 2025.
We also believe the volume of global commercial drone traffic will rise significantly, increasing the demand for real-time situational awareness video streaming.
New technology in drone manufacturing will integrate AI, machine learning, improved flight control, extended operational range, 5G connectivity, advanced imaging sensors, and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) capabilities, setting new standards in performance and innovation.
UAVs for Energy & Utilities
AI integration is transforming energy operations, significantly boosting UAV capabilities for critical tasks like remote pipeline monitoring and infrastructure surveillance. Equipped with advanced cameras, UAVs can capture real-time data, efficiently compress it, and transmit it for instant analysis, reliable operation, and improved efficiency in even the most challenging environments.
The adoption of private LTE and 5G cellular networks will continue to revolutionise communication frameworks in the energy sector, offering unprecedented reliability and performance. These advanced technologies ensure secure, low-latency, and stable connectivity—ideal for monitoring offshore oil rigs and critical infrastructure. Designed for scalability and built to perform in challenging environments, LTE and 5G will continue to reshape industry communication with robust, future-ready solutions.
We see video surveillance becoming an increasingly vital tool across industries, with widespread adoption driven by the need for real-time intelligence.
The Future of Video Streaming for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles & Unmanned Systems
Whether it’s safeguarding energy infrastructure, securing logistical efficiency for autonomous vessels, or enhancing UAV capabilities for advanced surveillance, Videosoft ensures every pixel matters.
Ready to see how our ultra-low bandwidth streaming can enhance your operations? Contact us.
Subscribe to our mailing list for the latest updates in unmanned technology.